How to Make a Matcha Latte

If you're looking for a healthy, interesting and uplifting drink, make a matcha latte at home. Matcha is unlike other teas in that it doesn't use whole or crushed tea leaves, but rather finely ground tea leaves. You can update this traditional Japanese tea, which has served as the center of tea ceremonies for centuries, with a western flare to make a matcha latte.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Measure a heaping teaspoon of matcha powder into a traditional Japanese ceramic tea bowl or latte mug. Add teaspoons of water until you moisten the powder thoroughly so you can mix it.
2. Whip the mixture with a wire whisk, a battery-powered latte whisk or a hand held blender. Make sure you break up any remaining small lumps of tea so you have a smooth consistency.
3. Heat milk on the stove slowly, making sure to constantly stir with a whisk until it begins to simmer. Start to whisk vigorously until the warm milk is full and frothy.
4. Add honey or flavored syrups to the tea mixture for sweet matchas, adjusting to taste. Be willing to experiment with flavors. You'll find some that mix well with the unique matcha tea flavor.
5. Pour milk slowly into the mixture, using the whisk to thoroughly mix any of the settled tea, the flavorings and the milk to create a smooth consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk when you make a matcha latte or it will drown out the tea flavor. Ideally, the drink should still be a creamy jade color.

Tips & Warnings

• Matcha is ground so fine that it creates a powder often called "Froth of Liquid Jade." Matcha is bright green in color and desired because of its health benefits.