Green milk tea has become a beloved drink across the globe for its unique blend of earthy green tea, creamy milk, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Whether you’ve tried it in a bubble tea shop or are looking to create a refreshing drink at home, making green milk tea can be easy and rewarding. Plus, by making it yourself, you can customize it to suit your preferences and experiment with different ingredients to achieve your perfect cup.
In this article, we’ll go over how to make green milk tea at home and share tips for customizing it to your taste. Let’s get started!
What Is Green Milk Tea?
Green milk tea, commonly known as matcha milk tea when made with matcha powder, is a combination of green tea (or matcha), milk, and sweetener.
It’s often served cold or iced, although you can also enjoy it warm. Its vibrant green color and creamy texture make it visually appealing, and its balanced flavors make it a go-to drink for tea enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
This tea has also become popular as a bubble tea, with the addition of chewy tapioca pearls. However, even without the bubbles, green milk tea is an enjoyable and refreshing drink that’s easy to make at home.
Health Benefits of Drinking Green Milk Tea
Not only is green milk tea delicious, but it also offers several potential health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider incorporating this beverage into your diet:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Green tea is packed with antioxidants called catechins, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Matcha, in particular, is known for its high concentration of a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). It has various health benefits, including improved brain function and weight loss.
2. May Boost Metabolism
Some studies suggest that caffeine and catechins in green tea may help increase your metabolism and promote fat burning. In addition, drinking green milk tea as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine may support your weight loss goals.
3. Provides Essential Nutrients
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. They are important for maintaining strong bones, muscles, and overall health. By combining milk with green tea, you’re creating a beverage that offers a range of nutrients in one tasty package.
4. May Reduce Stress and Improve Mood
Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. It has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress without causing drowsiness. The act of preparing and enjoying a warm cup of green milk tea can also be a soothing ritual that helps you unwind and de-stress.
5. May Support Heart Health
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. It can also improve blood flow, and prevent the oxidation of LDL particles, which can contribute to the formation of arterial plaques.
6. May Enhance Brain Function
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea has been shown to improve cognitive performance. This is particularly true in the areas of attention, memory, and reaction time. Drinking green milk tea may help you stay focused and alert throughout the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Green Milk Tea
Here’s a simple ingredient list to make a classic green milk tea at home. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal preferences:
- Green tea bags or loose-leaf green tea (or matcha powder for matcha milk tea)
- Milk (dairy or plant-based options like almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- Sweetener (sugar, honey, agave syrup, or any sweetener of your choice)
- Ice (optional for an iced version)
- Tapioca pearls (optional, for bubble tea)
Optional Ingredients for Variations:
- Vanilla extract
- Mint leaves
- Lavender or jasmine syrup for floral notes
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Green Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Green Tea
For green milk tea, you can use either green tea bags or loose-leaf green tea. If you want to make matcha milk tea, simply skip this step and prepare the matcha in Step 2.
- Boil water and let it cool slightly. Green tea is best brewed at around 175°F (80°C) to avoid bitterness.
- Add 1–2 green tea bags or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea to the hot water.
- Steep for 2–3 minutes to keep it light and refreshing. Overstepping can make the tea taste bitter.
- Remove the tea bags or strain the tea leaves and let the tea cool slightly if you’re making iced green milk tea.
Step 2: Prepare the Milk
For a creamier texture, you can froth the milk slightly. Here’s how:
- Warm your milk slightly (if you’re making a hot drink) or leave it cold (for iced tea).
- Use a milk frother or whisk to make it frothy. Frothed milk creates a nice, airy texture in the tea.
- If you’re using matcha, whisk 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder with 2–3 tablespoons of warm water until smooth. Matcha requires a whisk to blend thoroughly, as it doesn’t dissolve like traditional tea leaves.
Step 3: Sweeten to Taste
Add your choice of sweetener:
- For a classic taste, use 1–2 teaspoons of sugar.
- For a natural option, honey or agave syrup works well.
- Stir the sweetener into the warm tea until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
Step 4: Combine Tea and Milk
Once your tea and milk are ready:
- Pour the brewed green tea (or whisked matcha) into a glass.
- Add the milk and stir to combine.
- For an iced version, add ice cubes to the glass, then pour in the tea and milk mixture.
Step 5: Optional – Add Tapioca Pearls
If you’re making bubble tea:
- Cook tapioca pearls according to the package instructions, usually boiling them for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the pearls in cold water, then add them to your glass.
- Pour the green milk tea over the pearls and enjoy with a wide straw.
Tips for Whisking Matcha
Whisking matcha is an essential step in making green milk tea, as it helps to fully dissolve the powder and create a smooth, frothy texture. Here are a few tips to help you whisk like a pro:
Use a Chasen: A chasen is a traditional Japanese bamboo whisk specifically designed for preparing matcha. Its fine, delicate bristles help to break up any clumps and create a smooth, foamy texture. If you don’t have a chasen, a regular kitchen whisk or a milk frother can also work.
Whisk in a “W” Motion: When whisking matcha, use a gentle “W” motion, moving the whisk back and forth and side to side to evenly distribute the powder and create a smooth paste. Avoid whisking in a circular motion, as this can create air bubbles and lead to a less smooth texture.
Whisk Until Frothy: Continue whisking the matcha until it becomes smooth and frothy, with small bubbles forming on the surface. This usually takes about 15-20 seconds of vigorous whisking.
Don’t Over-Whisk: While it’s important to whisk the matcha well, be careful not to over-whisk, as this can cause the mixture to become bitter and gritty. Once the matcha is smooth and frothy, you can stop whisking and proceed with adding the hot milk.
Variations on Green Milk Tea
One of the joys of making green milk tea at home is the freedom to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some popular variations:
1. Matcha Milk Tea
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, giving the tea a vibrant green color and a richer flavor profile. Simply substitute the brewed green tea with 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder whisked into warm water.
Tip: Matcha milk tea pairs well with plant-based milks like oats or almonds, which complement its slightly grassy flavor.
2. Green Jasmine Milk Tea
Jasmine tea has a delicate floral aroma that enhances the natural flavor of green tea. Use jasmine green tea bags instead of plain green tea for a fragrant twist.
Optional Add-In: Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth and warmth.
3. Mint Green Milk Tea
For a refreshing variation, add fresh mint leaves to the tea while it’s brewing. This adds a cooling effect that pairs well with green tea’s natural taste.
Optional Add-In: Garnish with extra mint leaves and a hint of honey for a naturally sweet and herbal flavor.
4. Lavender Green Milk Tea
Lavender adds a floral, slightly sweet aroma to green milk tea. Use dried lavender or lavender syrup for this variation.
How to Make It: Add 1/4 teaspoon of dried lavender to the hot water along with the tea leaves. Strain the lavender and tea leaves before adding milk.
Tips for the Perfect Green Milk Tea
1. Choosing the Right Matcha Powder
When it comes to making green milk tea, the quality of your matcha powder can make a big difference in the taste and overall experience. Here are a few tips for choosing the right matcha powder:
- Look for Pure Matcha: Make sure the matcha powder you choose is pure and doesn’t contain any additives or fillers. The ingredient list should only include green tea leaves.
- Check the Color: High-quality matcha should have a vibrant, bright green color. If the powder looks dull or yellowish, it may be lower quality or past its prime.
- Consider the Grade: Matcha comes in different grades. The ceremonial grade is the highest quality and the culinary grade is more affordable and suitable for cooking and baking. For green milk tea, a high-quality culinary grade or a lower-grade ceremonial matcha will work well.
- Read Reviews: Before purchasing matcha powder, read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the product’s quality, taste, and overall value.
Remember, while higher-quality matcha may be more expensive, a little goes a long way. You only need about 1 tsp of matcha powder per cup of green milk tea. So a small tin of high-quality matcha can last you quite a while.
2. Mind the Temperature
Avoid using boiling water directly on green tea or matcha, as this can lead to bitterness. Green tea is best brewed at around 175°F (80°C). For matcha, use slightly cooler water (about 160°F or 70°C) for a smooth, rich flavor.
3. Experiment with Sweeteners
Different sweeteners can change the taste profile of your green milk tea. For a classic taste, stick to sugar or simple syrup. For a healthier option, try honey, agave, or stevia.
4. Adjust Milk Types
Each type of milk will add its own flavor and texture. Oat milk and almond milk are popular non-dairy options that complement green tea. Whole milk provides a rich and creamy taste, while skim or low-fat milk creates a lighter drink.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha powder?
While you can use brewed green tea as a base for milk tea, matcha powder is the traditional choice for green milk tea. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves and has a more concentrated flavor and color than regular green tea.
2. Can I make green milk tea without a whisk?
While a whisk is a traditional tool for preparing matcha, you can use a milk frother or even a blender to mix the matcha powder and hot water. The key is to ensure that the powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and frothy before adding the milk.
3. How can I store leftover green milk tea?
If you have leftover green milk tea, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to drink, give it a good stir or shake to redistribute any settled matcha powder. Enjoy it cold or reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
4. Can I make a larger batch of green milk tea?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe to make a larger batch of green milk tea. Simply multiply the ingredients proportionally based on the number of servings you want to make. You can store the extra servings in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
5. What’s the best way to froth milk for green milk tea?
There are several ways to froth milk for green milk tea, depending on the tools you have available. You can use a handheld milk frother, a French press, a blender, or even a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The key is to agitate the milk vigorously until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume.
6. Can I use a different type of tea instead of matcha?
While matcha is the traditional choice for green milk tea, you can certainly experiment with other types of tea like hojicha (roasted green tea), chai, or even black tea.
7. How much caffeine is in a cup of green milk tea?
The amount of caffeine in a cup of green milk tea can vary depending on the amount and quality of matcha used. On average, a cup of green milk tea made with 1 tsp of matcha powder contains about 70mg of caffeine, which is slightly less than a cup of coffee but more than a cup of regular green tea.
8. Can I make green milk tea with non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can easily make green milk tea with non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Each type of milk will add its unique flavor and texture to the drink, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
9. How can I make my green milk tea less bitter?
If you find your green milk tea too bitter, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re using high-quality matcha powder and not overstepping it.
You can also try adding more milk or sweetener to balance out the bitterness. Finally, make sure the water you’re using to whisk the matcha is not too hot, as this can cause the tea to become bitter.
