Did you know matcha tea has been a key part of Japanese tea ceremonies for a long time? It’s not just a pretty drink, but it’s also full of health benefits. The Creamy Vanilla Matcha Latte is a new take on this classic drink. It mixes the rich taste of matcha green tea with the sweet taste of vanilla syrup.
This latte is both tasty and healthy. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a special and nutritious drink.
If you love matcha or are just trying it out, this recipe is a treat. It has a nice mix of flavors and feels like a warm hug in your hands. It also has less caffeine than coffee, making it a good choice for a mid-day pick-me-up without the jitters.
Are you ready to try matcha tea? We’ll show you how to make this tasty drink with easy ingredients and tips. You can even make it your own way. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Matcha varieties: Ceremonial Grade, Premium Grade, and Culinary Grade.
- Dairy milk and oat milk foam best for making matcha lattes.
- A vanilla matcha latte has an average of 108 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Matcha provides a subtler caffeine boost than coffee, perfect for an energy lift without the crash.
- Oat milk is a vegan and dairy-free option ideal for this latte.
Want to try something new with your coffee? Check out the lavender matcha latte for another interesting mix!
Introduction to Vanilla Matcha Latte
The Vanilla Matcha Latte is quickly becoming a hit with tea and latte lovers. It combines matcha tea’s benefits with a sweet, creamy flavor. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes great, just like what you’d find in coffee shops.
This drink is a treat that’s also good for you. It lets you enjoy matcha’s benefits, like better metabolism and focus, with every sip. You’ll use top-quality matcha powder, milk, vanilla extract, and a bit of honey or agave syrup. It’s easy to make at home and has only 149 kcal per serving.
Matcha lattes give you a caffeine boost that lasts for up to 8 hours. They’re made with finely ground green tea leaves for a strong flavor. You can enjoy your Vanilla Matcha Latte hot or iced, and it takes just 5 minutes to make.
It’s easy to see why matcha lattes are so popular. They’re healthy, easy to make, and taste great. Want to try making one at home? Check out the guide on using Trader Joe’s Matcha Green Tea Latte mix for the best results.
Ingredients for the Perfect Matcha Latte
Making a great Vanilla Matcha Latte starts with top-notch ingredients. These ingredients make every sip special. Here’s what you need:
Matcha Green Tea Powder
The key to a great Vanilla Matcha Latte is the green tea matcha powder. Choose ceremonial grade matcha for the best taste and most nutrients. Brands like Rishi Organic Everyday Matcha and Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder are great choices.
This green powder is full of antioxidants, caffeine, and L-theanine. It makes the drink tasty and helps you focus.
Milk of Choice
You can pick from many milks for your vegan Matcha Latte. Options include creamy oat milk, rich coconut milk, silky soy milk, or traditional whole milk. Each milk adds its own special taste and texture.
Oat milk is great for a frothy drink, while almond milk is lighter.
Vanilla Syrup
A homemade vanilla syrup adds sweet and fragrant flavors to your latte. You can make it with vanilla extract and sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Or, you can buy it.
This syrup blends the flavors perfectly, making your latte irresistible.
Sweeteners
You can adjust the sweetness of your Vanilla Matcha Latte with different sweeteners. Try honey, brown sugar, agave nectar, or sweetened milk. Maple syrup is a top pick for its natural taste and health perks.
Making the Vanilla Syrup
Making your own vanilla syrup is key to a great vanilla matcha latte. It adds a sweet and authentic taste to your drink.
To make vanilla syrup, start by mixing sugar and water over medium heat. As the sugar dissolves, add vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder. This adds a rich vanilla flavor to your syrup.
This vanilla syrup recipe is easy and quick. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. This way, you can make your vanilla matcha latte just how you want it.
Here’s a simple guide to making vanilla syrup:
- Ingredients: Granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder.
- Mixing: Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Infusing: Once the sugar has dissolved, mix in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder.
- Storing: Let the mixture cool before putting it in a container. Keep it in the fridge for up to a month.
Adding homemade vanilla syrup to your matcha latte makes it even better. It adds a warm, sweet taste to every sip.
Vanilla syrup is also great for other drinks and recipes. It’s a smart addition to your pantry. This simple step will make your matcha lattes a special treat full of flavor.
Preparing Your Matcha Latte
Making a great vanilla matcha latte takes precision and care. Follow these steps for that perfect frothy matcha creaminess:
- Start by sifting 1 to 1.5 tsp of organic Matcha Oishii powder into a bowl. Sifting helps in avoiding any clumps.
- Add 50ml of hot water (not boiling) to the matcha powder. Water too hot can scorch the matcha, leading to a bitter taste. Use around 175°F.
- Whisk the mixture briskly using a bamboo whisk (Chasen) or a handheld electric frother until you achieve a smooth, frothy blend.
- Heat 200ml of your preferred milk, such as vanilla almond milk or regular dairy milk. A French press can be wonderful for frothing milk; just pump for about 15 seconds to introduce air for that creamy texture.
- Combine the frothed milk with the whisked matcha. Pour the milk slowly to mix well with the matcha, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Add about 1 tsp of homemade or store-bought vanilla syrup and sweetener to taste.
Optional toppings like vegan whipped cream are a lovely addition and can elevate your matcha latte experience. This matcha latte recipe typically yields one glorious serving but can easily be doubled or tripled for more.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Servings: 1
Now that you know how to make a matcha latte and bask in the frothy matcha creaminess, enjoy the aromatic and invigorating drink that will likely become your instant favorite.
Choosing the Right Matcha Grade
The matcha experience changes a lot based on the grade you pick. Knowing about matcha grades helps you find the best one for you.
Ceremonial Grade
Ceremonial matcha is the top grade, made from the first tea leaves of spring. It’s very expensive and perfect for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It tastes sweet and rich, with a bright green color.
This matcha has lots of L-theanine, caffeine, and chlorophyll. It’s best drunk as a warm tea alone. It comes from places like Uji, Japan, which is great for growing green tea.
Premium Grade
Premium matcha is a bit bitter but still good, great for everyday drinking and matcha lattes. It’s a mix of first and second harvest teas. This gives it a light, slightly grassy taste.
Brands like Blue Bottle use this grade from Uji, Japan. It’s perfect for those wanting a great matcha every day. Tazo Matcha is a great example of this balance of energy and calmness.
Culinary Grade
Culinary matcha is the cheapest and most common type, great for baking, cooking, and more. It tastes bitter and astringent, but it’s versatile. This makes it popular for daily use.
Brands like Chamberlain’s Matcha Powder come from Shizuoka, Japan, known for its good soil and water. David’s Tea offers sampler sets with flavored matcha powders. This makes it easy to use culinary matcha in many recipes.
Alternative Milk Options
A vegan matcha latte is a tasty twist on the classic drink. Today, there are many milk alternatives to choose from. This makes it easy to find a drink that fits your diet and taste.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is great for a vegan matcha latte. It’s creamy and froths well, adding a rich feel to your drink. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
Oat milk is easy to find in coffee shops. It doesn’t curdle when heated, which is a plus for baristas and matcha fans.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk adds a tropical taste to your matcha latte. It has iron, Vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese, but less protein than cow’s milk. It’s high in saturated fat but still offers a creamy texture and unique flavor.
Soy, Almond, and Cashew Milk
Soy milk is a good choice for a vegan matcha latte. Brands like Bonsoy make a silky-smooth milk foam. But, soy milk can cause allergies, so be aware of this.
Almond milk is great for vegans and those with dairy allergies. It’s low in calories and tastes similar to regular milk. But, it might mask the taste of matcha. It also helps keep blood sugar stable but uses a lot of water to make.
Cashew milk keeps blood sugar stable but doesn’t froth well. So, it’s not the best for a frothy latte. Yet, its creamy texture is nice for those who like a less frothy drink.
With these milk options, you can make a vegan matcha latte that’s tasty and healthy. Each milk type adds its own flavor and benefits. This lets you customize your matcha drink just how you like it.
Matcha Latte Benefits and Calories
Enjoying a Vanilla Matcha Latte is more than just a treat. It’s a drink full of health benefits. It’s known for its green tea antioxidants. These help protect cells, keep your heart healthy, and make your skin glow.
Matcha is a better choice than coffee for many reasons. It has l-theanine, which helps you stay alert and focused. This means you get a steady energy boost without the coffee jitters.
Let’s talk about calories in matcha lattes. The amount can change based on what you add to it. A Vanilla Matcha Latte can be a good choice if you pick natural sweeteners and low-sugar options.
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Matcha Powder (1 tsp) | 3 |
| Hot Water (2 tbsp) | 0 |
| Milk (1 cup, any type) | 86 – 150 |
| Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) | 6 |
| Honey (1 tbsp) | 64 |
This table lets you adjust your matcha latte calories to your diet. Matcha can also help with weight management and boost your metabolism. Plus, it can help fight depression by filling dietary gaps.
High-quality matcha is full of antioxidants and amino acids. These help lower stress and keep your heart healthy. Adding a Vanilla Matcha Latte to your daily routine can really improve your health.
Try It Iced!
On warm days, a Vanilla Matcha Latte can easily be turned into a refreshing iced drink. Just whisk matcha with a bit of hot water. Then, mix it with ice and your preferred cold milk. An iced matcha latte is a great summer drink idea. It keeps the tasty flavors of the hot version but is cool and refreshing. Here’s how to make this refreshing drink.
- Preparation Time: Less than 10 minutes
- Servings: 1 serving
- Ingredients:
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon culinary grade matcha powder
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Start by whisking 1 teaspoon of culinary grade matcha powder with ¼ cup hot water until smooth. This type of matcha is less expensive but still tastes great. Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness and flavor. Make sure everything mixes well.
Fill a glass with ice, then pour in 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like). Add the matcha mixture over the ice. Using almond milk ice cubes can add more flavor. For a fancy touch, whisk the matcha with a bamboo whisk to make it frothy.
Voila! Your iced vanilla matcha latte is ready to enjoy. This drink is not only refreshing but also has health benefits. It gives you a steady energy boost and antioxidants from the matcha.
This summer drink idea lets you enjoy your favorite hot vanilla matcha latte in a cool, refreshing way.
Conclusion
Start a fun journey with the vanilla matcha latte. It’s a mix of old traditions and new tastes. This recipe makes matcha green tea into a smooth and tasty latte. It’s a healthier choice that looks and tastes great.
This drink is made with matcha powder, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and a sweetener you like. It lets you try different things to make your matcha latte special.
You can have it iced or hot. The best part is, you can pick the type of plant-based milk you like. Choose from oat, coconut, or almond milk. Adding vanilla extract gives it a cozy taste that makes it even better.
Matcha is not just tasty; it’s also good for you. It has antioxidants that help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. It has as much caffeine as coffee but gives you energy that lasts longer.
Plus, you can make a low-calorie version with almond milk and a little sweetener. It’s easy to make in about five minutes. The vanilla matcha latte is a perfect mix of art, fun, and great taste.
