The Matcha Latte has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially in coffee shops like Dunkin’ Donuts, known for its variety of delicious beverages. If you’re a fan of this vibrant, green drink, you might be wondering how to recreate it at home. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make Dunkin’ Donuts-style Matcha Latte, allowing you to enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of this trendy drink in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before diving into the preparation process, let’s first list out the essential ingredients you will need to make your own
Matcha Latte:
Matcha Powder: This is the key ingredient in a Matcha Latte, providing both flavor and vibrant green color. It’s essential to use high-quality matcha powder for the best taste.
Milk: Dunkin’ Donuts uses whole milk for its Matcha Latte, which gives the drink a creamy texture. However, you can substitute this with any milk of your choice (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk) for a dairy-free version.
Sweetener: Dunkin’ Donuts typically sweetens their Matcha Latte with sugar. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference, or substitute with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia.
Water: You will need hot water to dissolve the matcha powder and create a smooth base for the latte.
Ice (optional): If you prefer an iced version of the Matcha Latte, you’ll need ice cubes to chill the drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Dunkin’ Donuts Matcha Latte
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the detailed process of preparing the perfect Matcha Latte, Dunkin’ Donuts-style.
Step 1: Sift the Matcha Powder
Why Sift the Matcha?
Sifting the matcha powder is an important step to ensure a smooth texture and avoid clumps in your drink. Matcha powder tends to form small lumps, especially when mixed with hot water, and sifting helps prevent this from happening.
Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder (depending on how strong you want your latte) and sift it through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or cup. Sifting helps break up any clumps and makes it easier to whisk the matcha into the water.
Step 2: Dissolve the Matcha in Hot Water
Creating a Smooth Matcha Base
To make the matcha properly dissolve and create a smooth, even consistency, you’ll need to dissolve the matcha powder in hot water.
Boil about 2 ounces of water and allow it to cool slightly (around 175°F or 80°C). Too hot water can make the matcha taste bitter, so ensure the temperature is right.
Pour the hot water over the sifted matcha powder.
Use a small whisk (a bamboo matcha whisk, also known as a chasen, is ideal) to gently whisk the matcha and water together. Start slowly in a circular motion, then speed up to create a frothy texture. The goal is to dissolve the matcha completely and avoid any lumps.
Step 3: Heat the Milk
Making the Milk Frothy
Once you have your matcha base prepared, it’s time to heat the milk. Dunkin’ Donuts uses steamed milk for its Matcha Latte, but you can adjust the milk texture to your liking. If you don’t have a milk frother or steamer, you can easily heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Pour about 6 ounces of milk into a small saucepan or microwave-safe container.
Heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. If using a stovetop, stir occasionally to ensure the milk doesn’t burn.
Once heated, use a milk frother to froth the milk until it has a creamy texture with small bubbles. If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk in a jar or use a hand whisk to create foam.
Step 4: Sweeten the Matcha Latte
Sweetening to Your Taste
Now it’s time to add sweetness to your matcha latte. Dunkin’ Donuts typically adds a generous amount of sugar to their matcha latte, but you can adjust the sweetness to your personal preference.
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar (or more, if desired) to the matcha base, and stir until dissolved. Alternatively, you can use your choice of sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute.
Taste the matcha mixture, and add more sweetener if necessary. Keep in mind that the sweetness will balance the natural bitterness of the matcha.
Step 5: Assemble the Matcha Latte
Bringing It All Together
Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble the matcha latte.
Pour the dissolved matcha mixture into a glass or cup.
Add the hot, frothed milk to the matcha base. You can pour it gently to create a layered effect or stir the milk and matcha together for a more uniform color.
For an iced matcha latte, fill a glass with ice cubes before pouring the matcha and milk mixture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Adding the Final Touch
To elevate your homemade Matcha Latte, consider adding a few garnishes. While Dunkin’ Donuts typically serves the drink without any extra toppings, you can get creative with your latte at home.
Optionally, sprinkle a little extra matcha powder on top for an added touch of flavor and color.
You can also add a swirl of whipped cream for extra richness, or a drizzle of honey or caramel for added sweetness.
Once garnished, your Dunkin’ Donuts-style Matcha Latte is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Make an Iced Dunkin’ Donuts Matcha Latte
If you prefer a chilled version of the Matcha Latte, making an iced matcha latte is just as easy. Here’s how:
Prepare the matcha base by dissolving the matcha powder in hot water as described in steps 1 and 2.
Sweeten the matcha mixture to taste.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, and pour the sweetened matcha mixture over the ice.
Froth and heat the milk as you would for the hot version.
Pour the frothed milk over the ice and matcha base, stirring gently to combine.
An iced matcha latte is a refreshing and creamy drink that’s perfect for warm weather or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Tips for the Perfect Matcha Latte
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Dunkin’ Donuts-inspired Matcha Latte turns out perfect every time:
Use high-quality matcha powder:
The flavor of your matcha latte largely depends on the quality of the matcha. Opt for ceremonial-grade matcha for the best taste, as culinary-grade matcha can sometimes be bitter and not as smooth.
Adjust the sweetness:
Matcha can be slightly bitter, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sweeteners.
Don’t overheat the milk:
If you heat the milk too much, it can lose its sweetness and become scalded. Be sure to heat it just enough to make it warm and frothy, but not too hot.
Use a frother:
For the best results, invest in a milk frother to give your matcha latte the creamy texture that Dunkin’ Donuts lattes are known for.
Experiment with milk alternatives:
If you don’t drink dairy, try oat milk, almond milk, or any other non-dairy milk. These alternatives work well in matcha lattes and can be frothed for a similar texture to dairy milk.
Conclusion
Making a Dunkin’ Donuts-style Matcha Latte at home is simple and enjoyable. By following these detailed steps, you can create a vibrant, creamy drink that rivals what you’d get from the coffee shop. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this matcha latte recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious, café-style beverage without leaving your house. With a few essential ingredients and a little practice, you’ll be able to craft the perfect matcha latte every time.
Now, it’s time to enjoy the calming, energizing flavors of your homemade matcha latte—sip by sip.
Related Topics: