How to Make Matcha Coffee: Japanese-Style Specialty Drink

If you’ve ever wanted a coffee drink that feels like a calm afternoon in Kyoto but tastes rich like your favorite espresso, you’ve likely wondered how to make matcha coffee. This isn’t just another coffee trend—it’s a carefully layered drink that blends bold espresso with earthy matcha and silky milk, creating a unique harmony of flavors. But getting the ratios and texture right can be tricky without guidance.

To make classic matcha coffee, you’ll need 50ml of coffee, 50ml of milk, 15g of matcha powder, and 1oz of honey. These ingredients combine in a shaker and are topped with steamed milk foam for a drink that balances bitter, sweet, and umami notes in one cup.

What Is Matcha Coffee?

Matcha coffee is a specialty-style beverage that merges the deep flavors of brewed coffee with the bright, vegetal notes of Japanese matcha. Unlike standard lattes or flavored coffees, it aims for balance: the robust character of espresso meets the smooth bitterness of powdered green tea. It’s believed to have originated in Japan, developed by coffee shops striving for refined flavor experiences. The drink offers both the familiar warmth of coffee and the refreshing lift of high-quality matcha.

What Is Matcha and Where Does It Come From?

Matcha is finely ground green tea powder made from shade-grown, steam-fixed tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, matcha is consumed in powdered form, allowing you to ingest the whole leaf. Originally developed during China’s Sui Dynasty and popularized in the Tang and Song Dynasties, matcha has over a thousand years of history. It became a key part of Japanese tea culture, known for its vibrant color and smooth, slightly astringent flavor. The traditional preparation method emphasizes precision, a quality that carries over into its use in coffee drinks.

"，" is a line from Tang Dynasty poet Lu Tong praising the appearance and texture of properly prepared matcha—a quality you can aim to recreate even in a coffee-mixed format.

What You’ll Need to Make Matcha Coffee

To create an authentic version of this drink, gather the following measured ingredients:

• 50ml coffee (preferably espresso for best results)
• 50ml milk (whole milk preferred for texture)
• 15g matcha powder (high-quality, stone-ground if possible)
• 1oz honey (for sweetness and to help dissolve the matcha)

No specialty tools beyond a shaker (like a Boston shaker or boston-style shaker bottle), a manual frother, and a cup are strictly required—but they do help achieve the proper texture and mix.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Matcha Coffee

Here’s how to build the drink in a way that keeps the matcha smooth and the coffee strong:

1. Prepare the Base: Add 15g of matcha powder into a shaker or mixing container.
2. Mix Milk and Honey: Combine 50ml of milk with 1oz of honey. Adjust until the mixture matches the color of the matcha powder. Ensure the matcha is fully dissolved—no visible clumps or powder pockets. Shake or stir for about 10 seconds to integrate everything smoothly.
3. Combine Layers: Pour the matcha-milk blend into your serving cup. Then add 50ml of freshly brewed coffee directly over it. This layering helps preserve the distinct flavors.
4. Froth and Top: Use a manual milk frother to whip the remaining milk into microfoam. Spoon the foam on top of the coffee until the surface is fully covered. Finish by sprinkling a bit more matcha powder on top for aroma and visual appeal.

The result is a drink where the earthiness of matcha meets the intensity of coffee, softened by creamy milk and a hint of sweetness.

Why This Recipe Works

This particular balance—50ml coffee, 50ml milk, 15g matcha, and 1oz honey—has been designed to let each ingredient shine. The coffee provides a strong backbone, while the matcha adds complexity. The milk smooths the overall texture, and the honey bridges any gaps in flavor. The ratios ensure none of the elements overpower the others, resulting in a drink that’s both comforting and intriguing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant coffee instead of fresh espresso for matcha coffee?

No, this recipe specifically uses 50ml of coffee—ideally fresh espresso—for the best flavor. Instant coffee lacks the body and intensity needed to balance the matcha and milk layers effectively. Using espresso ensures a richer taste and proper layering in the final drink.

What kind of matcha powder should I use for this coffee recipe?

Use high-quality, stone-ground matcha powder if possible—around 15g for this recipe. Culinary-grade matcha can work, but stone-ground ceremonial grade will give a smoother, more authentic flavor. Avoid powders with additives or fillers that affect texture or taste.

Do I have to use honey? Can I substitute sugar or syrup?

Honey is used in this recipe for both sweetness and to help dissolve the matcha. You can substitute it with sugar or simple syrup, but you may need to adjust the amount slightly and stir longer to ensure the matcha dissolves fully. Honey aids in creating a smoother mouthfeel.

Is it necessary to froth the milk separately for the foam topping?

Yes. For the best texture, use a manual milk frother to whip the milk into microfoam after combining the other ingredients. Spooning the foam on top finishes the drink with a classic latte-like presentation and texture. Cold or poorly frothed milk won’t achieve the same light, airy topping.

Can I make this drink iced?

This recipe hasn’t been tested for iced preparation, but you could try pouring the blended matcha-milk and coffee over ice and topping with cold foam. The texture and flavor balance might shift, so adjustments to sweetness or matcha ratios may be needed.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Matcha Blends

For pairing with matcha coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and light acidity that complements the herbal qualities of matcha. Their Classic Blend also offers a balanced medium roast with nutty and chocolate tones that won’t clash with the green tea elements. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.