This article was posted back in 2018, but we made videos out of the recipes since they were popular! Watch the video and enjoy the original article below! (The blog article has 10 green tea with milk recipes, but we selected the best six in the video.)
Green tea is a beloved beverage known for its numerous health benefits and refreshing, earthy flavour. But did you know it’s incredibly versatile, especially when paired with milk? Whether you're a fan of the smooth, creamy texture or simply love experimenting with new flavors, green tea and milk create the perfect harmony. From classic lattes to delightful desserts, the possibilities are endless. In this blog, we’ve gathered 10 creative ways to enjoy green tea with milk, each recipe offering a unique twist on this delightful combination. So, grab your matcha powder or your favorite green tea leaves, and let’s dive into some deliciously unique ways to enjoy this comforting duo!
You already know that green tea is a delicious, healthy beverage. But you might not be aware of just how versatile your favorite tea can be!
A wide variety of beverages, desserts, and baked goods blend the rich, satisfying taste of milk with green tea's subtle, earthy flavor. The possibilities are endless, but we’ve listed ten of our favorite green tea recipes below.
1. Matcha Latte (Green Tea with Milk)
If you're ready to try green tea and milk, a matcha latte is a wonderful place to start!
For the uninitiated, matcha is a powder made of ground green tea leaves. Whereas green tea leaves are steeped in hot water before use, matcha powder is blended directly into recipes or beverages. Matcha lattes are delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
A fine "ceremonial grade" matcha powder is recommended if you're drinking matcha by itself. On the other hand, for a nice latte, a more affordable "culinary-grade" powder will do the trick.
First, use a bamboo whisk to blend a teaspoon of matcha powder into 1/4 cup of boiling water. Then, add milk and sweeten the latte to taste with agave nectar or other natural sweeteners. It’s that simple!
This tried-and-true latte recipe is delicious hot, but you can also combine the ingredients cold in a jar with ice and shake vigorously for a yummy, chilled alternative.
Not only is the matcha latte a treat for your taste buds, but it's also packed with antioxidants, offering a natural energy boost without the jitters that often come with coffee. The combination of matcha and milk creates a creamy texture that complements the earthy flavor of matcha, making it both a soothing and energizing drink. Whether you're enjoying it as a morning pick-me-up or a mid-afternoon refreshment, the matcha latte is a perfect way to indulge in the goodness of green tea in a whole new form.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (1 tsp)
- Hot Water (1/4 cup)
- Milk (3/4 cup)
- Agave Nectar or Natural Sweetener (1 tsp)
Check out my in-depth article about how to make matcha latte here.
2. Matcha Cupcakes
Culinary-grade matcha is perfect for baking. It is healthy and flavorful, but it also adds a dramatic splash of green to baked goods without the use of artificial dyes. Adding matcha powder to your next batch of treats will imbue them with an eye-catching grass green color derived from a natural, healthy source.
Cupcakes are the perfect confectionary candidate for the vivid green of matcha powder. Add two tablespoons of matcha green tea powder to your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe for every cup of milk or buttermilk. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little matcha powder onto your decadent frosting of choice!
These matcha cupcakes not only look stunning but also offer a delightful blend of flavors. The subtle bitterness of matcha balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cupcake batter, creating a harmonious taste that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them with your afternoon tea, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a unique twist on a classic dessert.
3. Green Tea Pudding
Lots of delicious, milky desserts benefit from the earthy flavors of matcha powder.
For example, adding a tablespoon of culinary-grade matcha powder to your favorite pudding recipe will add color and flavor to a classic sweet treat. For extra presentational flair, sprinkle additional matcha on top of the pudding.
This creamy, vibrant green tea pudding is not only a visually stunning dessert, but it also provides the perfect balance of richness and subtle bitterness. The smooth texture of the pudding complements the delicate matcha flavor, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether served as a chilled treat on a warm day or as part of a special meal, this pudding will surely impress your guests with its unique twist on a traditional favorite.
4. Green Tea Lassi
Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based Indian beverage. A version of lassi with turmeric powder is a popular folk beverage all across India, but lassi with green tea also has devotees worldwide. Sip this mild, chilly beverage on a warm summer day, and you’re sure to understand why.
Lassi is straightforward to prepare. You’ll just need equal parts plain yogurt, milk, and a teaspoon or two of matcha powder. Beat the ingredients together thoroughly and sweeten to taste with agave nectar. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a little citrus kick.
This refreshing drink is not only full of flavor but also packed with probiotics from yogurt and antioxidants from matcha. The combination of tangy yogurt, creamy milk, and earthy green tea creates a balanced, satisfying beverage that’s perfect for cooling off during the summer. Plus, with the option to customize it with different flavors like lemon or even a dash of ginger, you can tailor your lassi to suit your taste preferences.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (1-2 tsp)
- Yogurt (1/2 cup)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Agave nectar (1 tsp)
- Lemon (a little bit)
5. Matcha Donuts
As with cupcakes, donuts are great for showcasing personality through a playful presentation. The vivid green color of matcha can give your next batch of donuts an eccentric style all their own.
A few tablespoons of culinary-grade matcha powder blend well into any donut recipe. But you should also consider whipping up a sweet matcha glaze to get the full effect. Our favorite matcha glaze recipe calls for half a cup of whole milk, two cups of powdered sugar, and two tablespoons of matcha powder.
These matcha donuts not only offer a visually stunning treat but also deliver a unique flavor experience. The rich, earthy notes of matcha pair perfectly with the soft, fluffy texture of the donuts, creating a delightful contrast. The sweet matcha glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite a true dessert experience. Whether served as a morning snack or a special treat for guests, these donuts are sure to stand out and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (2–3 tbsp)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Powdered sugar (2 cups)
- Self-rising flower (1 cup)
6. Green Boba Tea (Bubble Tea)
Boba tea is a popular treat throughout East and Southeast Asia. It’s also sometimes called "bubble tea," a reference to the black tapioca pearls that rest at the bottom of the cup. The classic black tapioca bubbles can be purchased at many Asian supermarkets. They’re also widely available online. (Here’s a link to Amazon.
The body of the drink calls for a handful of ice cubes and equal parts brewed green tea and milk. An optional teaspoon of matcha powder can add a splash of rich green color. Mix everything in a cocktail shaker, and you’ll have a full serving of naturally colorful milk tea ready to pour.
If you’re adding tapioca pearls to your beverage, drink it through a wide enough straw to get the full boba tea experience.
Green boba tea offers a fun, refreshing twist on the classic bubble tea, combining the smoothness of milk with the unique flavor of green tea. The addition of matcha gives it a vibrant, bold taste, while the tapioca pearls provide that satisfying chewiness with every sip. You can even experiment by adding different sweeteners or flavored syrups to customize it to your liking, making it a versatile drink for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a midday treat or as part of a special gathering, green boba tea will surely stand out.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (1 tsp)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Honey or sweetener (2 tbsp)
-
Tapioca (1/4 cup): click here for a link to buy tapioca.
Check out this in-depth article about Green Tea Boba written by Mike, CEO of BubbleTeaology.
7. Matcha À La Mode
Green tea is one of the most delicious ice cream flavors. Many popular brands offer their own spin on green tea ice cream. Alternatively, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of culinary-grade matcha powder for every cup of wet ingredients in your favorite ice cream recipe.
Also, you can mix matcha powder with hot water and whisk it. Pour it over the matcha to vanilla ice cream. This is my personal favorite of all.
This simple addition of matcha powder to your ice cream not only enhances the flavor but also brings in a vibrant green color that makes the dessert visually stunning. The earthy bitterness of matcha pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream, creating a beautifully balanced treat. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on a warm afternoon, matcha à la mode is a delightful and unique twist on traditional ice cream that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
8. Matcha Custard
For the ultimate marriage of healthful green tea and decadent dessert, we highly recommend incorporating the flavors of green tea into your next batch of custard. Only a teaspoon of culinary-grade matcha powder is required for every cup of wet ingredients. The results are visually stunning, rich in antioxidants, and absolutely delicious.
This creamy, velvety custard combines the smooth richness of traditional custard with the unique flavor of matcha. The addition of matcha not only enhances the taste with its earthy bitterness but also adds a vibrant green hue that makes the custard visually striking. Whether served on its own or paired with a light dessert, this matcha custard is a perfect balance of health and indulgence, offering a deliciously unexpected twist on a classic treat.
9. Milky Green Tea Popsicles
Just like all the best homemade popsicles, green tea popsicles are very simple to make. The recipe calls for two teaspoons of culinary-grade matcha powder for every cup of milk. Sweeten the mixture to taste with agave nectar and freeze it in your favorite popsicle mold for five hours.
These popsicles are not only a refreshing treat but also a great way to enjoy the benefits of green tea on a hot day. The creamy texture of the milk blends perfectly with the earthy flavor of matcha, creating a cool and satisfying snack. With the flexibility to adjust the sweetness to your liking, these popsicles can be as sweet or as subtly flavored as you prefer. Plus, they’re a fun way to enjoy green tea in a kid-friendly format, making them perfect for the whole family.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (2 tsp.)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Agave nectar (1 tsp)
10. Matcha Smoothies
Adding green tea to your favorite healthy smoothie is a simple way to give it added flavor and a little kick of caffeine. The taste of green tea pairs well with just about every fruit combination under the sun. But our personal favorite recipes? They're the ones that bring together matcha powder, milk, and vanilla for a rich, refreshing flavor.
You can adjust our simple vanilla variation with mint, citrus, or even a little protein powder if that’s your style. You can also mix a few teaspoons of matcha into your own go-to smoothie for an easy antioxidant upgrade.
The delicious flavor of green tea can spruce up your favorite go-to recipes or inspire you to try something outside your comfort zone. As these lattes, cupcakes, and custards prove, matcha and milk are indeed a match made in heaven.
Matcha smoothies are not only a tasty and energizing drink but also a great way to start your day on a healthy note. The natural caffeine boost from matcha is gentle and steady, providing sustained energy without the jitters. The creamy texture of milk blends seamlessly with the earthy matcha, making each sip feel indulgent yet nutritious. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients—add some spinach for extra greens, or toss in some chia seeds for a fiber boost, and you've got yourself a smoothie that fuels both your body and your taste buds.
Easy Recipe
- Matcha (2 tsp.)
- Milk (2 cups)
- Vanilla (1/2 tsp)
- Ice (1 cup)
- Baby spinach leaves (1 cup)
- Frozen grapes (2 cups)
- Frozen Banana (1)
Conclusion
Green tea with milk offers endless possibilities, from energizing matcha lattes to indulgent matcha desserts. Whether you're looking for a healthy beverage or a unique twist on classic treats, the versatility of green tea combined with milk can enhance any recipe. With its rich antioxidants, refreshing flavor, and smooth texture, it's no wonder that matcha and milk make such a perfect pairing. So, go ahead and try some of these creative recipes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors—your taste buds will thank you!
Read one of my most popular articles, "20 Yummy and Healthy Green Tea Smoothie Recipes" and "Exploring The Green Tea Smoothie Revolution in Japan."
Bonus - Green Tea Club Facebook Group
In our Green Tea Club Private Facebook Group, fellow matcha lovers share their favorite recipes. Here is a snapshot of one of them. Join our private Facebook group to participate in future conversations. It's fun! Click here to join.
Did you learn a lot from this post about green tea and milk? Here are three more to read next:
- DRINKING GREEN TEA WITH MILK IS BAD FOR YOU—TRUE OR FALSE?—GREEN TEA QUIZ
- 10 WAYS TO SWEETEN YOUR MATCHA GREEN TEA
- 3 MUST-TRY GREEN TEA DESSERTS
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese green tea connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company.
Driven by a deep desire to share the rich flavors of his homeland, he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—earning multiple Global Tea Champion awards.
Expanding his mission of introducing Japan’s finest to the world, Kei pioneered the launch of the first-ever Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee through Japanese Coffee Co. He also brought the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the global market by making katana-style handmade knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time through Japanese Knife Co.
Kei’s journey continues as he uncovers and shares Japan’s hidden treasures with the world.
Learn more about Kei
