Hot Matcha Boba Latte
Iced drinks don’t taste as good when it’s cold outside. This hot matcha boba latte is creamy and comforting, and it has that Starbucks matcha latte vibe. You can make it at home with chewy tapioca pearls and as much or as little sugar as you want.
This drink shows that boba can be cozy and hot too. If you’re new to making boba at home, my guide “What Is Bubble Tea?” will help you get the hang of the basics. If you like matcha, you’ll also want my Ultimate Matcha Bubble Tea Recipe for iced tea when you’re in the mood for something different.
Why This Hot Matcha Boba Latte Is So Good
Most boba recipes are for summer, but matcha tastes better when it’s warm. Making it a hot matcha latte with boba makes the drink taste smoother and less bitter, and it feels more comforting. This version works because the matcha stays balanced, the milk makes it creamy without making the tea too strong, and the tapioca pearls add texture without making the drink too sweet.
“Is Bubble Tea Healthy?” breaks down the pros, cons, and what matters most in an order. If you like to know what you’re drinking, this is for you. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, save my Bubble Tea Sugar Levels (0–100%) guide so you can order and make drinks more easily.
Things You Will Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this at home, but the taste is much better with good matcha. This matcha guide tells you what “good matcha” really means without being snobby if you’re still not sure what to buy.
- Matcha powder, either ceremonial-grade or high-quality culinary grade
- Hot water, but not boiling
- Choose your milk: dairy, oat, almond, or soy
- Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup are all good sweeteners.
- Black tapioca pearls have the same texture as classic boba.
For a café-style finish, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of salt. If you like to compare different options, my post about bubble tea equipment and tools will help you set up a simple “boba setup” without having to buy a bunch of gadgets you won’t use.
How to Make a Boba Latte with Hot Matcha
- Follow the directions on the package to cook the boba. To keep the pearls soft and shiny, drain them and toss them with a little sweetener. Check out my boba troubleshooting tips in the toppings guide if your pearls harden quickly. They will help with that problem.
- Put the matcha in a bowl, pour in hot (not boiling) water, and whisk it until it is smooth and slightly frothy. My equipment guide has easy alternatives that still work if you don’t have a whisk.
- Gently heat the milk on the stove or with a milk frother. Don’t boil.
- Mix your sweetener into the matcha until it is completely dissolved. Use a simple syrup to make it blend better if you like the sweetness of Starbucks.
- Put the boba in a mug that can handle heat, then pour in the matcha and top with hot milk. Gently stir and serve right away. My Peach Green Tea Boba and Strawberry Jasmine Bubble Tea are excellent lighter choices if you like boba with a lot of fruit.
Hot Matcha Boba Latte
Starbucks-inspired hot matcha latte with chewy boba and adjustable sugar.
Ingredients
- 1–2 tsp matcha powder
- 2–3 tbsp hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1–2 tsp sweetener (to taste)
- 1/3–1/2 cup cooked black tapioca pearls
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla extract or tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook tapioca pearls according to package directions; drain and sweeten lightly.
- Sift matcha into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Heat milk gently until steaming (do not boil).
- Sweeten the matcha to taste (add vanilla and/or a tiny pinch of salt if using).
- Add boba to a mug, pour in the matcha, then top with hot milk. Stir and serve immediately.
Notes
- For less bitterness, keep water hot but not boiling.
- Serve right away so pearls stay chewy.
- Adjust sugar using the 0–100% guide.
Levels of Sugar: Why Making It Yourself Is Better
One of the best things about making a hot matcha boba latte at home is that you can control the sugar. Matcha has a naturally earthy, slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t need much added sugar.
With 0–25% sugar, the drink stays very tea-forward and less sweet. 50% sugar is a good mix and feels balanced. 75–100% sugar is closest to the sweetness you’d get at a café.
If you’re also trying to choose between pearls, pudding, or jellies for your bubble tea, my bubble tea toppings guide can help.
Calories and Nutrition: Using BobaCal
There isn’t a single calorie number for a hot matcha boba latte. Calories change depending on the type of milk, how much sugar you use, and how much boba you add, which is why online ranges can be confusing.
If you want an accurate number for your exact drink, use the BobaCal Bubble Tea Nutrition Calculator. You can adjust milk type, sugar level, toppings, and cup size, and the calories and sugar update instantly. If you’re curious how this tea compares to popular chains, Check out these guides for places like Gong Cha, Kung Fu Tea, and CoCo Fresh make it easy to see what makes the biggest difference.
FAQ: Hot Matcha Boba Latte Questions
Can you add boba to hot drinks?
Yes. As long as they are fresh and not left out for too long, tapioca pearls are great in hot drinks.
Is drinking hot matcha better for you than coffee?
Matcha gives you steady energy and antioxidants without the sudden drops that coffee can cause.
Does Starbucks have matcha boba?
No. Starbucks has a hot matcha latte, but not a boba one. This recipe keeps the same feel but adds boba and makes it easier to control the sugar.
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A Personal Note
If you want to make this hot matcha boba latte at home without having to guess, these are the few things that will make the biggest difference. You don’t need everything; this is just what I use and suggest.
I used to think that matcha was only a cold drink. But when winter came, I wanted something warm that didn’t feel heavy like coffee. This became my go-to afternoon beverage when I needed something warm and soothing.
On some days, I keep it very green and not too sweet. Some days I like the creamy, cozy side more. Same recipe, but different mood. That’s what makes it a staple.
Shop This Recipe
- Simple syrup or honey, for sweetening
- Matcha powder (ceremonial or high-quality cooking grade)
- Black tapioca pearls
- A bamboo matcha whisk or an electric milk frother
- A small fine-mesh sieve for matcha
- A small pot
- Heat-safe mug
If you’re making your own “boba bar” at home, my post about bubble tea tools and equipment lists what you really need to buy and what you can do without.
Last Thoughts
Most boba drinks are served iced, which is why they’re often thought of as summer drinks. This one flips that idea. It’s warm, balanced, and you can change it to fit your taste. It makes you feel better without being too sweet. There are many ways to keep trying new things at home if you want to learn more about matcha. Controlling how sweet and what toppings you use makes the biggest difference if you want to cut back on sugar.
