How to Make the Iris Matcha Latte (Creamy, Calming & Lavender-Infused)
Why You’ll Love the Iris Matcha Latte
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make a creamy, calming matcha latte at home, this signature recipe is the perfect place to start.
The Iris Matcha Latte is smooth, balanced, and intentionally gentle—designed for slow moments rather than rushed caffeine fixes.
Instead of overpowering sweetness or harsh bitterness, this latte relies on ceremonial-grade matcha, soft vanilla, and a subtle touch of lavender. (see our Beginner’s Guide to Matcha).
As a result, it feels café-worthy yet approachable, making it easy to recreate whenever you want a moment of calm.
Creamy, Balanced, and Comforting
Because the Iris Matcha Latte is built on a carefully whisked matcha base and warm, lightly sweetened milk, it comes together effortlessly.
There’s no complicated equipment or long prep—just a simple ritual that feels grounding from the first step.
At the same time, the texture stays luxuriously creamy without feeling heavy.
In other words, you get a latte that’s comforting, elegant, and easy to enjoy any time of day.
Lavender-Infused Without Being Floral
A hint of lavender gives this latte its signature character, adding a soft floral note that never overwhelms the matcha.
The flavor stays subtle and balanced, allowing the green tea’s natural earthiness to shine. (learn how to make matcha without bitterness).
Instead of tasting perfumy or sweet, each sip feels calming and refined—perfect for pairing with a quiet morning, an afternoon pause, or a gentle evening ritual.
Why This Recipe Works
First, the Texture Is Creamy and Smooth
To begin with, the Iris Matcha Latte starts with properly whisked ceremonial-grade matcha, creating a smooth, lump-free base before any milk is added. This step ensures the latte feels silky rather than gritty.
Additionally, gently warming the milk allows it to blend seamlessly with the matcha, resulting in a creamy texture that feels comforting without being heavy.
Next, the Flavor Stays Balanced and Calming
Instead of overpowering the drink, the matcha is measured thoughtfully so its earthy notes remain soft and refined. This keeps the flavor clean, never sharp or bitter ( learn how to make matcha without bitterness ).
At the same time, vanilla and a subtle touch of lavender round out the matcha, adding warmth and floral depth without tasting perfumey or overly sweet.
Finally, the Method Feels Simple and Intentional
Because this latte relies on a short, mindful process rather than complicated steps, it’s easy to recreate whenever you need a calming moment. No special equipment or café tricks required.
Most importantly, the simplicity allows ingredient quality to shine, turning an everyday matcha latte into a signature, ritual-worthy drink.
Ingredients
Matcha Base
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 ounces hot water (about 175°F, not boiling) (learn more in our Matcha Water Temperature Guide).
Lavender Vanilla Milk
- 6 ounces milk of choice (oat milk or whole milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lavender honey (or honey + a few drops of lavender syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Finish
- Lavender cold foam
- Dried culinary lavender, for garnish (very light)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small bowl or matcha bowl
- Bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or small whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan or milk frother (for warming milk)
- Ceramic mug or heat-safe glass
- Fine mesh sieve (for sifting matcha)
If you’re just getting started with matcha, you don’t need anything fancy — see our Matcha Tools for Beginners to keep things simple.
Directions
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First, sift the ceremonial-grade matcha into a small bowl to remove any clumps. This step ensures a smooth, silky latte.
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Next, add hot water (about 175°F, not boiling) and whisk until the matcha is smooth, glossy, and lightly foamy.
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Meanwhile, gently warm the milk in a small saucepan or frother. Stir in the lavender honey and vanilla until fully dissolved.
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Then, pour the warm lavender-vanilla milk into a ceramic mug or heat-safe glass.
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After that, slowly add the whisked matcha over the milk, allowing the layers to blend naturally.
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Finally, serve immediately. Add lavender cold foam or a very light sprinkle of culinary lavender if desired.
For the best flavor and texture, quality ingredients and tools make a difference. Explore our favorite matcha essentials, baking tools, and ritual favorites in
Shop the Ritual.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Nutrition Note:
The Iris Matcha Latte is designed as a calming, gently energizing drink meant to be enjoyed mindfully.
Ceremonial-grade matcha offers natural antioxidants and a smooth, steady lift without the jitters,
while milk and subtle lavender add comfort and balance. Each cup feels grounding, soothing, and light enough
to enjoy any time of day.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on milk choice, sweetener used, and portion size.
Why You’ll Love This Iris Matcha Latte
First, properly whisking ceremonial-grade matcha with warm (not boiling) water creates a smooth, lump-free base. This step is essential for achieving a creamy texture and a clean, refined matcha flavor (learn more in our guide to the best water temperature for matcha ).
Next, gently warming the milk with vanilla and a subtle touch of lavender allows the flavors to blend seamlessly. The result is a latte that feels calming and balanced—never bitter, overly sweet, or floral-heavy.
Finally, the simple, intentional method keeps the process approachable while letting ingredient quality shine. With just a few mindful steps, this latte delivers consistent, café-style results at home.
- Smooth, creamy texture without bitterness
- Balanced matcha with gentle lavender notes
- Simple ritual with elegant results
Flavor Profile
The Iris Matcha Latte is creamy, calming, and softly aromatic, with a smooth green-tea base that feels elegant rather than intense. Ceremonial-grade matcha brings a clean, earthy depth that’s balanced and never bitter.
A gentle hint of lavender adds a floral softness that lingers quietly in the background, while vanilla and milk create a rounded, comforting finish. Each sip feels soothing, balanced, and intentionally refined.
What kind of matcha should I use for the Iris Matcha Latte?
Use ceremonial-grade matcha for the smoothest, most refined flavor. If using culinary matcha, choose a high-quality option and always sift it first for a silky finish.
How do I keep matcha from tasting bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from water that’s too hot or low-quality matcha. Use water around 175°F (not boiling), sift the matcha, and whisk until glossy and smooth.
Will the lavender taste too floral?
Not if you keep it subtle. This recipe uses just a gentle touch of lavender honey (or a few drops of lavender syrup) so the lavender stays soft and calming—not perfumey.
What milk is best for a creamy matcha latte?
Oat milk makes the latte extra creamy and café-style, while whole milk gives a classic, rich finish. Choose what you love—this recipe works beautifully with either.
Can I make the Iris Matcha Latte iced?
Yes. Whisk the matcha with warm water as usual, then pour over ice and add cold milk. For best flavor, dissolve the lavender honey in a splash of warm milk first, then chill.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use oat milk for the creamiest dairy-free option. Almond milk works too, but it’s lighter and less creamy.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
You can sift the matcha ahead and keep it sealed. For the best texture, whisk the matcha fresh right before serving so it stays smooth and lightly foamy.
How can I make it sweeter without overpowering the matcha?
Add sweetness in small amounts. A little extra lavender honey or a touch of maple syrup keeps the latte balanced while letting the matcha remain the star.
- Iced Iris Matcha Latte: Whisk matcha as usual, then pour over ice and add cold milk. Dissolve lavender honey in a splash of warm milk first for best flavor.
- Vanilla Cloud: Add an extra splash of vanilla and top with lightly frothed milk for a softer, dessert-like finish.
- Lavender Honey Boost: Increase lavender honey slightly for a more floral-forward, café-style sip.
- Coconut Calm: Use coconut milk for a subtly sweet, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with matcha.
- Oat Milk Latte: Swap in oat milk for the creamiest dairy-free version with a naturally smooth texture.
- Maple Sweetened: Replace lavender honey with pure maple syrup for a warm, cozy sweetness.
- Extra Matcha: Add an additional ½ teaspoon matcha for a deeper green-tea flavor and stronger energy lift.
- Light Foam Finish: Froth a small amount of milk separately and spoon over the top for a café-style presentation.
Printable Recipe Card
The Iris Matcha Latte (Creamy, Calming & Lavender-Infused)
Prep: 5 min • Cook: 5 min • Yield: 1 latte
Ingredients
- Ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- Hot water (not boiling)
- Milk of choice (oat, whole, or dairy-free)
- Lavender honey or lavender syrup
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Sift matcha into a bowl. Add hot water and whisk until smooth and lightly foamy.
- Warm milk gently with vanilla and lavender honey—do not boil.
- Pour whisked matcha into a mug, then add warm milk.
- Stir gently to combine. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Finish with light foam or a dusting of matcha, if desired.
About The Matcha Table
The Matcha Table began with a moment I still think about often: in 2012, I traveled to Japan to visit my sister and we shared matcha at a beautiful onsen—quiet, steamy air, soft light, and that first sip that felt both grounding and special.
That experience shaped how I see matcha today: not just as an ingredient, but as a ritual—calm, intentional, and quietly luxurious.
Here, you’ll find tea-forward recipes where elevated flavor meets everyday ease—desserts and drinks that are balanced, refined, and thoughtfully crafted for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments worth savoring.
Benefits of Ceremonial-Grade Matcha
A soulful, antioxidant-rich powder known for calm focus, steady energy, and an overall feel-good, bakery-style glow.
- Calm, Focused Energy – gentle lift from L-theanine and caffeine, without the jitters or crash.
- Rich in Antioxidants – concentrated catechins, especially EGCG, help fight everyday oxidative stress.
- Supports Metabolism – may gently support metabolism and fat-burn when paired with a balanced lifestyle.
- Steady Mood & Clarity – the L-theanine + caffeine duo is loved for promoting clarity, focus, and a more centered state.
- Everyday Ritual – turning matcha into a small daily ritual can encourage slower mornings and intentional self-care.
"> Matcha isn’t a medical treatment, but it can be a beautiful part of a balanced lifestyle. Learn more about potential matcha benefits from this evidence-based overview .