I’ve always loved the taste of green tea, but for a long time, I thought I couldn’t enjoy a café-style green tea latte at home without matcha powder.
Matcha has its own charm, but sometimes it’s either too pricey, hard to find, or just not what I’m craving. That’s when I started experimenting with a Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha—and let me tell you, it turned into one of my favorite warm beverages to enjoy at home.
This version uses regular green tea leaves or tea bags, making it easy for tea drinkers to whip up anytime. The mixture of earthy green tea flavors, creamy almond milk, and a hint of maple syrup creates a smooth latte recipe that tastes comforting and light at the same time.
If you’ve ever wanted a healthier alternative to coffee or a new tea drink to add to your routine, this one is for you.
What Is A Green Tea Latte?
A green tea latte is a creamy beverage made by combining brewed green tea with warm milk and a bit of sweetener. Traditionally, coffee shops make green tea lattes using matcha, but you don’t need matcha to enjoy one at home.
Using regular green tea makes the drink milder, less grassy in taste, and more accessible for people who aren’t big fans of matcha’s bold flavor.
How To Make A Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha
This Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha is a creamy, frothy drink made with brewed green tea, steamed almond milk, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for any tea lover.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Course: Beverage / Drink
- Yield: 1 serving
- Calories Per serving: ~90 calories
Ingredients
- 1 green tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose leaf green tea)
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Ingredient Notes
- Green Tea: I usually use a good-quality green tea bag for convenience, but loose leaf works beautifully too.
- Milk: Almond milk keeps this latte light, but you can go with oat, soy, or dairy milk. Each one changes the texture and taste slightly.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that blends well with green tea flavors. Honey is another great option.
- Cinnamon: Optional, but adds a cozy kick.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Brew The Green Tea
- Heat water to about 175°F (not boiling, as boiling water can make green tea taste bitter).
- Add your tea bag or loose leaves and steep for 2–3 minutes. Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves.
- Warm The Milk
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the almond milk until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk it briskly or use a frother until it turns foamy and light.
- Combine The Mixture
- Pour the brewed green tea into your favorite mug.
- Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon at first, then spooning the foam on top.
- Sweeten And Flavor
- Stir in the maple syrup. Taste and adjust if you’d like it sweeter.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve And Enjoy
- Sip it while warm. The flavor is light, earthy, and creamy all at once.
Can You Make A Latte With Regular Green Tea?
Yes, you absolutely can! Regular green tea, when brewed gently and paired with foamy milk, creates a lighter latte. The taste is less intense than a matcha latte, but still carries the refreshing green tea flavors that tea drinkers love.
How To Make Green Tea Without Matcha Powder?
The secret is steeping regular green tea leaves or a bag in hot water (not boiling). Once the tea is brewed, you add steamed milk and sweetener. This gives you the latte recipe experience without matcha. The flavor is gentler and easier to adjust to your liking.
Are Green Tea Lattes Healthy?
Yes, green tea lattes can be a healthy choice when prepared mindfully. Here’s why:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Green tea is full of catechins and other antioxidants that help protect the body and support overall wellness.
- Gentle Energy Boost: Unlike coffee, green tea provides a smoother lift in energy without causing jitters, making it a steady drink for focus and calmness.
- Better Sweetener Options: Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of refined sugar keeps the latte lighter and less processed.
- Nutritious Milk Base: Almond milk (or other plant-based options) adds creaminess while reducing calories and saturated fat compared to whole milk.
- Lower Sugar Than Cafés: Homemade versions allow you to control sweetness, avoiding the heavy syrups and sugars in café-style green tea lattes.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
- Pair this latte with a slice of banana bread, shortbread cookies, or even a simple toast with nut butter.
- For a light breakfast, I like having it with oatmeal or yogurt.
- If serving guests, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or even a drizzle of maple syrup on top for presentation.
Tips For The Perfect Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha
- Don’t steep the tea too long—it can become bitter. Two to three minutes is enough.
- Frothing the milk adds café-style texture, so if you don’t have a frother, whisk vigorously or shake hot milk in a jar (careful with steam).
- Maple syrup blends better than sugar in hot milk, giving a smooth taste.
- Experiment with flavor additions like vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of nutmeg.
Variations To Try
- Iced Green Tea Latte: Brew tea, chill it, then pour over ice with cold frothed milk.
- Honey Green Tea Latte: Swap maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.
- Coconut Green Tea Latte: Use coconut milk for a richer, slightly tropical flavor.
- Spiced Latte: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for warming spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Latte With Loose Leaf Tea?
Yes, just use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea instead of a bag. Strain before adding milk.
What Milk Works Best For A Green Tea Latte?
Almond, oat, soy, and dairy milk all work. Oat milk froths really well and adds creaminess.
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, if you use plant-based milk and maple syrup.
Can I Make A Large Batch?
You can double or triple the recipe, but brew the tea fresh to keep the flavor bright.
How Do I Keep The Latte From Tasting Bitter?
Use water that’s hot but not boiling, and don’t over-steep the tea.
This Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to enjoy a cozy tea latte at home. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and full of green tea flavors that make tea drinkers smile. I’ve made this recipe countless times in my kitchen, and it never disappoints.
Give it a try, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and make it your favorite daily drink. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop a comment or share your own variations. And if you’re looking for more tea recipes, stay tuned here at Best Tea Crafter.
Easy Green Tea Latte Recipe Without Matcha Powder
Ingredients
- 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose leaf green tea
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for flavor
Instructions
Brew The Green Tea
- Heat water to about 175°F (not boiling, as boiling water can make green tea taste bitter).
- Add your tea bag or loose leaves and steep for 2–3 minutes. Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves.
Warm The Milk
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the almond milk until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk it briskly or use a frother until it turns foamy and light.
Combine The Mixture
- Pour the brewed green tea into your favorite mug.
- Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon at first, then spooning the foam on top.
Sweeten And Flavor
- Stir in the maple syrup. Taste and adjust if you’d like it sweeter.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top if you want an extra layer of flavor.
Serve And Enjoy
- Sip it while warm. The flavor is light, earthy, and creamy all at once.