Matcha 4x Ways
Matcha 4x Ways is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Sanne Vloet on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 22 min
Cost: $5.20 total, $1.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 grams Matcha Powder (high‑quality ceremonial grade, sifted before use)
- 280 ml Water (heated to 80°C (175°F), not boiling)
- 540 ml Oat Milk (unsweetened, barista‑style for best froth)
- 6 pieces Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup (pure, for sweet cortado)
- as needed Ice Cubes (for iced drinks)
Instructions
Heat Water
Heat 280 ml of water in a kettle or saucepan until it reaches 80°C (175°F). Do not let it boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 80°C
Sift Matcha
Place 8 g of matcha powder into a fine mesh sifter and sift into a small bowl to remove clumps.
Time: PT1M
Whisk Matcha Base
Add 70 ml of the warm water to the sifted matcha and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk in a zig‑zag motion until a frothy layer forms.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Matcha Americano
Pour the whisked matcha into a glass, then top with the remaining 70 ml warm water. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Make Iced Matcha Latte
In a separate glass, combine 70 ml warm water with 2 g of matcha (repeat steps 2‑3). Add 180 ml cold oat milk and a handful of ice, then stir until chilled.
Time: PT2M
Blend Strawberry Milk
Place 3‑4 fresh strawberries and 180 ml oat milk into a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour over ice in a glass.
Time: PT2M
Add Strawberry Matcha
Whisk another 2 g of matcha with 70 ml warm water (steps 2‑3) and gently pour the matcha over the strawberry milk, allowing it to sit on top.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Sweet Cortado Milk Foam
In a milk frother, combine 180 ml oat milk with 1 tsp maple syrup. Froth until a thick, sweet foam forms.
Time: PT1M
Make Matcha Espresso
Whisk 2.5 g of matcha with 70 ml warm water (steps 2‑3) for a more concentrated matcha base.
Time: PT1M
Assemble Matcha Sweet Cortado
Pour the concentrated matcha into a glass, then gently spoon the sweet oat‑milk foam on top. Serve as is or over ice.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Gluten‑free if using certified gluten‑free oat milk
Allergens: Oats (may contain gluten), None other
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder (lower grade)
- Instead of Oat Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Raspberry, Banana
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Honey (not vegan)
Equipment Needed
- Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)
- Fine Mesh Sifter
- Kettle or Small Saucepan
- Digital Scale
- Measuring Cup
- Blender (optional)
- Milk Frother (optional)
- Glass or Cup
- Large Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sifting the matcha to avoid clumps
- Whisking with a bamboo whisk until a fine froth forms
- Blending strawberries with oat milk for a smooth base
- Frothing oat milk with maple syrup for the cortado foam
Chef Tips from the Video
- Higher‑grade matcha gives a vibrant green color and a naturally sweet, non‑bitter flavor.
- For an extra silky latte, strain the blended strawberry‑milk through a fine mesh before adding ice.
- A small pinch of sea salt can enhance the sweetness of the cortado without adding sugar.
Troubleshooting
Matcha is clumpy and not smooth.
Always sift the powder before whisking and use a bamboo whisk in a zig‑zag motion to break up clumps.
The drink tastes bitter.
Make sure water is only 80°C; boiling water burns the matcha and releases bitterness.
Milk foam collapses quickly.
Use a barista‑grade oat milk and froth it on the hot setting; add maple syrup for stability.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover oat milk‑based drinks in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Matcha powder should be kept in an airtight container in the freezer or a cool, dark pantry.
Room temperature: Unopened matcha powder can be kept at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑sift matcha into a small airtight container for quick access.
- Prepare a concentrated matcha base (warm water + matcha) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Blend strawberry‑milk ahead of time and keep chilled; add fresh matcha on serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha drinks in Japanese cuisine?
Matcha originated in Zen Buddhist monasteries where powdered green tea was whisked into a frothy drink to aid meditation. Over centuries it evolved into the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and modern variations like lattes and cold brews have become popular worldwide.
What are the traditional regional variations of matcha beverages in Japan?
In Japan, the classic preparation is "Usucha" (thin tea) and "Koicha" (thick tea) served during tea ceremonies. Regional twists include adding sweet red bean paste in Kyoto or using milk in modern cafés across Tokyo and Osaka.
How is a matcha latte traditionally served in Japanese cafés?
A traditional matcha latte in Japanese cafés is often served hot with a thin layer of micro‑foam, using high‑quality ceremonial matcha and a small amount of milk to let the tea’s flavor shine.
What occasions or celebrations is matcha traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Matcha is central to the Japanese tea ceremony, which is performed during cultural festivals, seasonal celebrations, and as a symbol of hospitality and mindfulness.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with a matcha sweet cortado?
A matcha sweet cortado pairs beautifully with light Japanese sweets such as wagashi, mochi, or a slice of matcha-flavored cheesecake, balancing the drink’s bitterness with subtle sweetness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the four matcha drinks from Sanne Vloet's video?
Common errors include using boiling water, skipping the sift step, over‑whisking which creates large bubbles, and adding too much milk which masks the delicate matcha flavor. Follow the temperature and whisking guidelines for best results.
Why does this recipe use a bamboo whisk instead of an electric frother for the matcha base?
A bamboo whisk creates a fine, even froth and fully incorporates the powder without aerating it too much, preserving the tea’s texture and flavor—something electric frothers often miss.
Can I make any of these matcha drinks ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare a concentrated matcha base and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. Store oat‑milk blends in sealed jars and re‑whisk before serving to restore froth.
What texture and appearance should I look for when whisking matcha for the Americano?
The whisked matcha should have a smooth, glossy surface with a fine, creamy froth and no visible clumps; the color should be bright emerald green.
What does the YouTube channel Sanne Vloet specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sanne Vloet focuses on healthy, plant‑based recipes, seasonal drinks, and lifestyle content, often highlighting natural ingredients like matcha and oat milk.
How does the YouTube channel Sanne Vloet's approach to matcha drinks differ from other health‑drink channels?
Sanne Vloet emphasizes minimal equipment, precise temperature control, and the use of high‑quality ceremonial matcha, whereas many other channels rely on electric frothers or lower‑grade powders.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
