How to Make a Black Sesame Matcha Latte
Elevate your matcha latte with this nutty, umami-rich black sesame cream topping. Ready in 10 minutes with authentic Japanese flavors.
What is a Black Sesame Matcha Latte?
This black sesame matcha latte combines the earthy richness of premium matcha green tea with the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of toasted black sesame. The silky sesame cream creates beautiful layers in this cafe-style iced drink you can easily make at home.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Matcha Layer:
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2–3g ceremonial grade matcha powder (we recommend Asumi matcha for its smooth, vibrant flavor)
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100–120ml hot water (175°F/80°C max)
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150–200ml milk of choice (oat milk, almond, or dairy)
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Ice cubes
For the Black Sesame Cream:
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1–2 tsp black sesame seeds (or black sesame paste)
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20ml heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
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1 tsp sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Black Sesame Paste
Add black sesame seeds to a mortar and pestle. Grind in circular motions for 2–3 minutes until the seeds release their oils and form a smooth, paste-like consistency. The aroma should be nutty and toasted.
Pro tip: You can also use store-bought black sesame paste to save time.
Step 2: Make the Black Sesame Cream
In a small bowl, combine:
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Ground black sesame paste
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Heavy cream
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Condensed milk
Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens into soft, silky peaks. The cream should hold its shape but still be pourable. Set aside.
Step 3: Whisk Your Matcha
This is where quality matters! Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or electric frother:
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Sift 2–3g of matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps
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Add a splash of hot water (not boiling—80°C/175°F preserves the delicate flavor)
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Whisk in a zigzag motion until completely smooth and frothy
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Add another 40–60ml of water and whisk again to create a rich, foamy layer
Why temperature matters: Water that's too hot can make matcha bitter and destroy beneficial antioxidants.
Step 4: Assemble Your Layered Latte
Now for the beautiful part:
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Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
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Pour in your cold milk of choice
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Gently spoon the black sesame cream on top—it should float on the milk
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Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon onto the cream layer for defined layers
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired
How to Enjoy
You can sip it layered for different flavor experiences, or stir everything together for a uniformly creamy, nutty matcha drink. Each sip delivers earthy matcha, sweet cream, and toasted sesame notes.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Make it vegan: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and maple syrup instead of condensed milk
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Adjust sweetness: Start with less condensed milk and add more to taste
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Hot version: Skip the ice and use warm milk for a cozy winter drink
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Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the milk layer
What Does Black Sesame Taste Like?
Black sesame has a deeper, more intense nutty flavor than white sesame, with subtle earthy and slightly bitter notes that complement matcha's natural umami perfectly.
Why Use High-Quality Matcha?
The quality of your matcha makes or breaks this recipe. Ceremonial grade matcha like our Asumi blend offers:
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Vibrant green color for Instagram-worthy layers
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Smooth, sweet flavor without bitterness
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Maximum antioxidants and L-theanine for calm energy
Lower quality culinary matcha can taste harsh and muddy in cold drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? The black sesame cream can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Whisk the matcha fresh for best flavor and froth.
Where can I buy black sesame seeds? Find them at Asian grocery stores or online. Look for toasted black sesame for deeper flavor.
Is this recipe caffeinated? Yes! Matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine per serving—similar to a shot of espresso but with a smoother, sustained energy release.
Ready to Make Your Black Sesame Matcha Latte?
This Japanese-inspired matcha recipe is perfect for matcha lovers looking to try something beyond the basic latte. The combination of creamy texture, nutty depth, and vibrant green tea flavor creates a truly special drink experience.
Shop our premium ceremonial grade matcha to create cafe-quality drinks at home.
