Vanilla matcha latte made with homemade vanilla simple syrup for a smooth, creamy drink that is better than coffee shop versions. Hot and iced options included.
Vanilla Matcha Latte with Homemade Vanilla Simple Syrup
A vanilla matcha latte is where earthy green tea meets soft vanilla notes. This version, made with homemade vanilla simple syrup, has a smoother, more balanced flavour than most coffee shop matcha lattes. No bitterness and no artificial aftertaste!
Making a vanilla matcha latte at home isn’t just about saving money. It is also about getting the best possible flavour and skipping that coffee shop line to give you more time in your day.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Easy to prepare: Just a few ingredients and ready in minutes!
- Balanced flavour: Homemade vanilla simple syrup doesn’t overpower matcha.
- Customizable: Make it dairy-free, lightly sweetened or extra creamy.
- A gentle caffeine boost: Matcha provides energy without the crash often associated with coffee.
- Enjoy hot or iced: This latte can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re craving something warm or refreshing.
Ingredient Notes
This easy vanilla matcha latte recipe only requires a handful of ingredients.
- Matcha: For the best flavour, use matcha that is vibrant green, not dull or yellowish.
- Water: To make an iced vanilla matcha, use cold water to cold brew matcha. To make a hot vanilla matcha latte, use water that is under boiling.
- Vanilla Simple Syrup: This is what truly sets this vanilla matcha latte apart. Grab my homemade vanilla syrup recipe here.
- Milk: You can use your favourite type of milk for lattes.
- Ice and Whipped Cream/Cold Foam: For an iced vanilla matcha only.
Easy Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredient measurements and full directions are in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Make vanilla simple syrup.
This syrup can be made at home in just a few minutes with sugar, water and vanilla. It should be made in advance as you will need to let the syrup cool before making this latte.
Step 2: Make cold brew matcha.
To remove clumps, sift matcha into a resealable bottle, jar or cocktail shaker. Add cold water, seal the bottle, jar or cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds or until frothy and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the vanilla matcha latte.
In a glass, add vanilla simple syrup. The amount used depends on your preference. I recommend anywhere from 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup to start. You can always add more later if you would like it sweeter.
Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add milk then the cold brew matcha. Top this iced latte with whipped cream or cold foam. Stir the drink to combine before serving or enjoying!
How to Make a Hot Vanilla Matcha Latte
In a mug or bowl, sift matcha with a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps. Add hot water (under boiling) and whisk together with a bamboo whisk or an electric whisk until the matcha is smooth and frothy.
Add whisked matcha and vanilla simple syrup to a serving mug and stir to combine. Heat and froth milk of your choice. Add the milk froth to the mug of vanilla matcha and enjoy!
Variations
Aside from making this latte hot or iced, you can try other variations. Here are some ideas:
- Dairy-Free: Use your favourite dairy-free milk to make this drink vegan friendly. I recommend oat milk as it has a natural creamy texture.
- Light: If you prefer a more tea-forward drink, simply reduce the amount of vanilla syrup.
- Extra Creamy: Use half milk and half cream or a barista-style oat milk for an extra creamy latte.
- Bubble Tea: Turn this latte into a vanilla matcha bubble tea by adding cooked tapioca pearls to the glass first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tea latte have caffeine?
Yes! Matcha generally contains less caffeine than coffee, but this green tea powder is high in caffeine.
Why does my matcha latte taste bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from low-quality matcha or water that’s too hot. Look for high-quality matcha and make sure the water is under boiling.
More Homemade Lattes:
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup milk
- 1-2 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup
- Ice and whipped cream/cold foam for iced latte only
Instructions
To Make It Iced:
- Sift matcha into a resealable bottle, jar or cocktail shaker to remove clumps. Add cold water, seal and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds or until frothy and smooth.
- In a serving glass, add vanilla simple syrup. The amount used depends on your preference. I recommend anywhere from 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup to start. You can always add more later if you would like it sweeter.
- Fill the glass with ice. Add milk then the cold brew matcha.
- Top this iced latte with whipped cream or cold foam. Stir the drink to combine before serving or enjoying!
To Make It Hot:
- In a mug or bowl, sift matcha with a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps. Add hot water (under boiling) and whisk together with a bamboo whisk or an electric whisk until the matcha is smooth and frothy.
- Add whisked matcha and vanilla simple syrup to a serving mug and stir to combine.
- Heat and froth milk of your choice. Add the milk froth to the mug of vanilla matcha and enjoy!