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Let’s be honest, those morning coffee shop runs can add up. That’s why I’ve decided to bring the café experience home by creating my very own version of Costa’s Matcha Latte!
Table of Contents
How to make a Costa’s Matcha Latte
A Costa’s Matcha Latte is a tea-based drink sold by Costa Coffee that combines matcha green tea powder with milk to create a smooth, creamy beverage.
Ingredients for Costa’s Matcha Latte
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 200ml milk of choice
- 50ml hot water
- 1 tsp sugar or sweetener (optional)
- Ice (if making iced matcha latte) (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- A matcha whisk or milk frother (a traditional bamboo whisk, called a “chasen,” works best, but an electric frother can do the trick!).
- A small bowl or mug for mixing matcha.
- Saucepan (if heating milk).
- A tall glass or mug for serving.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder. This helps avoid clumps. Add 50ml of hot water (not boiling!) and whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion (an “M” or “W” movement). Keep whisking until the matcha fully dissolves and a slight froth forms on top. If you don’t have a traditional matcha whisk, a milk frother works in a pinch!
- Pour your chosen milk into a saucepan and gently heat it over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. If you’re making a cold matcha latte, skip this step and use cold milk.
- Use an electric milk frother or a handheld whisk to froth the milk until it’s light and foamy. This helps mimic the creamy, frothy texture you get at Costa.
- Pour the frothy milk into your prepared matcha paste, stirring gently to incorporate the two. For a hot latte, ensure the drink is evenly mixed but still keeps the beautiful green layers
- In a tall glass, add a handful of ice cubes. Pour the matcha mix and cold milk over the ice. Stir gently with a straw or spoon, and voilà—your Costa-style iced matcha latte is ready!
- For that signature Costa sweetness, stir in sugar, honey, or a splash of vanilla syrup. You can adjust to your taste.
Top Tips for a Perfect Costa’s Matcha Latte
- Choose Quality Matcha: The better the matcha, the smoother and brighter the flavour! Look for ceremonial-grade options that are vibrant green, as lower grades tend to taste grassy or bitter.
- Temperature is Key: Avoid using boiling water for your matcha—it’s a common mistake! Boiling water can scorch the delicate tea, leaving you with a bitter aftertaste.
- Experiment with Milk: Costa offers a range of plant-based alternatives, so don’t be afraid to try oat or coconut milk. Oat milk works particularly well because it enhances the creaminess without overpowering the matcha flavour.
- Whisk Like a Pro: If you don’t have a traditional bamboo whisk, a simple milk frother or a fork (in a pinch!) can create those little bubbles, which add a satisfying texture to the drink.
- Customise Your Sweetness: Costa’s lattes are lightly sweetened, but you can add flavoured syrups, like vanilla, caramel, or even a shot of strawberry syrup, to make it your own.
- Play with Presentation: For extra café flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of matcha on top for decoration or serve it in a clear glass to admire those vibrant green hues.
What to serve with
Now that you’ve perfected your homemade Costa Matcha Latte, the next step is to elevate your experience with the perfect pairing.
- Lemon Drizzle Cake: Costa’s lemon drizzle is an absolute customer favorite, and it pairs brilliantly with matcha. The zesty citrus balances out the latte’s rich, grassy notes, creating a refreshing combination. If you’re baking at home, a slice of homemade lemon loaf or lemon bars will be just as delightful.
- Shortbread Biscuits: Buttery, crumbly shortbread is a classic British staple that pairs well with the latte’s creamy texture. Dip the biscuits into the latte for a truly indulgent experience. For an extra twist, consider lavender or matcha-flavoured shortbread!
- Matcha & White Chocolate Brownies: Why not take the matcha theme a step further with a batch of matcha-and-white-chocolate brownies? The chocolate adds a luscious sweetness, while the matcha deepens the flavour. These are perfect for a green-on-green pairing!
- Portuguese Custard Tarts: If you’re recreating the Costa in-café feel, a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) is a fabulous choice. Its rich, creamy filling and flaky pastry add decadence to your matcha moment.
- Almond or Pistachio Croissants: The nutty sweetness of almond or pistachio croissants complements the earthy tones of matcha beautifully. Heat your pastry for a couple of minutes in the oven to get that ‘freshly baked’ vibe.
- Vanilla Scones or Tea Cakes: Keep it traditionally British with a scone or a lightly toasted tea cake spread with butter. Pair with clotted cream and jam for an extra touch of indulgence—because why not?
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a Costa Matcha Latte from the comfort of your home.
More Latte Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 200ml milk of choice
- 50ml hot water
- 1 tsp sugar or sweetener (optional)
- Ice (if making iced matcha latte)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder. This helps avoid clumps. Add 50ml of hot water (not boiling!) and whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion (an "M" or "W" movement). Keep whisking until the matcha fully dissolves and a slight froth forms on top. If you don’t have a traditional matcha whisk, a milk frother works in a pinch!
- Pour your chosen milk into a saucepan and gently heat it over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. If you're making a cold matcha latte, skip this step and use cold milk.
- Use an electric milk frother or a handheld whisk to froth the milk until it’s light and foamy. This helps mimic the creamy, frothy texture you get at Costa.
- Pour the frothy milk into your prepared matcha paste, stirring gently to incorporate the two. For a hot latte, ensure the drink is evenly mixed but still keeps the beautiful green layers
- In a tall glass, add a handful of ice cubes. Pour the matcha mix and cold milk over the ice. Stir gently with a straw or spoon, and voilà—your Costa-style iced matcha latte is ready!
- For that signature Costa sweetness, stir in sugar, honey, or a splash of vanilla syrup. You can adjust to your taste.
