MATCHACoconut Matcha Latte
The quick answer
Whisk 1 teaspoon of ceremonial matcha into 2 oz of 175 F water until smooth. Pour over a glass filled with ice and 8 oz of coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a rich, tropical creaminess that pairs naturally with the grassy, umami depth of matcha without needing extra sweetener.
Coconut milk brings a tropical richness to matcha that oat milk and almond milk simply cannot match, and it makes the iced version particularly indulgent without adding any dairy.
The coconut milk you use matters significantly here. Canned full-fat coconut milk creates an ultra-rich, dessert-like drink. Carton coconut milk (like Silk or So Delicious) is thinner and closer to what you get at a cafe. For a morning latte, carton coconut milk at a 1:1 ratio with the matcha concentrate is more drinkable. For an indulgent afternoon treat, canned coconut milk thinned with a little water is exceptional.
Toasted coconut flakes as a garnish are a simple upgrade that elevates the visual and adds a subtle crunch to the first sip. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Sprinkle them over cold foam or directly onto the surface of the drink before serving.
Coconut milk has a naturally sweet flavor profile that reduces the need for added sweetener. If you use full-fat canned coconut milk, you may not need any syrup at all. If you use carton coconut milk, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or honey is usually enough to round out the sweetness.
The tropical flavor of coconut milk pairs especially well with the addition of a few drops of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of vanilla syrup. This combination, coconut plus vanilla plus matcha, is one of the most popular flavor profiles in specialty cafes and easy to replicate at home with pantry ingredients.
Dial it in before you make it
Dial in matcha, water, and milk for a smooth, un-bitter latte.
Matcha Ratio Calculator
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Matcha powder | 1.5 tsp (3 g) |
| Hot / warm water (to whisk) | 2 fl oz |
| Milk (or milk alternative) | 10 fl oz |
| Suggested sweetener (honey / syrup) | 1.5 tsp |
- 1. Sift matcha into a bowl or cup.
- 2. Add 2 fl oz warm water (~175°F / 80°C) and whisk in a W-motion until smooth.
- 3. Pour over ice, add your milk, and sweeten to taste.
1 tsp matcha ≈ 2 g. Standard ratio is 1 tsp per 8 oz of drink.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We tested this recipe with three coconut milk varieties: Silk carton, Thai Kitchen full-fat can, and a light canned version. The full-fat canned coconut milk produced the most luxurious result but was too rich for a morning drink. Our daily version uses Silk Coconut Milk with half a tablespoon of vanilla syrup. It has replaced our weekend cafe habit entirely.
Pro tips
- Shake the coconut milk carton before pouring. Coconut milk separates during storage.
- For a richer drink, replace 2 oz of the carton coconut milk with canned full-fat coconut cream.
- Add a half teaspoon of vanilla extract to the matcha concentrate for a coconut-vanilla matcha that tastes like a tropical dessert.
- Toasted coconut flakes can be prepped in a batch and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Use unsweetened coconut milk if you are watching sugar intake. The matcha flavor comes through more clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use canned or carton coconut milk for a matcha latte?
Use carton coconut milk for a drinkable, cafe-style latte. Canned full-fat coconut milk is much richer and thicker, more like a dessert drink. If you want something in between, mix equal parts canned coconut milk and water. Carton coconut milk is the best everyday choice.
Does coconut milk matcha latte taste like coconut strongly?
Carton coconut milk has a subtle coconut flavor that complements matcha without overpowering it. Full-fat canned coconut milk is noticeably more tropical. If you want just a hint of coconut, use carton coconut milk and add a drop of vanilla to redirect the flavor profile slightly.
Is coconut milk a healthy choice for a matcha latte?
Carton coconut milk has about 45-60 calories and 4-5 grams of fat per 8 oz serving, mostly from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). It is naturally lactose-free and contains no cholesterol. The combination of MCTs from coconut and L-theanine from matcha is popular among people following low-carb or keto diets.
Can I make a hot coconut matcha latte?
Yes. Heat 8 oz of carton coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, about 60-90 seconds. Froth it with a handheld frother, then pour it over the whisked matcha concentrate. Coconut milk does not froth as densely as oat or whole milk, but it creates a pleasant light foam.
