If you’re looking for a cosy café-style drink to make at home, this Honey Cinnamon Matcha Latte is a perfect place to start. Earthy ceremonial matcha is whisked until smooth, then lightly sweetened with honey and warmed with a touch of cinnamon. The result is a comforting, gently spiced drink that still lets the delicate flavour of the matcha shine through.
This flavour combination is also perfect if you’re new to matcha. The natural sweetness of honey and the warmth of cinnamon soften matcha’s grassy, slightly bitter notes, creating a balanced drink that’s approachable and easy to enjoy. Best of all, these are ingredients most people already have in their pantry, making it simple to experiment with matcha without needing any specialty syrups or flavourings.
You can enjoy this matcha latte hot for a cosy afternoon pick-me-up or iced for a refreshing treat, making it a versatile drink that works in any season.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Latte
This honey cinnamon matcha latte is simple to make but full of flavour. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your drink rotation:
- Great for matcha beginners – Honey and cinnamon mellow matcha’s grassy flavour, making it more approachable if you’re new to drinking matcha.
- Cosy, warming flavours – The combination of honey and cinnamon adds gentle sweetness and spice that pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha.
- Quick and easy to make – With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can recreate a café-style matcha latte at home.
- Hot or iced options – Enjoy it warm on cooler days or poured over ice for a refreshing matcha drink.
- Uses pantry staples – Honey and cinnamon are common household ingredients, so you don’t need any specialty syrups to make this latte.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ceremonial grade matcha powder – Use ceremonial grade for the smoothest flavour when drinking matcha. Culinary grade can be used if that’s what you have, though it may taste slightly more bitter.
- Tepid water – Room temperature or slightly warm water works best. If you want to be specific, water should be 80ºC.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Ground cinnamon – Also known as cinnamon powder.
- Milk of choice – Any milk works well in this recipe, including dairy milk or plant-based options such as oat, almond or soy milk.
- Ice – Optional, for making an iced matcha latte.
How to Make a Honey Cinnamon Matcha Latte
Iced Latte
Step 1: Add the matcha powder to a small bowl. Pour in the tepid water and whisk using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a handheld electric whisk until smooth and slightly frothy, with no visible clumps.
Step 2: Add the honey and ground cinnamon to a glass with a small splash of water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Step 3: Fill the glass with ice and pour in the milk of your choice.
Step 4: Slowly pour the whisked matcha mixture over the milk. Stir gently to combine before drinking
Hot Latte
Step 1: Add the matcha powder to a small bowl. Pour in the tepid water and whisk using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a handheld electric whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 2: Add the honey and ground cinnamon to a mug with a small splash of warm or hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Step 3: Pour the whisked matcha mixture into the mug and stir to combine with the honey and cinnamon.
Step 4: Warm the milk until steaming (but not boiling), then pour it into the mug.
Tips for the Best Honey Cinnamon Matcha Latte
- Choose a milk you enjoy drinking – Dairy milk creates a creamy latte, while plant-based options like oat or soy milk also pair beautifully with matcha.
- No bamboo whisk? No problem – A traditional bamboo whisk (chasen) is ideal for preparing matcha, but you can also use a small regular whisk, a handheld electric whisk, or even a milk frother to dissolve the matcha smoothly.
- Use the right water temperature – Matcha is best whisked with water around 80°C (176°F). Water that is too hot can make matcha taste bitter. However, tepid water is perfectly fine!
- Sift the matcha if it’s clumpy – Passing the matcha powder through a small sieve before whisking can help prevent clumps and create a smoother drink.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste – The amount of honey can easily be increased or reduced depending on your preference. Maple syrup also works well if you prefer a vegan option.
FAQs
Can I use culinary grade matcha instead of ceremonial grade?
Yes, culinary grade matcha can be used for this latte. However, ceremonial grade matcha is typically smoother and less bitter, which makes it ideal for drinking.
Why is my matcha clumpy?
Matcha can form clumps if it isn’t whisked properly or if the powder has compacted in storage. Sifting the matcha before whisking or using a small electric whisk or milk frother can help create a smoother mixture.
What is the best milk for a matcha latte?
Any milk works well in a matcha latte. Dairy milk creates a creamy drink, while plant-based milks such as oat, soy or almond milk are also great options.
Can I make this matcha latte vegan?
Yes. Simply replace the honey with maple syrup to make this drink fully vegan.
More Drinks to Try
If you enjoyed this honey cinnamon matcha latte, here are a few more drinks to try next. From refreshing café-style drinks to cosy homemade syrups, these recipes are perfect for mixing up something delicious at home.
- Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte – A vibrant layered matcha drink made with sweet strawberry compote and creamy milk.
- Brazilian Lemonade – A refreshing Brazilian drink made with whole limes, sweetened condensed milk and ice for a creamy citrus treat.
- Gingerbread Syrup – A warm, spiced syrup that’s perfect for flavouring coffee, matcha lattes or hot chocolate.
📖 Recipe
Honey Cinnamon Matcha Latte (Hot or Iced)
Ingredients
- 3 g ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 30 mL tepid water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 200 mL milk of choice
- Ice optional, for iced latte
Instructions
Iced Latte
- Add the matcha powder to a small bowl. Pour in the tepid water and whisk using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or handheld electric whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add the honey and ground cinnamon to a glass with a small splash of water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the milk of your choice.
- Slowly pour the whisked matcha mixture over the milk. Stir gently to combine before drinking.
Hot Latte
- Add the matcha powder to a small bowl. Pour in the tepid water and whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add the honey and ground cinnamon to a mug with a small splash of water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Pour the whisked matcha mixture into the mug and stir to combine.
- Warm the milk until steaming (but not boiling), then pour it into the mug. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
- Matcha is best whisked with water around 80°C to prevent bitterness.
- If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, a small whisk, milk frother or handheld electric whisk works well.
Leave a comment