This pomegranate matcha latte is sweet, creamy, and tart with a fruity finish. It tastes like those fruit cream hard candies that were all the rage when I was a kid. Green tea and pomegranate are classic combinations, and they also extend to matcha!

A pomegranate matcha latte is a twist on the classic strawberry matcha latte with a more sophisticated flavor. It’s super easy to make at home and only takes 3 ingredients. Plus, you can add more flavors to it to make it fancier.

Here’s how to make a pomegranate matcha latte at home!

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a vibrant green tea powder made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. It’s known for its rich, umami flavor and as a caffeine powerhouse.

When you open a container of matcha, the smell is earthy, toasty, and almost nutty, with hints of sweetness and umami. You’ll also notice, when looking for high-quality matcha, it has a bright green color. On the other hand, lower-quality matcha often has a dull, brownish tint, which signals it’s past its prime.

Matcha has a wonderfully earthy and umami flavor with a balance of sweetness and bitterness. Depending on the type, you might taste floral or chocolatey notes. It’s also pretty versatile, with different varieties leaning toward creamy, sweet notes or a deeper, more savory taste.

While matcha is grown in several places worldwide, it’s most famously produced in Uji, Japan, where producing matcha is a proud cultural tradition.

Does Pomegranate Go With Matcha?

Pomegranate is such an underrated fruit pairing with matcha. It’s incredibly juicy, sweet, and tart, which goes well with a creamy matcha.

Some people describe pomegranates as a cross between a cranberry and a grape. It’s juicy but has a crisp, sweet, and tart flavor. It helps lighten the taste of matcha in lattes or by itself. Matcha can be pretty heavy and strong, so light and fruity flavors help balance it out.

Both pomegranate and matcha are earthy flavors, so they complement each other while also providing a nice contrast.

What Does a Pomegranate Matcha Latte Taste Like?

When you first sip a pomegranate matcha latte, you first taste a creaminess followed by a sweet and earthy taste. The umami matcha combines well with fruit-flavored milk. Then, the last taste you get is a light tartness from the pomegranate.

It’s super refreshing together and make the matcha latte seem much more refreshing than drinking a latte by itself or with heavier flavors like caramel or brown sugar. It’s also different from other fruit and matcha pairings like strawberry, which tends to be more vegetal and acidic.

Benefits of Green Tea with Pomegranate

Both matcha and pomegranate are superfoods, and together, they’re a potent, nutrient-packed drink.

Matcha has a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. This study says matcha also has many catechins, which are phenolic compounds that benefit human health.

This study showed that matcha enhanced spatial learning, improved glucose metabolism, and reduced neuroinflammation in mice, supporting their claim that matcha has therapeutic properties.

On the other hand, pomegranates are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Similarly, the antioxidants in pomegranates also have an anti-inflammatory effect. This study shows mice had a lower rate of contracting a stomach disease than other mice, which may also have immunity effects.

So together, they’re quite powerful!

How to Make Pomegranate Syrup

The easiest way to add pomegranate flavor into matcha is by using the juice directly. However, you should dilute it before using it with matcha; otherwise, the pomegranate will overwhelm the matcha.

In lattes, the best way to add it is to make or use syrup. Pomegranates have a lot of juice, which makes it perfect for making syrups. It’s also called pomegranate molasses, which many cultures use in desserts, cooking, and drinks.

To make fruit syrup, you can either use premade juice or juice pomegranates yourself. Boil the juice and some sugar in a small pot until it reduces down into a thicker syrup. You may have to stir occasionally to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn if all the water evaporates. Let it cool before use.

Store extras in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge. It can last up to 2 weeks, but it is best consumed within a week.

How to Make a Pomegranate Matcha Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a pomegranate matcha latte at home:

• Pomegranate Syrup:
• Pomegranate juice of fresh pomegranates
• Sugar
• Pomegranate Matcha Latte:
• Matcha tea powder
• Water
• Ice
• Milk
• Pomegranate syrup

Pomegranate Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Make pomegranate syrup. Boil pomegranate juice, sugar, and a little water on medium heat. Simmer the mixture until it becomes viscous and thicker but not stiff. Let the syrup cool before use and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Whisk matcha. Whisk matcha powder and water in a tea bowl using a bamboo whisk in a zigzag motion until a froth forms. You can also shake in a lidded jar or bottle.
3. Assemble drink. Add ice, pomegranate syrup, and milk in a separate cup. Mix the milk and syrup using a spoon until well combined. Add whisked matcha on top.
4. Mix and enjoy!

What Other Fruit Goes Well With Matcha?

Not a fan of pomegranate or looking to use other fruits with matcha? Many fruits pair well with matcha, including:

• Strawberry
• Blueberry (inspo: blueberry cinnamon matcha latte)
• Raspberry
• Mango
• Lychee
• Persimmon
• Apple (inspo: apple pie matcha latte)
• Banana
• Lemon

You can use these flavors in a matcha latte by making a puree or syrup or adding it to sparkling water for a matcha soda. You could also use it to make a hot or iced matcha tea.

Different Ways to Make a Pomegranate Matcha Drink

Instead of a matcha latte, you can make a pomegranate matcha iced tea, pomegranate matcha soda, or a pomegranate matcha granita. The pomegranate matcha iced tea is great for when you want a light drink, while the soda version is refreshing on a hot day.

You can even try to make a pomegranate matcha syrup, but I’m not sure how heating matcha powder would change its flavor and consistency.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a sweet and creamy pomegranate matcha latte at home!

• If you accidentally evaporate all the water from your syrup (and make pomegranate hard candy), add some water and dissolve the sugar to save it. Re-simmer it until you get the desired syrup consistency.
• If the pomegranates you’re using aren’t as sweet, add some sugar to your syrup to balance the tartness. Start by adding a half teaspoon and tasting the syrup after the sugar dissolves.
• Drizzle the syrup on the side of an empty glass to create a cool, striped look for your drink!