Starbucks Matcha Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

November 11, 2024

This homemade Starbucks-style matcha latte combines the earthy goodness of matcha with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness. It's a quick, soothing drink that's perfect for any time you need a calming caffeine boost.

Close-up of freshly made Starbucks Matcha Recipe garnished and ready to serve

Starbucks Matcha Latte has become a fan favorite over the years, offering a refreshing yet creamy combination of rich green tea and smooth, steamed milk. This vibrant drink is not only visually stunning but also packs a unique, earthy flavor that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast or just getting started with this trendy drink, learning how to make a Starbucks Matcha Recipe at home is sure to elevate your mornings or afternoons.

If you’re someone who loves to recreate Starbucks drinks at home, this is your guide to the perfect matcha latte. It’s easy, customizable, and, best of all, saves you from long lines at your local Starbucks. So, let’s dive into the world of matcha and discover how to make a drink that will rival the café’s famous version.

What is Starbucks Matcha Latte?

A Starbucks Matcha Latte is a drink that blends the delicate flavors of matcha, a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, with steamed milk and a bit of sweetness. The result is a smooth, creamy, and slightly earthy beverage that’s perfect for those who want something a bit different from the usual coffee options.

Matcha has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, not just for its flavor but also for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and providing a slow, sustained energy boost without the jitters that coffee can sometimes cause, matcha is an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their health while enjoying a delicious drink.

Whether you’re in the mood for something hot or cold, this versatile beverage can be made in either form. But what makes Starbucks’ Matcha Latte unique? It's the blend of sweetened matcha powder, the choice of milk, and how it’s prepared. Let’s break it all down so you can recreate it at home just the way you love.

Ingredients for the Perfect Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe

Making the perfect matcha latte at home requires just a few simple ingredients. Here's what you’ll need to get started:

1. Matcha Powder

The star ingredient of this recipe, matcha powder is made from green tea leaves that have been finely ground into a vibrant green powder. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a subtle earthy flavor that’s both comforting and energizing.

For a Starbucks-style matcha latte, you’ll want to use a high-quality, sweetened matcha powder. Starbucks uses a specific brand that’s sweetened, which makes the preparation process easier. If you’re using unsweetened matcha powder, you’ll need to add some sweetener (like sugar, honey, or vanilla syrup) to balance the flavors.

2. Milk of Your Choice

The milk used in a Starbucks Matcha Latte plays a significant role in achieving the drink’s creamy texture. While Starbucks typically uses 2% milk, you can opt for your favorite alternative, such as oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Each type of milk will give the latte its own unique flavor profile.

If you like a richer, creamier taste, try oat milk—it’s known for its slightly sweet flavor and velvety texture, making it an excellent choice for a matcha latte. However, if you're looking for a dairy-free option with a neutral flavor, almond milk works wonderfully.

3. Sweetener

Starbucks Matcha Latte comes sweetened, but if you prefer to control the sweetness level, you can adjust it based on your preference. You can use simple syrup, honey, agave, or even a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel. If you’re using unsweetened matcha powder, adding a sweetener is essential to balancing out the earthy taste of the matcha.

4. Hot Water (Optional)

This ingredient is for those who want to make sure the matcha is fully dissolved and smooth. Mixing the matcha powder with a little hot water first before adding the milk helps it blend more easily and ensures you don’t end up with clumps of powder in your drink.

5. Ice (Optional)

For an iced matcha latte, you'll need a good amount of ice to chill the drink after it’s made. Iced matcha lattes are a favorite for summer, providing a refreshing alternative to hot coffee drinks.

How to Make a Starbucks Matcha Latte at Home

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get brewing. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to make your own Starbucks-inspired matcha latte at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Matcha

Start by sifting 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl. Sifting helps break up any lumps and ensures your matcha mixes smoothly. Then, add a small splash (about 2-3 tablespoons) of hot water to the matcha powder. Use a whisk to blend it into a smooth, vibrant green paste.

Pro tip: If you have a matcha whisk (chasen), use it! It creates a lovely froth that adds to the texture of your latte. If you don't have one, a regular small whisk or even a spoon will do the job.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Next, heat your milk of choice. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave—just be careful not to overheat it. Ideally, you want the milk to be steaming but not boiling. If you want a frothy texture, you can froth the milk using a milk frother or a handheld frother.

For a richer taste, you might want to heat the milk until it's just below boiling and then froth it to create a velvety foam.

Step 3: Combine Matcha and Milk

Once your matcha is properly dissolved and your milk is ready, it’s time to combine the two. Pour the steamed milk into the matcha paste. Stir gently to mix everything together until you see a smooth, green-hued drink.

If you're making an iced version, pour the matcha over ice and then add the milk, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Sweeten to Taste

Now it’s time to sweeten your matcha latte. If you used sweetened matcha powder, you may not need any additional sweetener. However, if you prefer it a bit sweeter, you can add vanilla syrup, honey, or any sweetener you like. Stir well to make sure the sweetener dissolves evenly.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Perfect Matcha Latte

After everything is mixed together, take a moment to admire your creation. Whether hot or iced, this drink is sure to delight. Pour it into your favorite mug or glass and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe

So, why should you make this matcha latte at home? Here are a few reasons that’ll convince you:

Cost-Effective: A matcha latte from Starbucks can get pricey, especially if you’re grabbing one every day. Making it at home gives you the freedom to enjoy the same quality at a fraction of the cost.
Customizable: Whether you like your matcha stronger, sweeter, or with a different type of milk, this recipe allows you to adjust everything to your liking. Plus, you can make it hot or iced, depending on your mood.
Health Benefits: Matcha is known for its health benefits, including boosting metabolism, enhancing focus, and providing a gentle energy boost without the crash that coffee sometimes causes. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, making a Starbucks-style matcha latte at home is a breeze. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up your favorite drink in no time.

Perfect Occasions for a Starbucks Matcha Latte

While you can enjoy a Starbucks Matcha Latte any time of day, here are some great occasions where this drink will truly shine:

Morning Boost: If you're looking for a calm, focused start to your day, a matcha latte is perfect. It gives you a nice, sustained energy boost without the crash associated with coffee.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Matcha is great for those mid-afternoon slumps when you need a quick refresh.
Chill Weekend Mornings: Imagine sipping a warm matcha latte as you relax on a cozy weekend morning, reading a book or enjoying your favorite podcast.
Special Occasions: Since matcha lattes are a little more indulgent than regular tea, they make for a nice treat during special gatherings, brunches, or when you're entertaining guests.

If you're in the mood for more unique recipes that can complement your Starbucks Matcha Latte, try out the Tippins Cornbread Recipe or the Daylily Fritter Recipe for a fun twist on your next brunch.

Tips for the Best Starbucks Matcha Recipe

Use Fresh Matcha: Matcha can lose its vibrant color and flavor over time, so make sure you're using fresh, high-quality matcha powder. You’ll notice the difference in taste.
Don’t Overheat the Milk: If you overheat the milk, it can lose its creamy texture and affect the overall flavor of the drink. Keep the milk at the right temperature for the best result.
Experiment with Sweeteners: Depending on your preference, try experimenting with different sweeteners. Vanilla syrup, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can all add a unique flavor.

Making your own Starbucks Matcha Recipe at home is an easy and fun way to enjoy a delicious drink without the hassle of leaving the house. Happy sipping!