The iced matcha latte at Starbucks is my FAVORITE drink on their menu. However, it’s packed with a lot more sugar than I care to admit, and it costs way more than anyone should pay for a daily caffeine boost. For years, I’ve tried to crack the code that is a homemade Starbucks matcha latte and I think I’ve finally done it. I tooted my own horn big time to Kevin when I made this the first time because I couldn’t believe how good it tasted! Not to mention I had nearly everything I needed home already.
This article includes the ingredients, equipment and steps to make yourself a homemade Starbucks matcha latte for a fraction of the price. Let’s dive in.
Homemade Starbucks Matcha Latte Ingredients
You know it’s a solid recipe when there’s not a ton of wacky ingredients. My homemade Starbucks matcha latte is made with only four simple ingredients (five with my cold foam, which I’ll speak to later).
Matcha Latte Ingredient List
- Milk: I use non-fat or 2%, whichever I have home, but my preference is non-fat.
- Matcha: This is my matcha powder.
- When choosing a matcha powder it’s important to find one that is ONLY ground green tea leaves. No sugar, no additives. Don’t pay for filler and junk! There are “matcha latte powders” out there, but be weary of the ingredient list. I generally don’t recommend those.
- Flavor: My go-to is sugar-free vanilla. Mine is from a local grocer but Torani sugar-free vanilla is the most popular. Most grocers carry it!
- Simply Syrup: Easily homemade with a 2:1 water-to-sugar ration and 1/8 tsp vanilla extract. I swapped my sugar for Splenda. I made enough at once to fill my pump so I have it for weeks.
My Secret Ingredient
The simple syrup was what ultimately cracked the code for me. In the past, I added only sugar-free vanilla flavoring and it was always too strong. I thought it was the vanilla syrups I tried and resigned to the fact that I could never make a homemade Starbucks matcha latte that I liked. This time, after coming across a recipe online for simple syrup, a lightbulb went off. This is how I’ll make my latte sweeter but not stronger!
More on this in the recipe section.
At-Home Latte Kitchen Gadgets
You don’t need to spend big money to make a delicious at-home latte. Personally, I had everything at home already! Essentially, you need a roomy cold cup, a cocktail shaker and a tea scoop.
To clarify, you don’t need Starbucks-specific cold cups, any large-enough cup rated for holding cold beverages will do! If you want an affordable go-to option one of these reusable iced coffee cups is perfect!
Now, since I plan to make my lattes at home about five times a week, I’ve invested in a mini coffee bar setup. Personally, when I have it all right in front of me, I stay on track and actually use it. I found my glass syrup pump bottles in the Target Bullseye’s Playground last week (so they may still be there!) for only $3 each. Since they’re from the bargain area I don’t have a link, but these barista syrup pumps are a beautiful alternative!
You can also buy these universal syrup pumps from Amazon to put on store-bought syrup bottles, using an old one of those for your simple syrup.
Making a Homemade Starbucks Matcha Latte
First, add the amount of milk you’d like to your shaker.
Then, add as much matcha as you’d like to your milk. Typically, one serving is 1/2 teaspoon as recommended on my specific matcha packaging. This tea scoop is nice to have to measure a perfect serving each time. I have just one serving because I’m a bit caffeine sensitive and don’t want to overdo it.
Next, add your desired amount of flavoring. For me, in a 16 oz iced latte that is 2 pumps of vanilla (roughly 2 tbsp/pump) and one pump simple syrup.
Cap and shake the cocktail shaker really well. Matcha does not naturally absorb into cold liquid so shaking it really well is an important step.
Finally, pour over fresh ice in your cold cup and enjoy!
Now, you may notice that layer of foam at the top.
Curious about the drink topper? Read about my homemade cold foam recipe here!
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