Matcha Coffee Latte Recipe: Japanese-Western Fusion Drink
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Key Takeaways
- A roughly 1:1 ratio of dissolved matcha and espresso forms the balanced base
- Dissolve matcha in 80°C water first to eliminate clumps before combining with coffee
- Oat milk complements both matcha and coffee flavors with its natural sweetness
Can't decide between a matcha latte and a coffee? The matcha coffee latte gives you both. The grassy brightness of matcha and the deep richness of espresso create a layered flavor unlike anything else — it's become a popular offering at specialty cafés worldwide.
Matcha Coffee Latte Recipe: Japanese-Western Fusion Drink
Ingredients
- エスプレッソ30ml
- ミルク200ml
Steps
- 1.Dissolve the Matcha
- 2.Brew Espresso
- 3.Combine Matcha and Espresso
- 4.Add Milk
- 5.Sweeten and Serve
What Is a Matcha Coffee Latte?
A matcha coffee latte is a fusion drink that combines dissolved matcha powder and espresso, then blends them with steamed or cold milk. It's sometimes called a "dirty matcha" or "matcha espresso fusion."
Ingredients (Serves 1)
Ingredients
- Matcha powder (culinary or ceremonial grade): 1–2 teaspoons (2–4g)
- Hot water at about 80°C: 2 tablespoons (for dissolving matcha)
- Espresso: 1 shot (30ml) or 30–40ml Moka pot coffee
- Milk or oat milk: 150–200ml
- Sugar or syrup, to taste
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
Equipment Needed
- Small bowl or deep cup (for dissolving matcha)
- Bamboo whisk (chasen) or small electric whisk
- Espresso machine or Moka pot
- Milk frother
Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Matcha
Add matcha powder to a small bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of 80°C water. Use a bamboo whisk in a quick "W" motion to dissolve the matcha into a smooth, lump-free paste.
Do not use boiling water: Water above 90°C damages matcha's delicate flavor compounds, making it taste bitter and flat. Use water around 80°C — boiled water that has cooled for 2–3 minutes works well.
Step 2: Brew Espresso
Pull 1 shot (30ml) of espresso.
Step 3: Combine Matcha and Espresso
Mix the dissolved matcha and espresso together. Adjust the ratio to your preference:
Matcha-forward (2:1): Bright, grassy, refreshing Balanced (1:1): Equal presence of both flavors Coffee-forward (1:2): Deep coffee flavor with matcha as an accent
Step 4: Add Milk
Hot version: Steam milk to 65°C and pour over the matcha-espresso base.
Iced version: Fill a glass with ice, pour in cold milk, then pour the matcha-espresso mixture over the top.
Step 5: Sweeten and Serve
Add sugar or syrup to taste. Dust a pinch of matcha on top for presentation.
Try oat milk: Its natural sweetness and creamy body complement both matcha and espresso without overpowering either. It's the most popular milk choice for this fusion drink.
Ratio Guide
| Style | Matcha | Espresso | Milk | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matcha-forward | 4g | 15ml | 200ml | Grassy, refreshing |
| Balanced | 2g | 30ml | 200ml | Harmonious fusion |
| Coffee-forward | 2g | 60ml | 150ml | Bold coffee, matcha accent |
Variations
Honey matcha coffee latte: Swap sugar for honey to add a floral sweetness that bridges matcha and coffee beautifully.
Spiced matcha coffee latte: A small pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds warmth and complexity.
Cold brew matcha latte: Replace espresso with cold brew concentrate for a smoother, less acidic coffee flavor.
Summary
- Dissolve matcha in 80°C water first — this step is non-negotiable for a smooth result
- A 1:1 matcha to espresso ratio creates the most approachable balance
- Oat milk is the ideal pairing for this fusion drink
- Start with less sweetener than you think you need — the natural flavors are complex on their own
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About the Author
Coffee Guide Editorial Team
We cover coffee bean selection, brewing methods, and equipment features. For specifications and safety instructions, consult the article sources and the manufacturer’s latest information.
