Are you a fan of the soothing, comforting combination of green tea and milk? This classic beverage is also known as “matcha latte” or “green milk tea”. This recipe has gained popularity worldwide for its delightful taste and potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore 16 delicious green tea with milk recipes that you can easily make at home. From traditional preparations to creative twists, there’s a recipe here for your taste preference.
Why Combine Green Tea with Milk?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to understand why combining green tea with milk can be beneficial:
- Enhanced Flavor: Milk adds a creamy, smooth texture to green tea, balancing out any bitterness and creating a more mellow, enjoyable flavor profile. The proteins in milk bind with the tannins in green tea, reducing astringency and creating a more rounded taste.
- Increased Nutritional Value: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. When combined with the antioxidants and beneficial compounds found in green tea, such as catechins and polyphenols, you get a powerhouse of nutrition in every cup. The fat in milk may also help improve the bioavailability of these compounds. This allows your body to absorb them more efficiently.
- Improved Digestibility: Some people may find green tea slightly acidic or harsh on their stomach, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Adding milk can help reduce acidity and create a buffer. This makes green tea more digestible and gentler on the digestive system.
- Versatility: Green tea with milk can be enjoyed hot or cold. So it is a versatile beverage suitable for any season or preference.
16 Amazing Green Tea with Milk Recipe
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s explore the 16 best green tea with milk recipes:
1. Classic Green Tea Latte
Let’s start with the timeless classic – a simple, satisfying green tea latte that’s perfect any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk (dairy, soy, almond, or oat)
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Sift the matcha powder into a cup to prevent clumps.
- Pour in the hot water and whisk vigorously in a “W” pattern until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy.
- Steam your milk of choice and gently pour it into the matcha mixture.
- Sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort!
Tip: For a more authentic matcha latte experience, use a traditional bamboo whisk (chasen) to mix the matcha and water. This helps to create a smoother, frothier consistency.
2. Iced Green Milk Tea
Perfect for hot summer days or when you need a refreshing pick-me-up, this iced version of green milk tea is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup cold milk of your choice
- Ice cubes
- Simple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk the matcha powder with hot water until fully dissolved and frothy.
- Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass.
- Add cold milk and stir well to combine.
- Sweeten with simple syrup or honey, if desired. Sip and feel instantly refreshed!
Tip: For a fun twist, try using flavored milk or adding a splash of vanilla extract to your iced green milk tea.
3. Vanilla Green Tea Latte
Add a touch of vanilla for a sweet, creamy twist on the classic green tea latte recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha with hot water until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Steam your milk of choice and stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the vanilla-infused milk into the matcha and sweeten it to taste. Enjoy the aroma and flavor!
Tip: For a more intense vanilla flavor, try using vanilla bean paste or scraping the seeds from a fresh vanilla bean into your milk before steaming.
4. Coconut Green Milk Tea
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this coconut-infused delight that’s perfect for summer or any time you need a vacation in a cup.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup regular milk of your choice
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve matcha in hot water by whisking until frothy and fully combined.
- In a separate pot, heat coconut milk and regular milk together until steaming.
- Pour the warm milk mixture into the matcha and sweeten as desired. Sip and feel the tropical vibes!
Tip: For an extra tropical twist, garnish your coconut green milk tea with toasted coconut flakes or a slice of fresh pineapple.
5. Green Tea Smoothie
Blend your green tea latte into a nutritious, filling breakfast or snack that’s perfect for on-the-go mornings or post-workout recovery.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1 ripe banana, frozen for a thicker consistency
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass or travel cup and enjoy immediately.
- You can add more milk or ice to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Tip: Boost the nutritional value of your green tea smoothie by adding a handful of spinach or kale, a scoop of protein powder, or some chia seeds.
6. Matcha Bubble Tea
Combine two tea shop favorites – matcha and boba – in one delicious, fun-to-drink beverage that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup cold milk of your choice
- 1/4 cup cooked tapioca pearls (boba)
- Simple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until fully dissolved and frothy.
- Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass.
- Add cold milk and stir to combine.
- Spoon cooked tapioca pearls into the bottom of the glass.
- Sweeten as desired and serve with a wide straw for easy sipping and boba enjoyment!
Tip: For a more authentic bubble tea experience, use black tapioca pearls and cook them with brown sugar to create a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
7. Spiced Green Milk Tea
Warm up on chilly days with this comforting blend of aromatic spices and creamy green tea that’s like a hug in a mug.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Steam your milk of choice and stir in the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until combined.
- Pour the spiced milk into the matcha and sweeten it to taste. Inhale the aroma and feel the warmth!
Tip: For a more intense spice flavor, try steeping a chai tea bag in your milk before steaming it and adding it to the matcha.
8. Matcha Affogato
This Japanese-Italian fusion dessert combines the bittersweet elegance of matcha with the creamy indulgence of ice cream for a treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- Sweetened condensed milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor) in a serving bowl or mug.
- Pour the hot matcha over the ice cream and watch it melt into a beautiful green pool.
- Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk, if desired, for an extra touch of decadence.
Tip: For a fun party idea, set up a matcha affogato bar with various ice cream flavors and toppings, and let your guests create their unique combinations.
9. Green Tea Milkshake
A creamy, refreshing twist on the classic milkshake that’s perfect for green tea lovers and anyone looking for a fun, tasty treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup cold milk of your choice
- Whipped cream and cherry (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve matcha in hot water by whisking until smooth and frothy.
- In a blender, combine the matcha mixture, ice cream, and cold milk. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and a cherry, if desired. Serve with a straw and enjoy the frosty goodness!
Tip: For a healthier version of this milkshake, use frozen bananas or avocado instead of ice cream to create a creamy, plant-based treat.
10. Matcha White Hot Chocolate
A luxurious, creamy blend of sweet white chocolate and earthy matcha green tea that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 2 oz white chocolate, chopped or in chips
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until frothy and fully dissolved.
- In a separate pot, steam your milk of choice and stir in the chopped white chocolate until melted and combined.
- Pour the white chocolate milk into the matcha and stir to combine.
- Top with whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness!
Tip: For a festive touch, add a drop of peppermint extract or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of your matcha white hot chocolate.
11. Lavender Green Tea Latte
A soothing, aromatic blend that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a moment of calm and relaxation.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 1/2 tsp lavender syrup or 1/4 tsp dried lavender buds
- Honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Steam your milk of choice with the lavender syrup or dried lavender buds until fragrant and combined.
- Pour the lavender-infused milk into the matcha and sweeten with honey, if desired. Breathe in the aroma and feel the calm!
Tip: If using dried lavender buds, strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the matcha to remove any pieces of lavender.
12. Matcha Horchata
A Japanese-Mexican fusion that combines the creamy, cinnamon-spiced goodness of rice milk horchata with the earthy, energizing flavor of matcha.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup rice milk (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until smooth and frothy.
- In a separate pot, heat rice milk with vanilla and cinnamon until steaming and fragrant.
- Pour the spiced rice milk into the matcha and sweeten it to taste. Stir to combine and enjoy the unique flavor fusion!
Tip: To make your own rice milk for this recipe, blend 1 cup of cooked rice with 4 cups of water, then strain through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve.
13. Peppermint Green Tea Latte
A refreshing, minty twist on the classic green tea latte that’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you need a cool, invigorating pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve matcha in hot water by whisking until frothy and fully combined.
- Steam your milk of choice and stir in the peppermint extract until combined.
- Pour the minty milk into the matcha and sweeten as desired. Sip and feel the cool, refreshing sensation!
Tip: For a fun, festive presentation, top your peppermint green tea latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
14. Matcha Protein Shake
A nutritious, post-workout shake that combines the antioxidant power of matcha with the muscle-building benefits of protein powder for a tasty, energizing treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup cold milk of your choice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 ripe banana, frozen for a thicker consistency
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass or shaker bottle and enjoy immediately, especially after a tough workout or as a healthy snack.
Tip: Experiment with different protein powder flavors and milk options to create your perfect matcha protein shake combination.
15. Chai Green Tea Latte
A warming, spicy blend that combines the bold, aromatic flavors of chai spices with the earthy, energizing taste of matcha for a truly unique and comforting beverage.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup steamed milk of your choice
- 1/4 tsp chai spice mix ( cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves)
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha and hot water together until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Steam your milk of choice and stir in the chai spice mix until combined and fragrant.
- Pour the spiced milk into the matcha and sweeten it to taste. Enjoy the warmth and complex flavors!
Tip: For a stronger chai flavor, try steeping a chai tea bag in your milk before steaming and adding it to the matcha.
16. Matcha Mango Lassi
A fruity, yogurt-based drink that’s popular in India, with a green tea twist that adds an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup mango pulp or fresh mango, diced
- Ice cubes
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve matcha in hot water by whisking until smooth and frothy.
- In a blender, combine the matcha mixture, yogurt, mango, and ice. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Pour into glasses and sweeten as desired. Enjoy the tropical, tangy flavor and creamy texture!
Tip: For a vegan version of this lassi, substitute the yogurt with silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Tips for Making the Perfect Green Tea with Milk
Now that you have a wide array of green tea with milk recipes to choose from, here are some general tips to help you make the perfect cup every time:
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Ceremonial-grade matcha is ideal for drinking, while culinary-grade matcha is better suited for cooking and baking.
- Sift your matcha powder before whisking to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth, even consistency.
- Use hot water, not boiling water, to dissolve your matcha. Boiling water can make the matcha taste bitter and astringent.
- Experiment with different milk options to find your preferred taste and texture. Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, while plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat can provide a lighter, dairy-free alternative.
- Sweeten your green tea with milk to taste, using your favorite sweetener such as honey, sugar, or syrup. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
- For iced green tea with milk recipes, use cold milk and plenty of ice to ensure a refreshing, chilled beverage.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors, spices, and add-ins to customize your green tea with milk to your liking.
