Vanilla Matcha Latte

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Creamy, sweet, and flavorful, this vanilla matcha latte is a simple and delicious drink you can make in no time. You can make this cafe favorite at home with just a handful of ingredients. This refreshing latte can be made iced or hot.

While I love a classic matcha latte, there’s something so cozy about a hint of vanilla to start the day. It’s simple but refreshing and ready in a few minutes. You’ll love the aromatic flavor.

A glass of vanilla matcha latte with ice and a pink striped straw.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re using good-quality matcha, this vanilla matcha latte will blow the ones you get at cafes out of the park.
It’s honestly so easy to make. You can whip this up in 5 minutes or less.
You can easily make this hot or cold, depending on your mood and weather.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make vanilla matcha latte.

matcha powder — a finely grounded powdered green tea, matcha is full of antioxidants and health benefits! Make sure to good good quality matcha powder for the best results. I recommend using ceremonial grade matcha as it’s made with the premium, first harvest of the year. Ceremonial matcha has a deep green color and tastes more rich and vibrant. Culinary-grade matcha may taste more bitter.
milk — I’m using whole milk, but you can also use a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or oat milk like in my oat milk matcha latte.
maple syrup — make sure you use real, pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup. They’re not the same! If you don’t have maple syrup, you can also use honey.
vanilla — there are a few options for the vanilla in this vanilla matcha. I usually use vanilla extract because I always have it on hand. However, you can also use vanilla bean paste. Vanilla bean paste has a stronger flavor but is usually more expensive. Same with scraping beans out of a vanilla bean pod. If you have vanilla syrup on hand, you could use vanilla syrup as well and skip the maple syrup.
ice — you can even make it with my Matcha Ice Cubes for more matcha flavor!
water — make sure the water is hot but not boiling. Around 176°F (80°C). If the water is too hot, it will burn the matcha and leave a bitter taste.

Tools to Make Matcha

matcha bowl (chawan) — You can use any bowl to whisk matcha, but I have a specific matcha bowl. If you use a regular bowl, ensure that it has high walls to prevent spilling. A spout can make pouring easier.
bamboo whisk (chasen) and whisk stand — a whisk is essential for matcha as it will whisk out the clumps and make the matcha frothy. If you do not have a bamboo whisk, you can use a small kitchen whisk or an electric whisk for frothing milk. If you don’t have either, you can always add the matcha to a mason jar with the water and shake vigorously. The bamboo whisk should be soaked in warm water for a few minutes before using it to help soften up the bristles to prevent them from breaking when you use it. The whisk stand is there to help the bamboo whisk retain its shape as it dries. The whisk can become moldy or crack if not dried properly.
tea sifter — you’ll need a tea sifter (or any small sifter) to help remove any clumps from the matcha powder.
bamboo tea scoop or ladle — or a measuring spoon of sorts. You’ll need it to scoop the matcha and to push it through the sifter.

How to Make a Vanilla Matcha Latte

Set of two photos showing matcha powder sifted into the bowl and water added.

Using a fine-mesh strainer, sift the matcha into a small bowl.
Add the hot water to the bowl.

Set of two photos showing matcha whisked in a bowl.

Whisk the matcha vigorously in an M shape until the matcha is frothy and there are no clumps.

Set of two photos showing milk, vanilla, and syrup mixed.

In another vessel, combine the milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Set of two photos showing matcha added to a glass of ice and topped off with sweetened milk.

To a glass with ice, add the matcha and milk mixture. Stir to combine. Enjoy immediately.

A glass of vanilla matcha latte with a pink striped straw and ice.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Matcha is technically tea leaves grounded into powder, so it will never completely dissolve in water. So, it’s normal to see some flecks of matcha in your mixture.
If you prefer a hot vanilla matcha latte, skip the ice and heat up your milk before adding the maple syrup and vanilla extract. I use my Smeg to heat up my milk but you can also bring it to a simmer on the stovetop.
You can adjust the amount of water and milk added to the iced matcha latte depending on how creamy you prefer your latte.
For good quality matcha, I like purchasing from Ippodo Tea, but sometimes I get dinged by duties. If you’re Canadian, Matsu Kaze Tea is a great alternative to order Japanese matcha!
Another vanilla option is using vanilla-flavored nut milk!

Is there caffeine in matcha?

Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee and black tea, but more than regular brewed green tea.

What is matcha?

Matcha is green tea that has been finely ground up into a powder.

How should I store my matcha?

To keep your matcha fresh, store it in a cool, dry location. However, if you prefer, you can also store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using it. High-quality matcha usually comes in a tin or a similar container that protects it from light and air, which can cause it to oxidize and lose its freshness. It’s best to avoid purchasing large amounts of matcha, as it will begin to deteriorate after being opened.

Why is my matcha is yellow or brown?

If your matcha has a yellowish or brownish color, it may indicate that lower quality mature leaves were used to make it, resulting in a bitter taste.