I’m done paying $8 for a matcha latte that’s 80% ice
I’m done paying $8 for a matcha latte that’s 80% ice is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 1. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Ian Fujimoto on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $57.01 total, $57.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Matcha Powder (Ceremonial grade, sifted)
- 30 ml Hot Water (Heated to about 80°C (176°F))
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (Optional, adjust to taste)
- 250 ml Whole Milk (Chilled, for maximum creaminess)
- 1 cartridge N2O Charger Cartridge (Standard 8‑gram nitrous oxide charger for whipped‑cream dispensers)
- 1 unit Whipped Cream Dispenser (Nitro Canister) (500 ml capacity, clean and dry)
Instructions
Bloom Matcha
Sift 1 tsp matcha into a small mixing bowl, add 30 ml hot water (≈80°C) and whisk in a circular motion for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: 80°C
Sweeten and Froth
Add 1 tsp granulated sugar, then whisk side‑to‑side for 45 seconds until a light froth forms on the surface.
Time: PT45S
Load Dispenser
Pour the matcha‑sugar mixture into the whipped‑cream dispenser, using a spatula to scrape any residue from the bowl.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk
Add 250 ml chilled whole milk to the dispenser, then close the lid tightly.
Time: PT30S
Charge Dispenser
Insert the N2O charger cartridge, twist until you hear a hiss, then gently shake the dispenser for about 10 seconds to mix.
Time: PT30S
Serve
Hold the dispenser upright and press the lever to dispense the creamy matcha latte into a serving cup. Pour slowly to minimize large air bubbles.
Time: PT15S
Cleanup
Disassemble the dispenser, wash the bowl, whisk, sieve, and any other tools with warm soapy water, then dry.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using plant‑based milk
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Lower‑grade green tea powder
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Agave syrup
- Instead of Whole Milk: Oat milk, Almond milk
- Instead of Whipped Cream Dispenser (Nitro Canister): French press (different texture)
Equipment Needed
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Chasen) or Small Whisk
- Whipped Cream Dispenser (Nitro Canister)
- N2O Charger Cartridge
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Spoon
- Serving Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Bloom matcha with hot water
- Properly charge the dispenser with N2O
- Avoid large air bubbles when dispensing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality ceremonial grade matcha for the brightest flavor and color
- Heat water to about 80°C (176°F) – boiling water makes the matcha bitter
- Whole milk yields the richest creaminess; for a lighter version, use 2% milk or a barista‑style oat milk
Troubleshooting
Large air bubbles appear in the latte
Dispense slowly and let the latte settle for a few seconds before serving; gently stir to break bubbles.
Matcha powder clumps and does not dissolve
Sift the matcha before adding water and whisk in a circular motion until fully dissolved.
No froth or the latte is flat
Make sure the N2O cartridge is properly seated and give the dispenser a gentle shake after charging.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover latte in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; shake gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture may separate.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed immediately; does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑sift the matcha and measure sugar the night before
- Keep milk chilled and ready to pour
- You can charge the dispenser up to 5 minutes ahead, but serve promptly for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha latte in Japanese tea culture?
Matcha originates from the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where powdered green tea is whisked with hot water. The modern matcha latte blends this heritage with Western milk‑based drinks, creating a popular café‑style beverage that honors the tea’s vibrant flavor while adding creamy comfort.
What are the traditional regional variations of matcha drinks in Japan?
In Japan, matcha is served plain (usucha) or thick (koicha) in tea ceremonies. Regional twists include adding sweet red bean paste (matcha anko), using milk in the north (matcha milk tea), and incorporating citrus or sakura flavors during seasonal festivals.
How is a traditional matcha latte authentically served in Japanese cafés?
Authentic Japanese cafés often serve matcha latte in a small glass or ceramic cup, topped with a thin layer of micro‑foam and sometimes a dusting of matcha powder. The drink is usually enjoyed without ice, allowing the delicate bitterness to balance the milk’s sweetness.
What occasions or celebrations is matcha latte traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
While plain matcha is central to tea ceremonies and seasonal celebrations like the Japanese New Year, the matcha latte has become a modern treat enjoyed at brunches, coffee‑shop meet‑ups, and as a refreshing pick‑me‑up during the spring cherry‑blossom season.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with a creamy matcha latte?
A silky matcha latte pairs beautifully with light Japanese sweets such as mochi, dorayaki (red‑bean pancake), or a delicate wagashi like sakura‑flavored rice cake. It also complements savory breakfast items like tamago kake gohan (egg over rice).
What makes this nitro‑style matcha latte special compared to regular matcha drinks?
The nitro charger infuses nitrogen gas, creating a velvety, mousse‑like foam and a smoother mouthfeel that ordinary whisked matcha lacks. This technique also produces tiny, uniform bubbles that give the latte a glossy, café‑quality appearance.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this nitro matcha latte?
Common errors include using boiling water (which burns the matcha), not sealing the dispenser properly (causing gas leaks), and over‑charging which can create large air bubbles. Follow the critical steps of blooming, proper sealing, and gentle shaking to ensure a silky result.
Why does this recipe use a nitro charger instead of a traditional milk frother?
A nitro charger injects nitrogen, producing a finer, creamier foam that stays stable longer than steam‑froth. This method also requires less equipment and gives the latte a distinctive silky texture that a regular frother cannot replicate.
Can I make this matcha latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the matcha‑milk mixture and charge the dispenser up to 5 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; give it a gentle shake before re‑dispensing.
What does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto focuses on modern Japanese‑inspired beverages and quick kitchen hacks, showcasing creative twists on traditional drinks like matcha, coffee, and tea using everyday equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto's approach to Japanese beverage recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Ian Fujimoto emphasizes minimalist setups, often using single‑purpose tools like nitro chargers or handheld frothers, and highlights the science behind texture and flavor. This practical, gadget‑centric style sets his channel apart from more elaborate, traditional tea‑ceremony tutorials.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
