Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe (Hot & Iced Copycat)

This Starbucks Matcha Latte recipe shows you exactly how to make the famous green tea latte at home both hot and iced. Made with matcha powder, milk, and sweetener, this easy copycat tastes just like the one from Starbucks but costs a fraction of the price.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a Starbucks matcha latte that’s smooth, vibrant green, and perfectly sweetened, this guide breaks down everything you need, including the type of matcha Starbucks uses and how to customize it.

What Is a Starbucks Matcha Latte?

A Starbucks Matcha Latte is a green tea drink made with matcha powder and milk. Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend, which means their version already contains sugar. The drink can be ordered hot or iced and is part of their “green tea latte” menu category.

Since you are here and love Starbucks recipes, check out this Starbucks Honey Oatmilk Latte Recipe or this Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato Recipe Copycat.

How Does Starbucks Sweeten Their Matcha Latte?

Starbucks uses a sweetened matcha powder blend rather than pure ceremonial-grade matcha. This is why their drink tastes sweeter than traditional Japanese matcha.

If you’re using unsweetened matcha at home, you’ll need to add simple syrup, sugar, or another sweetener to replicate the Starbucks flavor.

Starbucks Matcha Latte Ingredients

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

• Culinary grade matcha powder - For the closest Starbucks flavor, use culinary-grade matcha if you want a slightly stronger taste, or ceremonial-grade matcha for a smoother finish. The more matcha you use, the stronger the matcha flavor, so keep that in mind to adjust this drink to your liking. 
• Water - Hot water helps dissolve the matcha powder into a smooth paste for even distribution in the latte.
• Simple syrup - A sweetener made from sugar and water, used to add a balanced sweetness to the latte
• Milk - Provides a creamy texture and base for the latte, with options for dairy or non-dairy varieties.
• Ice - Used to chill and refresh the latte when making an iced version.

How to Make a Starbucks Matcha Latte (Hot or Iced)

This is how you can make this delicious matcha latte Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!  (or similar/whatever you think would work well)

1. Froth the matcha powder with warm or hot milk using a milk frother or a bamboo matcha whisk that's been soaked in warm water for a few minutes. 
2. Pour the matcha tea into your serving glass (pick according to if you'd like it iced or hot)
3. Add your sweetened of choice. 
4. Top it with steamed creamy milk or cold milk and ice. 
5. Stir and enjoy!

You can enjoy this as a hot matcha latte by adding hot milk to the matcha mixture or by adding cold milk to the matcha mixture and topping it with ice! 

Why Make This Starbucks Matcha Latte at Home?

• Costs less than half the price of Starbucks
• You control sweetness and milk type
• Higher quality matcha than Starbucks uses
• Ready in under 5 minutes

Frequently asked questions - FAQ

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers you can store them in a mason jar or an airtight container. 

​Depending if the drink is hot or iced, you will change things up a bit. Like remove the ice from your drink to keep it from getting too watered down. 

Now either heat it up or add more ice whenever you are ready to enjoy it again!

Can I use almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives?

Of course, the benefits of making this recipe at home is that it allows you to use your milk of choice. In this case I used dairy milk, or whole milk I should say but you can also use dairy free alternatives, like cashew milk, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk! The type of milk should depend on your preference. 

Doesn't Starbucks use sweetened matcha powder?

Starbucks does indeed use sweetened matcha powder in their drinks. I find that them using that sweetened matcha powder both decreases the benefits of the matcha powder and also results in a subpar matcha flavor, that's why I always suggest using ceremonial grade matcha powder in your lattes. 

Of course, if you want to stick with sweetened matcha, feel free to use this Matcha Love Barista Sweetened Matcha for a more similar result. Just omit the simple syrup in your recipe. 

What else can I sweeten my matcha latte with?

If you're not a fan of simple syrup you can always use vanilla syrup, honey, or even maple syrup. Of course, each one will change up the flavor of the drink a little but they all will taste good and depending on your preference you might even like the sweetener substitution ones even more!

If you want more of a healthy matcha latte, you can have it without sweetener and if you still want the sweetness but want a lot calorie drink, opt for a sugar free sweetened. 

What are some health benefits of matcha?

Matcha has a ton of health benefits, including being righ in antioxidants like EGCG, which works to protect cells and support overall health. The combination of the caffeine and the catechins helps boost the metabolism and give your steady energy levels without the crash. Plus it promotes focus and calmess through the L-theanine.

​What are the different grades of matcha?

1. Ceremonial Grade: Highest quality with a vibrant green color and delicate flavor, used for traditional tea ceremonies.
2. Premium Grade: Slightly lower quality but still good for drinks and everyday use.
3. Culinary Grade: Used in baking and cooking; has a more robust, slightly bitter flavor.
4. Ingredient Grade: Similar to culinary grade, used in commercial products and recipes needing a strong matcha flavor.

Why Is Starbucks Matcha Latte So Popular on TikTok?

The Starbucks Matcha Latte became popular on TikTok for its vibrant green color and customizable sweetness levels. Many viral versions adjust the sweetness, milk type, or add cold foam on top.

If you enjoyed this Starbucks matcha latte copycat recipe, make sure to pin it for later!