Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

ByEiri Yokota

Do you love the creamy, sweet taste of a Starbucks Matcha Latte but hate the high price tag? You are not alone. Making this popular drink at home saves you money and lets you control exactly what goes into your cup. In this guide, you will learn how to make the perfect Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat in your own kitchen. It is easier than you think, and you probably already have most of the ingredients.

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: A Fraction of the coffee shop price

What’s Actually in a Starbucks Matcha Latte?

Before we start mixing, it is important to understand what you are drinking. Many people think Starbucks uses pure matcha green tea powder. However, this is not entirely true.

Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend. This means the powder is actually a mix of sugar and ground Japanese green tea. The first ingredient listed on their package is sugar. That is why their lattes taste so sweet and lack the bitterness of traditional tea.

To replicate this at home, you need to mix high-quality matcha with sugar. Or, for a better option, you can use our [Premium Culinary Matcha] and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Matcha Latte

Creating that coffee shop experience is all about the ratio of tea, sugar, and milk. Follow this simple recipe to get that familiar flavor.

Ingredients You Need for the Authentic Taste

  • Matcha Powder: 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha. Using a vibrant green powder makes a huge difference. [Shop our Matcha here]
  • Sweetener: 1 tablespoon of sugar (classic white sugar works best for the copycat taste).
  • Hot Water: 2 fl oz (60 ml) of warm water. It should be hot but not boiling.
  • Milk: 3/4 cup (180 ml) of 2% milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
  • Vanilla Syrup (Optional): A splash of vanilla adds that extra “Starbucks” touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Foam

  1. Sift the Matcha: Sift your matcha powder into a mug to remove any clumps. This ensures a smooth drink.
  2. Make the Base: Add the sugar and hot water to the matcha. Whisk it vigorously until the powder is fully dissolved and slightly bubbly.
  3. Heat the Milk: Heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot (about 150°F / 65°C).
  4. Froth the Milk: Use a handheld milk frother to create foam. If you do not have one, shake the hot milk in a sealed jar for 30 seconds.
  5. Combine: Pour the frothed milk over your matcha base. Enjoy your Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat!

How to Make an Iced Starbucks Matcha Latte

When the weather gets hot, nothing beats an iced matcha latte. The process is slightly different because you need to ensure the matcha dissolves without hot milk.

Ingredients You Need for the Refreshing Taste

  • Matcha Powder: 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha. [Shop our Matcha here]
  • Sweetener: 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  • Warm Water: A small amount (approx. 2 fl oz / 60 ml) to create a smooth paste.
  • Milk: 3/4 cup (180 ml) of cold milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
  • Ice: 1 cup of ice cubes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Iced Latte

  1. Mix First: Combine matcha and sugar with the small amount of warm water. Stir well to make a smooth, lump-free paste.
  2. Shake It Up: Place the prepared matcha paste, cold milk, and ice into a shaker (or a jar with a lid).
  3. Shake Vigorously: Shake until the drink is cold and a nice foam forms on top.
  4. Serve: Pour everything, including the ice, into a tall glass.

DIY Starbucks Matcha Frappuccino Recipe

Do you prefer the frozen, blended version? You can make a delicious Matcha Frappuccino copycat using a blender. The secret to the smooth texture is blending it long enough to crush the ice completely.

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add 1 cup of ice, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk, 2 teaspoons of matcha, and 2 tablespoons of sweetener to a blender.
  2. Blend High: Blend on high speed until the ice is smooth and creamy.
  3. Top It Off: Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream for the full experience.

Best Starbucks Matcha Latte Customizations

One of the best parts of making drinks at home is customizing them. You are not limited to the standard menu.

Dairy-Free Options: Oat, Almond & Coconut Milk

Changing the milk changes the flavor profile significantly.

  • Oat Milk: This is the closest to dairy milk. It is creamy and foams well.
  • Almond Milk: Adds a nutty flavor but is thinner than oat milk.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with matcha.

Flavor Twists: Vanilla, Chai & Strawberry Foam

  • Vanilla Matcha: Add a pump of vanilla syrup for a sweeter, mellower taste.
  • Dirty Matcha: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick.
  • Strawberry Foam: Blend heavy cream with strawberry puree and pour it over your iced matcha for a viral TikTok-style drink.

How to Make a Healthy & Skinny Matcha Latte

The standard Starbucks drink is high in sugar. If you want a healthy matcha latte, making it at home is the best choice.

Instead of using a pre-mix, use 100% pure matcha powder. Sweeten it with zero-calorie sweeteners like Stevia or Monk Fruit instead of sugar. Use unsweetened almond milk to lower the calories further. This way, you get all the antioxidants of green tea without the sugar crash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Matcha

A Grande (16 oz / 470 ml) Matcha Latte from Starbucks contains approximately 80 mg of caffeine. This is less than a standard cup of coffee, but enough to give you a gentle energy boost. Because matcha contains L-theanine, the energy feels more stable than coffee jitters.

Yes, the matcha powder used at Starbucks comes pre-mixed with sugar. You cannot order “unsweetened” matcha powder there. However, when you make it at home using our [Pure Matcha], you have full control over the sweetness.

The savings are significant. Here is a quick breakdown of the cost per cup:

Drink Type

Store Price

Home Cost

Grande Matcha Latte

Approx. $5.50

Approx. $0.80

Iced Matcha Latte

Approx. $5.75

Approx. $0.85

By making your daily latte at home, you could save over $1,000 a year!

Enjoy Your Homemade Starbucks Matcha Experience

Making a Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat at home is easy, fun, and saves you money. Whether you like it hot, iced, or blended, you can enjoy the delicious taste of matcha anytime. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and milk to fit your health goals.

Ready to start your home barista journey? You need the right powder to get the best flavor.

【Disclaimer】
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Similar Posts