Matcha Latte at Home

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make a matcha latte? It's really simple! First, gather your ingredients. Use a higher-fat milk — the finished drink is all the better for it. Mine was about 6% fat. Since the water won't be brought to a boil, just use clean drinking water straight away. Use any sugar you like and add it to taste; I used cane sugar, 1 teaspoon for 2 servings. You can swap the sugar for honey.

2. Step 2:

   

   Pour the milk into a saucepan and set it over low heat. Warm it to about 175°F (80°C), stirring now and then so it doesn't scorch on the bottom.

3. Step 3:

   

   Pour the water into another saucepan and heat it over medium heat, also to about 175°F (80°C). Use a cooking thermometer to hit the right temperature without overheating.

4. Step 4:

   

   While the water and milk heat up, mix the matcha powder and sugar together in a bowl (or a special matcha bowl).

5. Step 5:

   

   Pour the heated water into the bowl and whisk everything with a whisk or a traditional bamboo whisk until the matcha and sugar dissolve completely. Matcha comes in different grades — regular and premium — and the powder's color can range from a soft light green to deep emerald. Your powder's color will determine the final color of your drink.

6. Step 6:

   

   Pour the tea mixture into cups or handled glasses. I used ordinary thin-glass cups, since the tea cools off a little while you whisk it.

7. Step 7:

   

   Froth the heated milk with an immersion blender or milk frother until fluffy. If you use an immersion blender, pour the milk into a tall frothing pitcher — in a shallow container it will splatter everywhere and you'll end up cleaning the kitchen instead of enjoying your drink. A countertop blender works too.

8. Step 8:

   

   Top the cups of matcha tea with the frothed milk and spoon the remaining foam over the top. The matcha latte is ready. Serve it right away while it's warm — though it's also delicious cold. Enjoy!