Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe: Iced or Hot

US volume measures in parentheses are approximate; use a scale for consistent results.

A vanilla matcha latte softens matcha’s grassy and umami notes without covering them. This recipe includes a homemade vanilla syrup, café-ready brand options and measured iced and hot starting formulas using the Tay Leaf Matcha Base.

Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe

Yield: One drink
Preparation time: Approximately 4 minutes
Matcha: 4 grams (about 2 tsp)
Sweetness: Light to medium

Iced 16 oz ingredients

• 4 grams (about 2 tsp) Kyoto Teien matcha
• 30 grams (about 2 tbsp) filtered water at 160°F
• 10–15 grams (about 1⅔–2½ tsp) vanilla syrup
• Approximately 160 grams (about ⅔ cup) milk or oat milk
• Ice

Homemade Vanilla Syrup

Approximate yield: 390–400 grams (about 1⅜ cup)

• 200 grams (about 1 cup) granulated sugar
• 200 grams (about ⅞ cup) filtered water
• 5 grams (about 1 tsp) pure vanilla extract, or one split vanilla bean

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Warm gently, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. A hard boil is unnecessary.
3. Remove from the heat. If using a vanilla bean, add it while the syrup is warm and steep for 15–20 minutes.
4. Let the syrup cool before stirring in vanilla extract. Remove the vanilla bean before bottling.
5. Transfer to a clean covered container and refrigerate.

Begin with 10 grams (about 1⅔ tsp) per drink for a matcha-forward profile and increase toward 15 grams (about 2½ tsp) for a sweeter café-style latte.

Recommended Café Vanilla Syrups

• Monin Vanilla Syrup: A straightforward vanilla profile; begin with 10–15 grams (about 1⅔–2½ tsp).
• Torani Puremade Vanilla Syrup: A creamy vanilla profile without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives; begin with 10–15 grams (about 1⅔–2½ tsp).
• 1883 Vanilla or Organic Vanilla Syrup: Test at 10–15 grams (about 1⅔–2½ tsp) because concentration and perceived sweetness differ by product.

French vanilla products may have stronger custard notes and can make the drink taste more dessert-like. Use regular vanilla when the goal is to keep Kyoto Teien at the center.

Never rely on a stated pump count until the café weighs several actual dispenses. Pump size, bottle type and product density change the portion.

How to Make an Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte

1. Sift 4 grams (about 2 tsp) of matcha.
2. Add approximately 15 grams (about 3 tsp) of water at 160°F and mix into a smooth paste.
3. Add the remaining 15 grams (about 3 tsp) of water and whisk until evenly dispersed.
4. Add the vanilla syrup and milk to a 16 oz glass.
5. Stir, add ice and pour the matcha base on top.
6. Stir thoroughly before drinking.

Hot Vanilla Matcha Latte

Prepare the same 4-gram matcha base and combine it with 10–15 grams (about 1⅔–2½ tsp) of vanilla syrup. Add approximately 230 grams (about 1 cup) of milk before steaming for an approximately 12 oz drink. Adjust for the café’s cup and finished foam level.

For Beginners at Home

Measure the syrup by weight rather than pouring by eye. Vanilla extract is much more concentrated than syrup and should never be substituted at the same weight. If using extract directly in a drink, begin with only a drop or two.

For Cafés

Choose one syrup, test it with the exact milk and cup, then document the gram weight and verified pump equivalent. Label and refrigerate house-made syrup and establish a holding time under the café’s local food-safety requirements.

For batched service, portion approximately 34 grams (about 2 tbsp + 1 tsp) of prepared Tay Leaf matcha base per drink.

Adjusting the Flavor

• More matcha-forward: Begin with 10 grams (about 1⅔ tsp) of vanilla syrup.
• Sweeter: Increase syrup in 2–3 gram (about ⅓–½ tsp) increments.
• More aroma without excessive sweetness: Choose a vanilla-forward, less-sweet product and retest.
• Different milk: Recheck sweetness whenever dairy or plant milk changes.

Troubleshooting

The vanilla overwhelms the matcha

Reduce syrup before increasing matcha. Kyoto Teien should remain recognizable.

The drink changes between baristas

Standardize syrup by weight and train with the same cup, ice and milk.

Make It with Kyoto Teien

Kyoto Teien’s natural sweetness and subtle nuttiness pair naturally with restrained vanilla. Shop Kyoto Teien matcha, explore the Complete Matcha Guide, or visit Tay Leaf Wholesale.