Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Sift 1–1½ teaspoons matcha into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling — around 175°F / 80°C is ideal). Whisk or froth until no lumps remain and the tea looks smooth and bright green.

2. 2

   Stir in 1–3 teaspoons sugar or honey until dissolved. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a splash of vanilla syrup if you like.

3. 3

   For iced: fill a glass with ice, pour in ½ cup cold milk, then stir in the matcha mixture until evenly green. For hot: warm ½ cup milk until steaming (don't boil), froth if you can, pour into a mug, and stir in the matcha.

4. 4

   Taste and adjust sweetness. Drink right away while the foam is lively. You want a smooth green latte that tastes creamy and lightly sweet with a grassy matcha finish — not bitter powder sludge or a thin green milk with undissolved clumps.