Matcha and Honey: Ultimate Latte Recipes (Hot, Iced & Shaken)

Matcha and honey create a perfect partnership in lattes, offering sustained energy without the crash that comes with coffee. The earthy richness of matcha balanced by Manuka honey's natural sweetness delivers a beverage that's both delicious and nurturing for your body.

Quality ingredients make all the difference when preparing matcha and honey drinks at home. Look for vibrant green ceremonial or latte-grade matcha powder and pair it with genuine UMF™ certified Manuka honey for the best flavour and health benefits.

The versatile combination of matcha and honey works beautifully in hot, iced, or shaken preparations. Each method brings out different qualities in the ingredients, allowing you to enjoy this healthful pairing year-round.

Simple techniques like proper whisking, temperature control, and the shaking method ensure great results without needing special equipment. With our troubleshooting tips and customisation ideas, you'll be creating café-quality matcha and honey beverages for any occasion.

What Is a Matcha Latte?

Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, but what exactly is this vibrant green powder, and how did it evolve into the popular latte variations we see today?

Unlike regular green tea where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is made by grinding the entire tea leaf into a fine powder. This means you're consuming the whole leaf and receiving all its nutrients. Traditional Japanese matcha preparation involves whisking the powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk called a chasen.

The modern matcha latte combines this traditional powder with milk and sweetener. It emerged as Western café culture embraced this Japanese tradition, transforming it into a comforting, creamy beverage that offers an alternative to coffee.

So, what is a matcha latte exactly? It's a beverage that combines matcha green tea powder, a liquid (usually water and milk), and a sweetener into a smooth, frothy drink. The result is a subtly sweet, earthy beverage with a beautiful green hue and velvety texture.

Latte matcha tea has gained global popularity for several compelling reasons:

• It provides a gentler, more sustained energy boost than coffee

• The preparation process can be meditative and mindful

• Its vibrant colour makes it highly photogenic for social media

• The earthy, complex flavour offers a sophisticated alternative to overly sweet café drinks

• Its impressive nutritional profile provides many potential wellness benefits

Why Honey is the Perfect Matcha Sweetener

Not all sweetener options are created equal. While many cafés use simple syrup, agave nectar, or artificial sweeteners, honey (especially Manuka honey) stands out as the ideal companion for quality matcha.

Here’s how the sweetener options stack up:

• Refined sugar: One-dimensional sweetness that can overwhelm matcha's delicate flavour

• Artificial sweeteners: Often leave an unpleasant aftertaste that clashes with matcha's natural notes

• Agave nectar: Lower glycemic index than sugar but still quite processed with minimal nutritional benefits

• Maple syrup: Good natural option but its distinct flavour can compete with the matcha

• Honey: Offers complex flavours, natural enzymes and phytonutrients, and complementary health benefits

Manuka honey, in particular, pairs exceptionally well with matcha's grassy undertones. The floral, slightly woody notes of quality Manuka honey complement matcha's natural flavour profile, creating a beautifully balanced beverage where neither ingredient overpowers the other.

Read more: The Best Healthy Natural Sweeteners

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Iced Matcha Lattes at Home

When the weather warms up, an iced matcha and honey latte becomes the perfect refreshment. Learning how to make iced matcha lattes at home is surprisingly simple once you understand the principles. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare your matcha base:

• Sift 1-1.5 teaspoons of quality matcha into a bowl

• Add 60ml of hot (not boiling) water

• Whisk vigorously using a "W" motion until smooth and frothy

• Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey once it has cooled down slightly but still warm. If you add Manuka honey while it’s still hot, some of the beneficial enzymes may be destroyed. Learn more here.
  
  

2. Chill strategically:

• Allow the matcha-honey mixture to cool for a few minutes

• Fill a glass with ice (about 3/4 full)

• Use larger ice cubes when possible as they melt more slowly and won't dilute your drink as quickly
  
  

3. Add your milk:

• Pour 120-180ml of cold milk of choice over the ice

• Leave room at the top for your matcha mixture
  
  

4. Combine beautifully:

• Slowly pour your matcha-honey mixture over the milk

• This creates a beautiful layered effect at first

• Stir gently before drinking to combine the flavours
  
  

5. Garnish (optional):

• Dust with a tiny amount of matcha powder

• Add a small drizzle of honey on top

• Include a reusable straw for easy sipping
  
  

Tips for how to make the best matcha latte iced

• Pre-chill your glass: Place your serving glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making your drink

• Quality ice matters: Use filtered water for your ice cubes to avoid off-flavours

• Avoid over-dilution: Consider using milk ice cubes instead of water ice for a creamier drink as they melt

• Balance is key: Adjust the ratio of matcha to milk based on your preference for strength

• Serve immediately: Iced matcha is best enjoyed fresh before the ice melts and dilutes the flavours

Creative Matcha Drink Recipe Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic matcha and honey combinations, explore these creative matcha drink recipes to keep your refreshment routine interesting and exciting:

Lemon Honey Matcha

A bright, refreshing variation perfect for hot summer days.

• Prepare your basic iced matcha and honey mixture

• Add the juice of half a fresh lemon

• Garnish with a lemon wheel and an extra drizzle of honey

• The citrus notes beautifully complement matcha's earthiness

Coconut Honey Matcha

A tropical twist that feels like an indulgent treat.

• Use coconut milk as your milk base

• Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to your matcha mixture

• Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes

• For extra indulgence, use coconut cream for part of your milk

Spiced Honey Matcha

Perfect for cooler days or when you want something warming.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom to your matcha powder before whisking

• Use a slightly stronger honey ratio (about 2 teaspoons)

• Consider using oat milk for a complementary nutty flavour

• Garnish with a dash of cinnamon on top

Collagen-Boosted Matcha

For those looking to add skin and joint benefits.

• Add one scoop of unflavoured collagen powder to your matcha mixture

• Whisk thoroughly to ensure it's fully incorporated

• The collagen is virtually tasteless but adds protein and potential beauty benefits

• This makes a great post-workout recovery option

Other creative variations to try

• Berry Matcha: Add a small splash of blueberry or raspberry puree

• Chocolate Matcha: Incorporate a teaspoon of raw cacao powder

• Mint Matcha: Add a drop of peppermint extract and garnish with fresh mint

• Golden Matcha: Include a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits

• Protein Matcha: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a post-workout boost

Suggested Articles

• How to tell if your honey is pure
• 176 ways to use manuka honey
• Manuka honey vs regular honey 
• Is manuka honey worth it? It depends. Here’s why…

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we’ve got answers. Here are tips and insights to deal with some of the most commonly asked matcha honey latte questions.

What is the best type of matcha for lattes?

For lattes, latte-grade or culinary-grade matcha is ideal. Ceremonial grade is the highest quality and best for traditional preparation methods, but its subtle nuances can get lost when combined with milk. Look for a vibrant green colour and Japanese origin for the best quality regardless of grade.

How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?

A typical matcha latte contains approximately 38-88mg of caffeine, roughly half to two-thirds the amount in a comparable cup of coffee. However, matcha's caffeine has a different interaction with the body thanks to the presence of L-theanine, providing a more sustained energy without the crash.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the matcha-honey base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best taste and texture, it's recommended to add the milk and ice fresh before serving. Never make a complete matcha latte too far in advance, as it will separate and lose its appealing frothy texture.

What's the best milk for matcha lattes?

This largely comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Oat milk and whole dairy milk tend to produce the creamiest results with the best froth. Coconut milk pairs beautifully with matcha's flavour but may separate more easily. Almond milk works well, but choose a barista version for better texture.

How can I make my matcha latte frothier?

The shaking method described earlier in our blog produces excellent froth. Alternatively, use a handheld milk frother, French press (push the plunger up and down repeatedly with warm milk), or blender for a few seconds. Milk temperature matters too - slightly warm milk froths better than very cold milk.

What's the difference between culinary and ceremonial grade matcha?

Ceremonial grade is the highest quality matcha, made from the youngest tea leaves with stems and veins removed. It has a smoother texture, brighter colour, and more subtle, sweet flavour. Culinary grade is harvested later, ground more quickly, and has a slightly stronger, more bitter taste that stands up well to milk and sweeteners.

Can I use honey in hot matcha without losing benefits?

Yes, but temperature control is key. Add honey to your matcha mixture after it has cooled slightly from the initial hot water (around 60°C or lower). This preserves the beneficial enzymes and properties of raw honey while still allowing it to dissolve completely.