How to Make a Matcha Latte with Oat Milk

Matcha lattes have become a café favorite, and making one at home is easier than you think. The key is using high-quality matcha and a milk that complements its earthy, umami notes. Oat milk, with its naturally sweet and creamy texture, is a perfect match.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create a barista-worthy matcha latte with oat milk. You'll learn the ideal matcha-to-milk ratio, how to whisk properly, and tips for customizing your drink. Whether you're a matcha newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become your go-to.

Why Oat Milk Works So Well with Matcha

Oat milk's creamy consistency and subtle sweetness balance matcha's bold, grassy flavor. Unlike dairy milk, which can sometimes overpower the delicate notes of ceremonial-grade matcha, oat milk allows the tea's complexity to shine. It also froths beautifully, making it ideal for lattes.

When choosing oat milk for your matcha latte, look for a barista blend. These are formulated to steam and foam like dairy milk, giving you that velvety microfoam you love from coffee shops. Minor Figures' Barista Oat is a popular choice, and it's available in a convenient 3-month pre-paid subscription.

• Use barista oat milk for better frothing and texture.
• Oat milk is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

The Perfect Matcha-to-Milk Ratio

For a standard 12-ounce latte, you'll need about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder. This gives a balanced flavor—not too bitter, not too weak. If you prefer a stronger matcha kick, you can go up to 2 teaspoons. The amount of milk is typically 8 to 10 ounces, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Start with a small amount of hot water (about 2 ounces) to dissolve the matcha. Whisk it into a smooth paste, then add your steamed oat milk. This ensures the matcha is fully incorporated, preventing clumps and delivering a smooth, rich drink.

• For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha to 2 teaspoons.
• Adjust the milk amount to your preferred strength.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Matcha Latte with Oat Milk

First, sift 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any lumps. Add 2 ounces of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F) and whisk in a zigzag motion until frothy. This creates a smooth, lump-free matcha base.

Next, steam or froth 8 to 10 ounces of oat milk. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use a handheld frother or shake it in a jar. Pour the milk over the matcha, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. For a sweet touch, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey before the milk.

• Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) for authentic results.
• If you don't have a steamer, a French press can froth milk too.

Choosing the Right Matcha

The quality of your matcha dramatically affects the taste of your latte. Ceremonial grade matcha is the best choice for drinking straight or in lattes, as it's made from young, shade-grown leaves and has a vibrant green color and smooth flavor. Culinary grade matcha is more bitter and better suited for baking.

Look for matcha that is bright green and finely ground. It should have a sweet, grassy aroma. While we don't sell matcha, we do carry a range of products that can complement your matcha ritual, like the Hario V60 Drip Scale for precise measurements and the Teenage Engineering OB-4 Speakers for setting the mood.

• Store matcha in an airtight container away from light and heat.
• Use water just below boiling to avoid bitterness.

Customize Your Matcha Latte

Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment. Add a shot of espresso for a dirty matcha latte, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. In the summer, pour the matcha over ice for a refreshing iced version.

You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. Oat milk is already sweet, but you might want a touch of agave or a flavored syrup. For a healthier twist, try using unsweetened oat milk and a natural sweetener like stevia.

• For an iced matcha latte, use cold oat milk and pour over ice.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Making a matcha latte with oat milk at home is simple, cost-effective, and customizable. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can enjoy a café-quality drink anytime. So grab your favorite ceremonial matcha and a bottle of oat milk, and start experimenting with your perfect cup.