I want to share my favorite morning drink with you: homemade Peppermint Matcha Latte. I used to buy this at coffee shops all the time, but making it at home is so much better and cheaper.
This drink is perfect if you want something different from regular coffee. It’s creamy and minty with a nice green tea flavor that isn’t too strong. It gives you energy without making you feel jittery.
Don’t worry if you’ve never made matcha before, it’s actually really easy! All you need is a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools. You can make it sweeter or mintier depending on what you like.
The pretty green color makes me happy every morning, and it tastes just as good as the fancy café versions. Try it once, and I bet you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance: The earthy matcha and cool peppermint create a harmonious flavor profile
- Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and mint levels to your taste
- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants from matcha with the digestive benefits of peppermint
- Café Quality: Create a premium drink at home for a fraction of the cost
- Versatile: Enjoy hot or iced, with multiple milk options
- Instagram-Worthy: Beautiful naturally green color with optional decorative toppings
Quick Facts
Homemade Peppermint Matcha Latte is a warm, comforting drink that combines high-grade matcha green tea powder with steamed milk and peppermint extract. It’s like a fancy coffee shop drink you can make at home, offering a perfect balance of earthy matcha flavor and cool, refreshing mint. The drink starts by whisking matcha powder with hot water to create a smooth base, then mixing it with warm milk that’s been infused with peppermint extract and optional sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
You can top it with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy for extra indulgence. This drink provides a gentle energy boost from the matcha’s caffeine and is customizable with different milk options like oat, almond, or regular dairy milk. It’s especially popular during winter months but can also be served over ice for a refreshing summer beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1 large latte (16 oz)
- Calories: ~120 (without toppings)
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Equipment Needed
- Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Chasen): Creates the perfect froth and breaks up matcha clumps
- Small Bowl (Chawan): Traditional matcha bowl or any small, deep bowl for whisking
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps prevent matcha clumps
- Temperature-Controlled Kettle: Ensures optimal water temperature
- Small Saucepan: For heating milk
- Milk Frother (Optional): Creates café-style foam
- Kitchen Thermometer: Monitors water and milk temperature
- Measuring Spoons: For precise ingredient portions
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water (175°F/80°C)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Matcha powder for dusting
- Mint leaves for garnish
How To Make
1. Start by heating your water to 175°F (80°C). While it heats, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into your small bowl to remove any clumps.
2. Pour ¼ cup of the hot water over your sifted matcha. Using your bamboo whisk or regular whisk, mix it in a “W” pattern for about 30 seconds until the matcha is smooth and a bit frothy. Set this aside.
3. Pour 1 cup of milk into your saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until you see steam, but don’t let it boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Take the warm milk off the heat. Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup if you want it sweet. Whisk the milk until it’s a bit foamy.
5. Get your favorite mug and pour in your whisked matcha. Then slowly add your peppermint milk while stirring gently.
If you want to make it extra special, top your latte with some whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.
That’s it! Your peppermint matcha latte is ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Matcha Quality Matters: Use ceremonial-grade matcha for optimal taste and color
- Temperature Control: Never use boiling water – it makes matcha bitter
- Sifting is Key: Always sift matcha to prevent clumps
- Peppermint Control: Start with less extract; you can always add more
- Pre-warm Your Mug: Rinse with hot water before using
- Milk Temperature: Stop heating at 150°F to preserve nutrients
- Layering: Pour milk slowly for beautiful layering effects
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with light breakfast pastries or mochi
- Serve alongside dark chocolate treats
- Perfect complement to Asian-inspired breakfast bowls
- Excellent afternoon pick-me-up with small cookies
- Great post-yoga or meditation beverage
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bitter Taste: Water too hot or low-quality matcha
- Clumpy Matcha: Insufficient whisking or not sifting
- Weak Flavor: Not enough matcha or poor-quality powder
- Too Minty: Reduce peppermint extract by half
- Not Frothy: Whisk more vigorously or use milk frother
Ingredient Alternatives
- Milk Options: Oat, almond, soy, coconut, or cashew milk
- Sweeteners: Monk fruit, stevia, agave, or date syrup
- Peppermint: Fresh mint leaves (muddle 4-5 leaves)
- Matcha: Grades range from ceremonial to culinary
- Natural Coloring: Add a pinch of spirulina for deeper green
Storage Instructions
- Immediate: Best served immediately while hot
- Short-term: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop, do not microwave
- Iced Version: Can be stored up to 48 hours when chilled
Variations
- Iced Peppermint Matcha: Serve over ice with cold milk
- Matcha Mint Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Holiday Special: Top with crushed candy canes
- Vanilla Mint: Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra Creamy: Use half & half or coconut cream
- Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit sweetener and sugar-free peppermint
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants (catechins)
- Natural energy boost without jitters
- Supports mental clarity
- Aids digestion (peppermint)
- Contains L-theanine for focused calm
- Boosts metabolism
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade of matcha should I use?
Ceremonial grade is best for drinking. Culinary grade is fine for baking but may taste bitter in beverages.
Can I make this without a bamboo whisk?
Yes, use a small regular whisk or milk frother, though the texture may differ slightly.
How long does matcha powder stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months. Check color and aroma for freshness.
Is this drink caffeinated?
Yes, one serving contains roughly 70mg of caffeine, about ⅔ the amount in coffee.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Use sugar-free peppermint extract and your preferred sugar alternative.
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of homemade peppermint matcha latte.
Don’t worry if your first try isn’t perfect, matcha making is a journey. Each time you make it, you’ll find your own rhythm and perfect your technique. Feel free to play around with the amount of peppermint or sweetener until you find your perfect cup.
Leave a comment below with your favorite way to enjoy this drink. Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll help you troubleshoot.
Recipe Card
Homemade Peppermint Matcha Latte
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water 175°F/80°C
- 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Matcha powder for dusting
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating your water to 175°F (80°C). While it heats, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into your small bowl to remove any clumps.
- Pour ¼ cup of the hot water over your sifted matcha. Using your bamboo whisk or regular whisk, mix it in a “W” pattern for about 30 seconds until the matcha is smooth and a bit frothy. Set this aside.
- Pour 1 cup of milk into your saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until you see steam, but don’t let it boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Take the warm milk off the heat. Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup if you want it sweet. Whisk the milk until it’s a bit foamy.
- Get your favorite mug and pour in your whisked matcha. Then slowly add your peppermint milk while stirring gently.
- If you want to make it extra special, top your latte with some whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.