Matcha Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

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Okay, real talk-if you’ve ever wandered into a Starbucks and found yourself hypnotized by the vibrant green drink someone just ordered, chances are you were eyeing the Matcha Tea Latte. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, earthy, and packs that gentle, focused energy kick that coffee sometimes just can’t match.

But here’s the thing: as delightful as this green goddess of a drink is, it can be a little pricey when you’re buying it on the daily. The good news? It’s actually super easy to recreate at home-and when you do it yourself, you get to control the sweetness, the strength, the milk… everything.

So grab your favorite mug, and let’s make your kitchen smell like your favorite café for a fraction of the cost. Let’s matcha!

Ingredients For Matcha Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe

Before we jump into the mixing and frothing, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need. One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its simplicity-only a few ingredients, but they all matter.

Here’s Your Ingredient Lineup

  • Matcha Green Tea Powder (1-2 teaspoons)

    • Go for culinary-grade if you’re on a budget or ceremonial-grade for a smoother, slightly sweeter taste.
  • Hot Water (2-3 tablespoons)

    • Just off the boil-around 175°F/80°C. You don’t want to scorch the delicate matcha.
  • Milk of Choice (¾ to 1 cup)

    • Starbucks typically uses 2% milk, but feel free to sub in oat, almond, soy, or whole milk based on your preference.
  • Sweetener (optional but let’s be honest-kinda necessary)

    • Starbucks uses classic syrup, but you can use:

      • Honey
      • Maple syrup
      • Agave nectar
      • Vanilla syrup
      • Stevia (for a sugar-free option)

Pro tip: If you’re using a flavored syrup (like vanilla), you get a bit of that signature Starbucks twist.

How To Make Matcha Tea Latte Starbucks?

Alright, apron on, whisk ready-here’s your play-by-play to make a creamy, dreamy matcha latte right in your own kitchen.

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. Sift Your Matcha Powder

    • This may seem a little extra, but trust me-it prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, lump-free drink.
    • Use a fine mesh strainer and gently press the powder through.
  2. Whisk With Hot Water

    • Add your hot (not boiling!) water to the matcha powder.
    • Using a bamboo whisk (aka a chasen) or a handheld milk frother, whisk vigorously in an ’M’ or ’W’ motion until fully dissolved and slightly frothy.
  3. Heat And Froth Your Milk

    • Warm your milk in a saucepan or microwave until steaming (but not boiling).
    • Froth it using a milk frother, French press, or even by shaking it in a jar (with caution).
  4. Sweeten To Taste

    • Add your preferred sweetener and stir into the warm milk or matcha mixture.
  5. Combine And Enjoy!

    • Pour the warm, frothy milk into the matcha base.
    • Stir gently and give it a little swirl.
    • Sprinkle a bit of extra matcha powder on top if you’re feeling fancy!

Optional Extra: Add a few ice cubes and serve cold for an Iced Matcha Tea Latte variation.

Expert Tips

Let’s take it up a notch! If you want your homemade latte to really feel like you grabbed it from Starbucks (but without the long line), these expert tips are golden.

  • Use Filtered Water

    Better water = better matcha taste. If your tap water tastes off, it’ll affect the final product.

  • Invest In A Bamboo Whisk

    It’s not just traditional-it genuinely makes a smoother blend than a spoon or fork.

  • Heat Your Cup

    Pre-warm your mug with hot water, then discard it. This helps keep your drink hot for longer.

  • Don’t Overheat Your Milk

    Overheated milk loses its sweetness and might taste burnt. Aim for around 150°F (65°C).

  • Froth Matters

    A good froth gives the latte that barista look and texture. Oat milk froths exceptionally well if you’re dairy-free!

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Recipe Variations

Want to give your matcha latte a little extra pizzazz? There’s no shortage of ways to remix this green wonder. Here are some fun variations to try:

Iced Matcha Latte

  • Skip the hot water and milk.
  • Use cold milk and dissolve matcha in a splash of warm water first.
  • Pour over ice for a refreshing summer pick-me-up.

Matcha Honey Vanilla Latte

  • Add 1 tsp honey + a dash of vanilla extract to your milk before heating.
  • It’s subtly sweet with a floral twist.

Coconut Matcha Latte

  • Use coconut milk (canned or carton) for a tropical vibe.
  • Pairs beautifully with matcha’s earthiness.

Protein Matcha Latte

  • Add ½ scoop of vanilla protein powder into the warm milk and blend before combining with matcha.
  • Boom-energy + gains.

️ Spiced Matcha Latte

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even turmeric for an earthy, spiced variation. Think “green chai”.

Final Words

So here’s the scoop: making a Starbucks-style Matcha Tea Latte at home isn’t just easy-it’s actually kinda meditative and fun. You get to tailor it exactly how you like it, and you’ll probably save a small fortune in the process.

Plus, matcha itself is loaded with health benefits:

  • Antioxidant-rich (hello, EGCG!)
  • Boosts metabolism gently
  • Calming, focused energy without the jitters
  • Great for skin, digestion, and even your mood

There’s something deeply satisfying about mastering this one simple drink. You’ll impress your friends, treat yourself to a daily ritual, and probably never go back to that $6+ cup again-unless, of course, you’re out and about and feeling lazy. No shame in that either.

FAQs

What Is A Matcha Tea Latte At Starbucks?

A matcha tea latte at Starbucks is a beverage made with finely ground green tea powder called matcha, mixed with steamed milk and sweetener. It’s served hot or iced, offering a creamy texture and a delicate green tea flavor.

How Do You Make A Matcha Tea Latte At Starbucks?

To make a Starbucks-style matcha tea latte, start by whisking matcha powder with hot water until it’s dissolved. Then, steam milk (dairy or non-dairy) and combine it with the matcha mixture. Sweeten to taste with sugar or a syrup like vanilla, and top with foam.

What Type Of Matcha Does Starbucks Use In Their Lattes?

Starbucks uses a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha powder, which is finely ground and vibrant green. The matcha is sourced from Japan, ensuring an authentic and rich flavor profile.

Can You Customize A Matcha Tea Latte At Starbucks?

Yes, Starbucks offers customization options for your matcha tea latte. You can choose different milk options (e.g., almond, oat, soy), adjust the sweetness level, or even add flavor syrups like vanilla or caramel to enhance the taste.

What’s The Difference Between A Regular Latte And A Matcha Tea Latte?

A regular latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, while a matcha tea latte is made with matcha powder, which is ground green tea leaves, combined with steamed milk. The matcha latte has a unique, slightly earthy flavor compared to the boldness of espresso.

What Is The Sweetness Level Of A Starbucks Matcha Latte?

A standard Starbucks matcha tea latte is sweetened with a pre-sweetened matcha powder, but the sweetness can be adjusted. Customers can request more or less sweetener based on their personal preference.

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Is A Matcha Tea Latte Healthy?

Matcha tea lattes are considered a healthy beverage when made with low-fat or non-dairy milk, as matcha is packed with antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and provides a calm energy boost. However, the added sweeteners and milk can contribute extra calories and sugar.

Can You Make A Cold Matcha Tea Latte At Starbucks?

Yes, Starbucks offers an iced version of the matcha tea latte. It’s made by mixing matcha with cold milk and ice, creating a refreshing, chilled version of the beverage.

What Are The Different Milk Options Available For A Matcha Latte At Starbucks?

Starbucks provides a variety of milk options for matcha lattes, including whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, allowing you to customize your latte to suit dietary preferences or taste.

How Many Calories Are In A Matcha Tea Latte At Starbucks?

A standard tall (12 oz) matcha tea latte with 2% milk and sweetened matcha powder has about 240 calories. This can vary based on the type of milk and the level of sweetness, with alternatives like almond or oat milk affecting the calorie count.