The Secret Ingredient For a Better-Than-Starbucks Matcha Latte? Brown Sugar

By Natalie Wallington

Updated on 7/26/2020 at 3:00 PM

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POPSUGAR Photography | Natalie Wallington
POPSUGAR Photography | Natalie Wallington

I've been a matcha lover for years, but only recently did I discover the magic of making my own matcha latte at home. After watching baristas use beautiful, delicate bamboo whisks and screeching milk-foaming nozzles to make this coffee shop favorite, I assumed these tasty drinks were impossible to make at home, but I was wrong! The truth is, anyone can make a delicious matcha latte with a few simple ingredients, including one that I've never seen a barista use: brown sugar.

After a little experimenting, I finally perfected my own version of the matcha latte using brown sugar, and it's so deliciously satisfying that I feel inclined to share it with as many people as I can. I love starting my day with this latte every morning, and it's simple enough to make that it won't take up a huge chunk of time. Keep reading for the full recipe, including notes on how to make it both hot and iced.

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POPSUGAR Photography | Natalie Wallington
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POPSUGAR Photography | Natalie Wallington
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POPSUGAR Photography | Natalie Wallington

Brown Sugar Matcha Latte

Prep Time5 minutes
Yield1 serving

Adapted Recipe by Natalie Wallington

INGREDIENTS

    • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure matcha powder
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • 1 cup 2% milk (or plant-based milk substitute)
    • Ice

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Assemble your tools! You'll need a teaspoon, a tablespoon, a small bowl, and a glass for your finished latte as well as a regular small spoon and a small whisk. If you don't have one you can also use a big whisk, the whisk attachment of an electric hand mixer, or simply a fork!

    2. Cream together the matcha powder and brown sugar with the back of a small spoon. The resulting mixture should be a uniform medium-green powder with no clumps.

    3. Add one tablespoon of water and whisk the mixture thoroughly for at least one minute. Be sure to break up any clumps and dissolve all the dry powder. The result should be a thick dark green liquid. Then add two more tablespoons of water, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This will ensure that the matcha powder is completely dissolved.

    4. Fill your glass with milk until about an inch below the rim. Finally, pour in your matcha mixture, stir to combine, and enjoy!

    Notes

    -This recipe calls for pure matcha powder — don't use a matcha-flavored drink mix or any other substitute. You can find pure matcha powder at Trader Joe's, the international aisle of some grocery stores, or your local Asian supermarket. And don't worry about buying the high-grade stuff — I find this recipe works great with whatever's cheapest at my local Japanese grocery store. You can also buy it online if needed. -For an iced latte, add three ice cubes and enjoy right away. For a hot latte, you can simply pour the same matcha mixture into a mug of hot milk and stir to combine.