
How to Make a Matcha Latte
How to Make a Matcha Latte Without Bitterness
Preparing a matcha latte is simple if you follow a few basic steps.
Most mistakes happen because of low-quality matcha powder, overly hot water, or incorrect mixing technique.
Below is a clear method that consistently gives good results.
1. Use ceremonial matcha
For lattes, choose ceremonial grade matcha because it’s finely stone-milled, vibrant in colour, and naturally smooth in flavour.
Culinary matcha is more bitter and doesn’t foam well, so it’s not ideal for lattes.
2. Temperature: 70–80 °C
Boiling water “burns” matcha and creates bitterness.
The ideal water temperature is 70–80 °C.
If you don’t have a thermometer:
→ boil the water, then let it cool for 3–5 minutes.
3. Mix the matcha with a small amount of water first
This is the most important step for flavour and texture.
sift ½ teaspoon of matcha through a small sieve
add about 0.3 dl of water (or 2–3 tablespoons)
whisk vigorously (chasen or small electric frother) until a smooth, glossy foam forms and all clumps disappear
If you skip the sifting step, small clumps almost always remain.
4. Milk
Good milk is essential for a good matcha latte.
It should be flavourful, not too watery, and able to foam well.
Recommended options:
Alpro Barista Oat
Alpro Barista Coconut
DM Barista Oat (affordable, thick, and good in flavour)
Heat the milk to 55–65 °C.
This creates stable foam and a neutral, balanced taste.
5. Sweetener (optional)
Many plant milks are already slightly sweet, so sweetener is often unnecessary.
If you prefer a rounder flavour, use:
maple syrup
honey
caramel syrup (minimal amount)
A small amount is enough.
6. Faster method (if you’re in a hurry)
If you have a milk frother at home:
Turn on the frother.
When the milk begins to foam, sift the matcha directly into the frother.
When it finishes, simply pour into a cup.
This method works surprisingly well if the matcha is high quality.
Summary
A matcha latte without bitterness requires three things:
ceremonial matcha
the right temperature
proper mixing with a small amount of water before adding milk
Once you master these steps, the preparation is simple and consistently reliable.