How to Make a Matcha Latte Whisked with Brewed Tea

What you need

• Bamboo matcha whisk
• Matcha bowl
• Small cup or bowl for steeping tea
• Kettle
• Milk pitcher or jug
• Serving glass
• Spoon

Method

1. 3 min

   Steep your chosen tea for about 3 minutes, then remove the tea bag.

   Any tea works; in the tasting the favorites were brown rice (genmai) and mint, with chamomile and Earl Grey also liked, while plain green tea added little character.

   Expert tipMatch the tea to the drink: brighter teas like mint suit refreshing matcha drinks, while genmai leans toasty and nutty.

2. Prepare the milk by stirring in a little cane sugar syrup until well combined.

3. Let the brewed tea cool slightly before whisking, you only need about 25 g.

   Because the volume is so small, a few swirls drops the temperature quickly.

   Expert tipTea that is too hot can bring out bitter or fishy notes in the matcha, so don't whisk with it boiling.

4. Add matcha to the bowl, pour in the warm tea, and whisk until smooth and frothy.

   Expert tipKeep your wrist relaxed rather than forcing it, the whisking takes little effort.

5. Pour the milk into a glass (no ice in this version) and top with the whisked matcha-tea.

   Ice was left out here because it melts and thins the drink; add it if you prefer it iced.

Why this works

Whisking matcha with a brewed tea instead of water layers a second set of aromatics over the matcha, turning a simple latte into something more complex. Because matcha's green color is so strong, even darker teas barely change its appearance, so flavor is what shifts. The method also makes lower-grade matcha taste better, while keeping the tea below boiling protects against bitterness.

Where beginners go wrong

1. 1

   Matcha tastes bitter or fishy

   The tea was too hot; let it cool slightly before whisking, especially given the small volume.

2. 2

   Latte tastes flat and plain

   That is the standard water-whisked matcha; swap in a brewed tea. Note that plain green tea adds little, so reach for genmai, mint, chamomile, or Earl Grey for more character.

3. 3

   Lumpy, unblended matcha

   Whisk with a loose, relaxed wrist until it is smooth and frothy rather than pressing hard.

What you should taste

Far less plain than a water-whisked matcha latte, with the tea coming through clearly alongside the matcha. Genmai adds toasty, grain-like sweetness; mint reads fresh and bright; chamomile is floral; Earl Grey gives a layered matcha-and-bergamot character.

FAQ