Chocolate matcha featuring coconut and white chocolate is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. This sweet and comforting matcha latte drink is ready in a flash and that gentle green hue is hard to resist.
I'm a sucker for a good hot chocolate and I never tire of trying out new flavours. Of course, spices or a touch of fruitiness always hit the mark, but adding a hint of tea to my hot chocolate is a new adventure entirely. A very happy adventure - so let's talk about this chocolate matcha latte.
Dazzled by the striking green of Matcha tea, I have hankered after dropping it into a hot chocolate for quite some time. So I finally got around to making a matcha latte using white chocolate and coconut milk. Delicious would be a huge understatement.
If you are wondering what to serve with this drink try some coconut macaroons or my matcha ombre cake.
What Makes this Chocolate Matcha Recipe Great
There are two versions! And they are both quick and simple to prepare.
My initial thoughts were to produce a white chocolate coconut matcha latte as the combination of these three flavours is something of a no-brainer.
But I wanted to compare it to a straight white chocolate matcha latte using regular whole milk. In other words, remove the coconut element. So I did just that and had a mini hot chocolate sampling with my family.
Interestingly, the jury was not unanimous. One taster strongly preferred the coconut version, claiming that the coconut added that extra element of complexity. The other taster was adamant that the straight version was better as the matcha flavour shone through more clearly. As for me, I was sitting on the fence, quite happily idling my time away sipping on both cups.
In conclusion, both versions offer their own take on a chocolate matcha latte, but they each work incredibly well. Matcha is a full-bodied tea. Adding it to milky white hot chocolate tones down the intense flavours considerably.
Both drinks display a sweetness that is not overpowering and they both deliver a pleasant hint of matcha. So these matcha latte recipes are a great way to introduce a little matcha into your life.
What is Matcha?
- Matcha is a high-grade Japanese green tea powder made from dried tea leaves
- It is traditionally whisked into hot water, instead of steeping, to form a frothy drink
- It has a slightly bitter, vegetal taste and an unmistakable vibrant green colour
- Ceremonial grade is the highest quality matcha, designed to be consumed just in water to let the flavour of this high quality product sparkle. It has a fresh, delicate taste
- Culinary grade matcha has a more robust flavour that can stand up to being paired with other ingredients. It is often a duller green compared to ceremonial grade matcha and it may include a mix of matcha powder from several sources. It's also a cheaper option.
- Culinary grade matcha can still be whisked into tea and sipped and it's a wise option when making lattes or infusing the flavour into cocktails when a less pure matcha flavour is acceptable
- All matcha tea should be used within a couple of months of opening as its freshness deteriorates relatively quickly, so it's best to buy in small quantities and store it somewhere dark and cool
Ingredients
This white chocolate matcha latte uses very few ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the matcha powder. It's really worth seeking out a quality product here - the old saying that you get what you pay for is certainly true as far as matcha tea is concerned.
As for the milk, that is up to you. Arguably, the regular milk version of this chocolate matcha latte has a more prominent hit of Matcha. Switching out regular milk for coconut milk dilutes the matcha undertones another level and bulks up the flavour profile.
Step by Step Instructions
Whether you are using whole milk or coconut milk, the same set of simple and speedy instructions apply. Expect your drink within 5-10 minutes:
Step 1: Heat the milk to scalding (but not boiling) in a milk pan. Meanwhile blend the Matcha powder in hot water until smooth using a spoon or small whisk
Step 2: Chop the chocolate and add to the milk. Stir until melted
Step 3: Add ⅔ of the Matcha, stir and taste. Add the remaining matcha for a stronger tasting drink if desired
Step 4: Optional – briefly blitz with a stick blender until the milk foams then serve
Topping these matcha latte drinks with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream, a little chocolate & a light dusting of matcha powder is entirely recommended & approved of.
Expert Tips
- Do not pour boiling water onto the matcha powder - it can adversely affect the taste. The water should be no more that 80C/ 175F
- If you are drinking matcha for health reasons keep in mind that cow's milk can neutralise the beneficial properties that matcha boasts. In this case, definitely opt for the chocolate coconut matcha latte version
- In theory, you can use any non-dairy milk in place of the coconut, but the final taste and texture of the drink will vary somewhat. Coconut milk offers a fresh, creamy texture and still froths up nicely, making it ideal for a chocolate latte
- If you are a hardcore matcha fanatic, then you can, of course, increase the strength of the matcha in this recipe very easily just by upping the amount of matcha powder used
- These chocolate matcha latte drinks can also be served cold - poured over ice on a scorching day, they are so refreshing
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course. Once made, allow the chocolate matcha to cool to room temperature, then pour into a bottle or jug, seal and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
The drink can be reheated either in the microwave on on the stove-top.
Flavourwise, there is no reason why either of these chocolate varieties will not work. However, the colour will be adversely affected. The drink will turn sludgy coloured as the green of the matcha and the brown of the chocolate come together.
If the less than attractive colour doesn't dissuade you then keep in mind that dark chocolate has an intense flavour that is much less sweet than white chocolate. For this reason you may need to use a little less than the quantity listed in the recipe card and, depending on how sweet you would like this drink to be, a little sugar may also need to be added.
To make this drink vegan you must ensure that the white chocolate is vegan as well as the milk (if you have a favourite brand of vegan white chocolate I'd love to hear about it).
There are two reasons. First of all, low quality matcha tea is reknown for being bitter. Always buy the best you can afford. The second reason is that it was brewed with water than was too hot. Remember: the water should be 80C/ 175F max.
In the market for more hot milky drinks? Try these:
Have you made this chocolate matcha latte? If so please let me know how you got along with the recipe by leaving a comment and/ or rating below. I always love to hear from my valued readers - that's you!
Chocolate Matcha with Coconut and White Chocolate
Ingredients
- 60 ml/ 4 tbsp Hot (but not boiling) water around 70C/ 158F
- 2 tsp Matcha powder
- 60 g/ 2 oz White chocolate
- 360 ml/ 1 ½ cups Coconut milk (or whole milk)
Optional extras
- Whipped coconut cream or whipped cream
- White chocolate chunks or flakes
- Matcha powder for dusting
Instructions
- Blend the Matcha powder into the hot water until smooth using a spoon or small whisk
- Meanwhile, heat the milk to scalding in a milk pan
- Chop the chocolate and add to the milk. Stir until melted
- Add ⅔ of the Matcha, stir and taste. Add the remaining matcha for a stronger tasting drink if desired
- Optional - briefly blitz with a stick blender until the milk foams
- Pour into mugs and serve topped with whipped cream (coconut or regular), white chocolate and a dusting of Matcha powder if desired
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Do not pour boiling water onto the matcha powder – it can adversely affect the taste, making it bitter. The water should be no more that 80C/ 175F
- If you are drinking matcha for health reasons keep in mind that cow’s milk can neutralise the beneficial properties that matcha boasts. In this case, definitely opt for the chocolate coconut matcha latte version
- In theory, you can use any non-dairy milk in place of the coconut, but the final taste and texture of the drink will vary somewhat. Coconut milk offers a fresh, creamy texture and still froths up nicely, making it ideal for a chocolate latte
- If you are a hardcore matcha fanatic, then you can, of course, increase the strength of the matcha in this recipe very easily just by upping the amount of matcha powder used
- These chocolate matcha latte drinks can also be served cold – poured over ice on a scorching day, they are so refreshing
Noelle Simpson
Wow, this sounds incredible! I can't wait to make this. Matcha has been a favorite of mine recently!
Jane Saunders
It's lovely in winter isn't it.
Jenn
Loving this twist on hot chocolate and the coconut white chocolate combo is such a fun pairing! Thanks for the recipe!
Jane Saunders
Pleased you enjoyed it - thanks Jenn.
Linda
What a great way to change up hot chocolate! And you are so right about it tasting best during the cold winter days of January. I'm game to try both but I bet I'll like the coconut version best since I'm a tropical flavor girl from way back. Can't wait to try them out.
Jane Saunders
I hope you like them both, but especially toe coconut version then, Linda
Stef
I'm totally up for trying both versions. Count me in! What a wonderful combination of flavors!
Jane Saunders
Enjoy them both!
Tayler Ross
All of these flavors together sound SO incredible! I can't wait to try this!
Jane Saunders
I hope you enjoy it.
Wilhelmina
This looks divine! Matcha and white chocolate are such a great pairing!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Wilhelmina