How to Make Matcha Coffee: A Japanese-Style Pour-Over Recipe

You’ve seen it on Instagram: that rich, earthy cup with a vibrant green swirl on top. But how do you actually make matcha coffee—the Japanese-inspired drink that blends deep-roast pour-over coffee with fresh matcha powder and cream? If you’ve tried mixing instant matcha into espresso or stirring powder into drip coffee with hit-or-miss results, this guide gives you the exact method used in Japanese-style cafés, built around a proper paper-filtered brew.

To make matcha coffee the authentic way, use 20g of freshly roasted dark coffee, a small amount of matcha powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and fresh cream. The key steps include blooming and pouring the coffee through paper, then stirring in matcha and sugar before topping with whipped cream and a dusting of matcha.

What Is Matcha Coffee?

Matcha coffee is a Japanese-style specialty drink that combines the bold, roasted flavors of dark coffee with the fresh, grassy aroma of matcha green tea. Unlike a simple latte or flavored syrup addition, this drink is built around a proper pour-over brew—usually made with a deep-roasted coffee bean—and enhanced with just a touch of matcha powder and sugar. It’s creamy, aromatic, and layered with both caffeine kick and umami depth.

Why Use Pour-Over for Matcha Coffee?

The original method described uses a paper filter pour-over to brew the coffee. This approach softens the intensity of a deep-roast bean while preserving its body and warmth. The fine filtration creates a clean, smooth cup that lets the matcha and cream complement rather than clash with the coffee. The technique highlights the roasted, mellow qualities of the coffee, making it a better base for the delicate matcha notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 20g of freshly roasted coffee (dark roast preferred)
• A small amount of matcha powder (specific quantity not defined, use a light sprinkle)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Fresh cream (amount to taste, for topping)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Matcha Coffee

1. Warm Your Cup

Start by warming your serving cup with hot water. This helps maintain the coffee temperature and enhances aroma release. Empty the cup before brewing.

2. Set Up the Pour-Over

Fold your paper filter along its seam and place it in your pour-over dripper. Place the dripper on your cup.

3. Add the Coffee Grounds

Add 12g of coffee grounds to the filter (note: total coffee used is 20g, likely split or adjusted during brew). Tap gently to level the bed. There’s no mention of grind size, but for pour-over, a medium-fine grind is typical.

4. Bloom and Pour

Start with a small amount of hot water to bloom the coffee. Once the coffee begins to drip and the grounds expand, continue pouring in a circular motion. Do this in two to three rounds, adding water until the brew reaches about 70–80% full in the cup. Total coffee used is confirmed as 20g.

5. Stir In Matcha and Sugar

After brewing, add a small amount of matcha powder and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the brewed coffee. Stir well to combine. The matcha adds a fresh, vegetal note that contrasts with the deep coffee flavor.

6. Top with Fresh Cream and Matcha

Finish the drink by piping or spooning fresh cream on top to form a small mound. Lightly dust the cream with additional matcha powder for visual appeal and extra aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is used in this matcha coffee recipe?

The recipe specifies using 20g of freshly roasted coffee. It mentions placing 12g into the filter, suggesting the remaining 8g may be used in a subsequent pour or as part of a total brew weight, but 20g is the confirmed total dose.

What kind of coffee roast is best for matcha coffee?

The article recommends using a deep-roasted coffee bean. A darker roast provides the bold, mellow flavor that balances well with the fresh, grassy taste of matcha.

Do you need a specific grind size for the coffee?

The exact grind size isn’t mentioned, but for standard pour-over brewing with paper filters, a medium-fine grind is typically used to ensure proper extraction without over-extraction or clogging.

How much matcha powder is added?

The recipe says “a little” matcha powder. While the exact amount isn’t specified, the instruction is to add a small quantity and stir it into the brewed coffee along with sugar.

Should I use hot or cold cream on top?

The recipe doesn’t specify the temperature of the cream, but fresh cream is added cold and whipped or spooned on top as a finishing element. It’s meant to contrast with the warm coffee beneath.

Can I use any type of coffee bean?

The recipe is designed around a deep-roast coffee for a rich, smooth base. While you can experiment, a lighter roast may not provide the same balance with the matcha and cream.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Matcha Coffee

For this matcha coffee recipe, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—its bright yet deep profile complements the grassy matcha notes. Alternatively, their Yirgacheffe offers floral and citrus tones that work well in layered drinks. For a bolder base, their Classic Blend provides a smooth, rounded dark roast that balances the cream and matcha. 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.