I used to think making a fancy latte at home was a huge pain. You know, the kind you pay way too much for at a coffee shop.
Then I discovered this cinnamon matcha latte. It sounds fancy, but it’s shockingly easy.
This is the warm, cozy drink that will make your mornings feel a little more special without any extra work. Let’s make it.
What You’ll Need
- Matcha powder (the good stuff, if you can get it)
- Hot water (not boiling!)
- Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy both work great)
- Maple syrup or honey
- Ground cinnamon
- A tiny pinch of salt (trust me)
Tools You’ll Use
You don’t need a giant espresso machine for this.
- Small bowl
- Matcha whisk (or a small regular whisk)
- Small saucepan or a microwave to heat milk
- Milk frother (optional, but fun)
- Your favorite mug
How to Make Your Cinnamon Matcha Latte
Step 1: Add the matcha powder, cinnamon, and salt to your small bowl.
Step 2: Pour in the hot water. Whisk it like crazy until there are no clumps and you see a nice layer of foam on top.
Step 3: Pour your freshly whisked matcha into your mug.
Step 4: Heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave until it’s steamy but not boiling. Stir in your maple syrup or honey.
Step 5: If you have a milk frother, now is its time to shine. Froth the milk until it’s light and airy.
Step 6: Gently pour the warm, sweet milk over the matcha in your mug. Spoon any extra foam on top.
Step 7: Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top and enjoy it right away.
Pro Tips
I’ve made a lot of matcha lattes. Here are a few things I’ve learned that make a big difference.
- Sift Your Matcha: Matcha powder loves to clump. Use a small fine-mesh sieve to sift the powder into your bowl. This one step will give you a super smooth latte every time.
- Water Temperature Matters: Boiling water will burn your matcha and make it taste bitter. Let your kettle sit for a minute after it boils, or use water that’s around 175°F (80°C).
- Whisk in a ‘W’ Motion: Instead of stirring in a circle, move your whisk back and forth quickly in a W or M shape. This gets more air into the matcha and makes a better foam.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: It sounds weird, I know. But a tiny pinch of salt doesn’t make it salty. It just makes all the other flavors—the earthy matcha, the sweet maple, the warm cinnamon—pop.
Substitutions and Fun Twists
Don’t have something? No problem. This recipe is easy to change up.
Instead Of… | Try Using… |
---|---|
Cow’s Milk | Oat, Almond, Soy |
Maple Syrup | Honey, Agave, Stevia |
Cinnamon | Nutmeg, Cardamom |
Want to get creative?
- Iced Version: Just pour your whisked matcha over a glass full of ice. Then add cold milk and your sweetener. Easy.
- Add Vanilla: A tiny splash of vanilla extract makes it taste like a dessert.
- A Little Kick: Add a very small pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon for a spicy surprise.
Nutrition Info & Diets
This is just a rough idea. Your actual numbers will change based on the milk and sweetener you use.
Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 5g |
Sugar | 12g |
Here’s how to make it fit your diet.
Diet | Simple Swap |
---|---|
Vegan | Use oat/almond milk & maple syrup. |
Keto | Use unsweetened almond milk & a keto sweetener. |
Sugar-Free | Skip the sweetener or use stevia. |
What to Serve with Your Latte
This latte is great on its own, but it’s even better with a little snack.
It goes really well with something simple, like a buttery croissant or a piece of toast with almond butter. If you want something sweeter, a simple oatmeal cookie or a slice of banana bread is perfect.
Leftovers and Storage
Honestly, this latte is best when you drink it fresh.
If you do have some left, you can store it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to a day. The foam will go away, and it might separate a bit. Just give it a good shake before you drink it cold. I don’t recommend reheating it.
FAQs
Q1. Why does my matcha latte taste bitter?
Ans: Two main reasons. You might be using water that’s too hot, which burns the matcha. Or, you might be using a lower-quality matcha powder. Look for “ceremonial grade” for the best, smoothest flavor.
Q2. My matcha is all clumpy. What did I do wrong?
Ans: You probably just need to whisk it more! Sifting the powder first helps a lot. And make sure you whisk in that ‘W’ pattern until it’s completely smooth before you add the milk.
Q3. Can I make this without a special matcha whisk?
Ans: Yep. A small regular whisk or even a milk frother can work to mix the matcha and water. You can even shake it in a small, well-sealed jar. The goal is just to get rid of the clumps.
Wrapping Up
See? A delicious, coffee-shop-level latte right in your own kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and the perfect way to treat yourself.
Go give it a try this week.
When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out or if you tried any fun variations