Maple Matcha Latte Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for easy ways to make a drink feel a bit more special, and this Maple Matcha Latte Cocktail totally does the trick. It brings together the earthy flavor of matcha and the mellow sweetness of maple syrup, so you end up with something cozy, but still refreshing. Here’s how I turn a classic matcha latte into a cocktail that feels balanced and honestly, kind of irresistible.

The first time I mixed maple and matcha, I didn’t expect them to work so well together. Maple takes the edge off matcha’s natural bitterness and brings a warm, rich note that just fits, especially when you add a splash of spirits.

It’s one of those drinks that feels familiar, but there’s something new about it too. I find myself making it year-round, honestly.

I’ll walk you through making this at home, from the simple ingredient list to the quick steps that pull it all together. Once you try it, you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your cocktail rotation.

Maple Matcha Latte Cocktail Recipe

What I love about this drink is how the matcha’s earthiness and the maple’s smooth sweetness come together. Mixing in milk and spirits makes it both comforting and a little bit lively.

Equipment

To make this, I grab a few tools that make the mixing and serving part easy. The right gear just helps everything come together better.

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid for mixing
• Small whisk or bamboo matcha whisk for blending the matcha
• Measuring jigger to keep pours accurate
• Fine mesh strainer to catch any matcha clumps
• Tall glass or mug for serving
• Spoon for a quick stir if needed
• Kettle or small pot to heat up the water

I always whisk the matcha first, then shake it up with the rest—it gives me the best texture, hands down.

Ingredients

The ingredient list is short, but each one matters for the flavor and balance.

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 ounces milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 ounce maple syrup
• 1 ½ ounces vodka (or whiskey if you want a deeper flavor)
• 2 ounces hot water (just under boiling)
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

I go for a good matcha powder—it really makes a difference in smoothness and flavor. Maple syrup adds sweetness, but doesn’t drown out the matcha.

Instructions

Here’s how I put it all together:

• Add matcha powder to a small bowl.
• Pour in the hot water and whisk until the matcha dissolves and gets frothy.
• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Add the milk, maple syrup, vodka, and the whisked matcha.
• Secure the lid and shake it hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain everything into a tall glass or mug.
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.

Shaking with ice chills it fast and makes the texture super creamy.

Notes

The milk you use totally changes the vibe. Whole milk makes it richer, but oat milk gives a lighter, slightly sweet taste.

If I’m in the mood for a stronger drink, I’ll swap in whiskey for vodka. Sometimes I just leave out the spirits and enjoy it as a maple matcha latte.

I always use hot water—not boiling—so the matcha doesn’t turn bitter. I usually give it a quick stir before sipping, just to keep the flavors even.

Tasting Notes

I take a sip and, honestly, the smooth creaminess hits me first. The milk and matcha just melt together, making this soft texture that’s surprisingly easy to drink.

Right away, I pick up on the earthy taste of matcha. There’s a gentle bitterness that keeps things from getting overly sweet—kind of grounding, actually.

Next, the maple syrup steps in. That warm, natural sweetness feels so much richer than plain sugar. There’s even this hint of caramel that hangs around a bit longer than I expected.

I catch a slight roasted note from the matcha, too. It works with the maple in a way that feels both cozy and, weirdly, still refreshing.

The cocktail finishes pretty mild. As the sweetness drifts off, I’m left with a clean taste and just a whisper of green tea.

Here’s how the flavors stack up for me:

• First: creamy milk
• Second: earthy matcha
• Third: smooth maple sweetness

Each sip feels balanced. No single flavor takes over, which I really appreciate. I could see myself sipping this slowly and noticing something a little different every time.