How to Make Matcha Coffee: A Japanese-Style Specialty Drink

If you’ve ever craved a coffee that blends the deep, roasted tones of a dark brew with the bright, grassy lift of Japanese green tea, matcha coffee might be your next favorite drink. This isn’t a latte or a standard frappé—it’s a thoughtfully layered Japanese-style specialty beverage that marries pour-over coffee with matcha and fresh whipped cream. Here’s exactly how it comes together.

To make a classic matcha coffee, you’ll need 12 grams of dark roast medium-ground coffee, hot water, sugar, matcha powder, and fresh cream. The entire process takes under 5 minutes and delivers a cup that balances bold coffee aroma with delicate matcha fragrance.

What Is Matcha Coffee?

Matcha coffee is a Japanese-style specialty drink that combines brewed dark roast coffee with a touch of matcha green tea powder and fresh whipped cream. It’s designed to deliver the deep, resonant flavor of a dark roast alongside the fresh, vegetal aroma of high-quality matcha. The result is a layered drink with both Western and Eastern flavor profiles—rich coffee base, smooth sweetness, and a whisper of green tea.

Why Use Pour-Over for Matcha Coffee?

The traditional method for making matcha coffee uses pour-over technique, specifically paper-filtered drip. This approach highlights the clean, rounded mouthfeel of a dark roast while filtering out any harshness. The fine paper filter allows the coffee’s Maillard reaction-derived complexity to shine through without dominating the more delicate matcha notes. It’s a method favored by Japanese coffee shops aiming for a refined, aromatic balance.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

• 12g dark roast coffee, medium grind (ideal for pour-over)
• Hot water (for brewing and mixing)
• 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• A small amount of matcha powder (high-quality, natural, no additives)
• Fresh cream (for whipped topping)
• Paper filter and pour-over dripper
• Kettle, spoon, and cup

Step-by-Step: How to Make Matcha Coffee

1. Warm Your Cup
Start by rinsing your coffee cup with hot water to warm it up. This helps maintain brewing and drinking temperature.

2. Set Up the Pour-Over
Fold your paper filter along the seam and place it in the dripper. Add 12g of medium-ground dark roast coffee into the filter, leveling it gently by tapping. Place the dripper on your cup.

3. Bloom and Brew
Pour a small amount of hot water to bloom the coffee grounds. Wait until the coffee begins to drip and the grounds expand (about 35–40 seconds). Then, pour water in slow circles to fully extract the coffee—aim for a total brew volume of around 70–80% full in the cup.

4. Mix in Matcha and Sweetener
Once brewed, add a small amount of sugar and a pinch of matcha powder to the coffee. Stir gently to combine—the matcha should integrate smoothly without clumping.

5. Top with Whipped Cream
Using a piping bag or spoon, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the coffee, forming a small hill.

6. Finish with Matcha Dust
Lightly dust the whipped cream with a bit more matcha powder. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coffee roast is best for matcha coffee?

A dark roast, medium-ground coffee is recommended—specifically around 12 grams per serving. The dark roast provides a bold base that contrasts nicely with the fresh, grassy notes of the matcha.

Can I use any matcha powder for this drink?

No, it’s important to use natural, high-quality matcha powder without added chemicals or flavorings. Artificial matcha can ruin the delicate balance of flavors and may introduce unwanted bitterness or off-notes.

Do I have to use pour-over? Can I use French press or espresso?

The traditional method uses pour-over with a paper filter to achieve a clean, smooth cup that doesn’t overpower the matcha. While you can experiment with other brew methods, the pour-over is preferred for its clarity and balance.

How much matcha powder should I use?

The recipe calls for a “small amount” or “a little”—typically just a light sprinkle both in the coffee and on top of the whipped cream. Exact measurement isn’t specified, so adjust to taste, starting small.

Is this drink sweetened?

Yes, the recipe includes adding 1 teaspoon of sugar to the brewed coffee before stirring in the matcha. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.

What’s the purpose of the whipped cream?

The fresh whipped cream adds a creamy texture and mild sweetness that complements both the coffee and matcha. It’s traditionally piped as a small hill and dusted with additional matcha powder.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Matcha Coffee

For this Japanese-inspired matcha coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Hambela – a bright yet structured single origin with blueberry, lemon, and floral notes that plays well off the grassy tones of matcha. Alternatively, their Yunnan Golden Tip offers a sweeter, nuttier profile with hints of honey and dried fruit that balances the bitterness of dark roast. For a classic dark roast base, their Classic Blend delivers chocolatey, caramelized notes ideal for pour-over. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.