Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced) with Vanilla Comparisons
Looking for a vanilla matcha latte recipe that actually helps you choose the right vanilla? This homemade vanilla matcha latte can be made hot or iced and includes a comparison of vanilla bean, vanilla paste, vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, and vanilla syrup.
Whether you are new to matcha or already enjoy it as part of your daily tea moment, vanilla can soften matcha’s earthy notes and create a smoother, more approachable flavour. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a vanilla matcha latte step by step, share my favourite ingredient choices, and help you decide which vanilla option is best for your cup.
Why Vanilla Matcha Latte Works So Well
If you are wondering if matcha is good with vanilla, I can assure you that it totally is worth trying. Vanilla smooths the bitterness of matcha and softens the grassy and earthy tones. It creates a rounded and calming flavour profile for your natural homemade matcha vanilla latte. Many people also enjoy matcha for the gentle and steady energy it provides compared to coffee.
When I first started with matcha, I didn’t like it at all, to be quite honest. But then my friend and colleague made a divine matcha fudge for our booth at a Restaurant Day sale, and surprisingly – I loved it! That made me realise that matcha, paired with vanilla and sweetness, is a whole other story than a plain cup of matcha.
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Matcha Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistakes are clumping, a bitter taste, too watery. We want the most enjoyable matcha drink end get it right every single time.
Not vibrant looking matcha latte
- Choose quality matcha, it is more vibrant-looking.
- Use fresh matcha, older matcha gets oxidised and the color is dimmer.
- Use white coloured cow milk instead of plant based milks like oat milk which are more beige in colour. White color enhances the green shades of matcha making it more vibrant looking.
Too watery matcha or too intense
- Measure your ingredients for consistency. It is pricey, so best to measure your matcha – and water and milk.
Matcha is clumpy
- Sift the matcha to avoid clumping. Tap it with chasen, the matcha whisk to damp it with water, and whisk long enough (at least 30 seconds) with a gentle wrist movement in a W or M shape.
Bitter matcha latte
- Matcha, like any green tea, turns easily bitter if you use too hot water.
- Keep the temperature around 80°C to avoid bitter notes.
- Poor quality of matcha might be the reason for the bitter notes too, so make sure you invest in quality matcha you trust.
- Read more about troubleshooting for a bitter cup of matcha at the end of this post.
Download my FREE tea-making cheat sheet to master the general rules and temperatures for tea steeping.
Laking the beautiful microfoam
- Whisk about 30sec vigorously in a W shape ( or M which ever letter you prefer)
- Use a matcha chasen (the matcha whisk), not any whisk. The matcha chasen creates a silkier result when you have thinner spines.
Vanilla Options for Vanilla Matcha Latte (5 Simple Ways)
So, what kind of vanilla you should use making Vanilla Matcha Latte? I have listed 5 options you could use for your homemade vanilla matcha tea latte: Vanilla bean, vanilla extract, vanilla paste, vanilla sugar and vanilla syrup.
How much vanilla to one cup of Vanilla Matcha Latte
- 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tsp vanilla sugar
- 2-4 tsp vanilla syrup
Vanilla bean – Create Your Premium Beverage
The source of the true flavour of vanilla comes from the vanilla fruit of the only edible orchid there is. The fruits of vanilla are often called “beans” or “pods”, and, well, they kind of look like beans with their long shape, no?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Using real vanilla bean gives you often the freshest, strongest and purest vanilla flavour. | Vanilla bean is quite expensive and relatively hard to mix into a liquid like matcha latte. |
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When to Use Vanilla Bean in Vanilla Matcha Latte
Use real vanilla bean for your vanilla matcha latte when you are looking for premium slow ritual version. Make sure you mix the vanilla bean seeds into matcha with something else than your matcha chasen, to avoid them to stick in your whisk or breaking it.
Vanilla paste – Easy and Flavourful
Vanilla paste is my true friend. It contains natural vanilla; it is like a sweet vanilla gel. It has both vanilla extract and natural vanilla aroma mixed with sugar and some starch.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vanilla paste has strong flavour and adds visual beauty in vanilla latte with the real vanilla seed dots. It is relatively easy to use. | Vanilla paste is a mixture, so you need to make sure that everything in it is real, not synthetic. If the paste is too thick, it might take time to dilute well into a vanilla matcha latte. |
When to Use Vanilla Paste in Vanilla Matcha Latte
If you use vanilla paste in baking already and have it in your pantry anyway, it is simple to use for your homemade matcha latte as well. Just remember to mix it with the matcha tea base before adding frothed milk or cold milk and ice cubes to dilute it well. If you add it later, it makes unintentional vanilla clumps that do not taste or look pretty.
Vanilla Extract – Quick and Simple
Vanilla Extract is a go-to option for many who bake. It’s made by infusing vanilla bean in a mixture of alcohol and water. Some might also contain syrup or sugar.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick and simple liquid option to create vanilla flavour in vanilla matcha latte. It creates a strong flavour, but as well needs to be added a bit more. | If you do not use any alcohol, this is not your choice of vanilla. Read the label well if you do not want additional sugar nor syrup in your extract. |
When to Use Vanilla Extract in Vanilla Matcha Latte
When you want simple and affordable choice for your vanilla matcha latte, vanilla extract might be your friend. It is commonly used and you might just have it in your pantry anyway so why not mix it in your matcha?
Vanilla sugar – Affordable Daily Option
Vanillla sugar is sugar flavoured with vanilla seeds. It might contain some aroma or starch as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vanilla sugar is more affordable and still contains real vanilla flavour. The vanilla seeds create visually pleasing vanilla dots in your beverage, like the real vanilla. | The vanilla seed content in sugar might vary massively. You might need to use many spoonfuls to get the best flavour, but beware, for it adds up the sweetness of your matcha latte also. |
When to use Vanilla Sugar
Choose vanilla sugar when you know the vanilla seed content is high in it and you want a sweet matcha latte. When you use vanilla sugar, make sure to skip honey in this vanilla matcha latte recipe or any other sweeteners to avoid the sweetness overload.
Vanilla Simple Syrup – Sweet Tooths Easy Option
Majority of vanilla matcha lattes that are made in cafés are made with a vanilla simple syrup. I can tell you, I have made hundreds of them. Simple syrup is created with infusing vanilla bean into hot water and then cooked the water with sugar into a generally liquid sugar. It might be clear or dark in color.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vanilla simple syrup is an easy and fast option for a sweet vanilla matcha latte. Simple to use and affordable. Best if you have homemade vanilla simple syrup, though. The number one option if you are aming for a café-style vanilla matcha latte flavour. | Because vanilla simple syrup contains plenty of white sugar it increases the sweetness of your matcha latte super quickly. Watch out if you consume it often. The vanilla used in the syrup might be fake or aroma, so avoid the super cheap or shady products and read the label carefully. |
When to Use Vanilla Simple Syrup
Use vanilla simple syrup when you want make it effortless and affordable. If sweet matcha latte and sugary treat now and then are ok for you, go for it – but maybe not daily. When using vanilla simple syrup leave out honey or any other sweeteners.
Vanilla syrup can be added also in the finished iced matcha latte as the last ingredient for it dilutes quickly. You can as well mix it into the matcha tea base before adding the steamed or cold milk like the other vanilla options.
Other Vanilla Products
There is as well vanilla powder, that is made with grinding the vanilla bean, but it looses it’s flavor relatively quickly and it is less common in stores, so I have left that out from this comparison.
Also vanilla aroma will not make into this comparison for it is a synthetic flavouring and does not contain any real vanilla, nor tastes like real one. So when looking for natural options for your wellness matcha latte the vanilla aroma is straight out of the game.
Vanilla Matcha Latte Ingredients
In this vanilla matcha latte recipe I have used four simple ingredients: matcha powder, vanilla paste, semi-skimmed cow milk and runny honey.
Matcha
When aiming for a good-tasting vanilla matcha tea latte, it is crucial to use fresh and quality matcha, for it affects the flavour and visual appearance, as we talked about earlier in Matcha Mistakes (And How To Fix Them).
Vanilla
To get the vanilla flavour, I recommend using vanilla paste or vanilla extract for the best natural flavour, quality, and simplicity. You can find the full vanilla product comparison under the header Vanilla Options for Matcha Latte to decide what is the best option for you and your vanilla matcha latte.
Milk
For everyday wellness option I choose semi skimmed milk rather than whole milk when using this matcha vanilla latte recipe.
I love using cow milk because it is more white in color and therefore enhances the deep green colors of matcha beautifully – note for those who want an Instagrammable photo…
Note About Plant Based Milks in Matcha Latte
Of the vegetable milk options, choose a milk that is soft in flavour and not too overpowering. Good options would be oat and almond for example. Soy milk on the other hand is generally too strong for both iced matcha latte and hot version – for it does not give space for the matcha flavours.
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Honey
Instead of plain white sugar syrups or vanilla syrup, I prefer to sweeten my drinks with honey often. Honey rounds out the slightly bitter and earthy flavour of matcha. For a vegan version, try out my dandelion honey recipe, which has a hint of lemon in it. It makes a super yummy vegan vanilla matcha latte with almond milk too!
TRY THESE
Making simple drinks from scratch is one of my favourite ways to support a more natural lifestyle and create small moments of intention during the day.
You can find the exact measurements on the recipe card.
Tools for Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Matcha chasen (whisk/frother)
- Tea sieve (important for avoiding clumps)
- Scale (trust me
- Milk forther or espresso machine for hot version
- Reusable straws for iced version
Vanilla Matcha Latte (Hot or Iced)
This homemade vanilla matcha latte can be made hot or iced and includes a comparison of vanilla bean, vanilla paste, vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, and vanilla syrup.
Ingredients
- 3 g matcha powder
- 30 g water , 80°C / 176°F
- 1-2 tsp honey
- 1-2 tsp vanilla paste , see notes for other vanilla options
- 150 ml milk , cold or steamed
- ice cubes, for the iced version
Instructions
How to Make Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte (Step-by-Step)
To make an iced vanilla matcha latte or the hot version, start by making the vanilla matcha mixture. Before starting, soften your matcha chasen, the bamboo whisk, for about 2 minutes in warm water before starting to avoid breakage.
Step One: Prep Matcha Mixture
- Use a scale to measure 3 grams of matcha and dust it through the sieve to avoid clumping. Choose a bowl large enough to easily whisk with your matcha *chasen*, the matcha whisk.
- Scale 30 grams of 80°C (176°F) water.
- Tap the matcha to sink into water, and then whisk in a W-shape with a relaxed wrist motion for about 30 seconds.
Step two: Sweeten and Add Vanilla
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey, whisk to mix.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla paste (see other vanilla options below or more in the notes) and whisk to mix.
Step three: Make the Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Use the vanilla matcha mixture for either an iced or a hot vanilla matcha latte by adding milk with following steps:
Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Place big blocks of ice cubes into a long glass.
- Add 150 ml of cold milk on ice and finish by pouring the vanilla matcha mixture on the top.
- Drink when cold with a reusable straw.
Hot Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Whisk the vanilla matcha mixture for an extra 30 seconds on the surface to create the dreamy microfoam.
- Steam 150ml milk of your preference (See notes for my milk suggestions.)
- Pour the vanilla matcha mixture into the bottom of the latte cup and add the steamed milk on top, swirling to mix the matcha and milk.
- Finish with latte art or make beautiful swirls on the surface with the help of a spoon.
Notes
- Read the vanilla comparison to determine which vanilla is best choice for you.
- Check my milk suggestions to choose the best milk for your matcha latte.
- Check out these key steps for making matcha, to master your matcha
- Looking for quality matcha? Try this trusted matcha.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 18932Total Fat: 703gSaturated Fat: 438gUnsaturated Fat: 264gCholesterol: 2998mgSodium: 19679mgCarbohydrates: 1816gSugar: 18gProtein: 1292g
These calculations are generated automatically by Nutritionix based on the ingredients shown in the recipe. The nutrition information is an estimation and may include errors. All nutritional information presented and written within this site (blueteatile.com) is intended for informational purposes only. The writer is not a certified nutritionist or registered dietitian and any nutritional information should be used as a general guideline only.
Success checklist
Check these before serving your matcha:
Smooth (no clumps)
Fully dissolved matcha powder
Balanced sweetness
No bitter aftertaste
Why Your Matcha Latte Might Taste Bitter (Fix Guide)
Here is a quick way to troubleshoot if your matcha latte is tasting bitter:
Too hot water
Matcha tastes bitter, and the color is moss-like.
If the water you are using is too hot (or even boiling!), it both gives the bitter flavours and also boils the colour of matcha, resulting in a bitter, moss-coloured drink.
How to fix it
Decrease water temperature to about 80°C (176°C).
If you have an electric kettle with only a 100°C option, boil it normally, open the lid, and let it cool down for about 2 minutes.
I use my baking thermometer, actually, to measure the temperature when I want to be precise.
(FORM: Tea making cheat sheet)
Too much matcha
Matcha tastes too intense or bitter or just bad.
If you are using too much matcha, it will not give a good and balanced flavour.
How to fix it
Keep the matcha water ratio at 1:10 when making the matcha base (I have 3 grams of matcha and 30 grams of water in this vanilla matcha latte recipe). Then add the milk of your choice to mix with the matcha base.
Poor whisking
The result looks like a clumpy or uneven mixture and gives bursts of bitter flavours.
When whisking is unefficient the result will be uneven.
How to fix it
Whisk in W or M-shape, not circles (like when mixing a batter). Whisk for about 30 seconds with a relaxed wrist. When Matcha has been whisked enough, it looks smooth and full of tiny bubbles.
When making the hot matcha latte, whisk an extra 30 seconds on the surface of the matcha mixture to create the dreamy, silky microfoam for your matcha latte.
Low Quality Matcha
Matcha tastes bitter, does not look vibrant, and has weird notes in flavour.
If matcha is bad quality (read: cheap), it might be oxidised, that effects to both flavor and color intensity. Also, bad-quality matcha might have other plants in the mixture and not be pure matcha.
How to fix it
Always purchase quality matcha from a trusted source like the Art Of Tea. It is better to invest in matcha and measure it correctly so you use enough but not too much to waste it.
