Looking for the perfect spring drink? This sakura matcha latte is soft, floral, and creamy—everything you want in a seasonal latte. It combines the delicate flavor of cherry blossoms with the earthy richness of matcha green tea, all balanced with smooth, creamy milk. Not only is it beautiful and Instagram-worthy, but it’s also easy to make at home in under 10 minutes using just five simple ingredients.
Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious and refreshing sakura matcha latte recipe at home!
What is Sakura?
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms—delicate pink and white flowers that bloom each spring on ornamental cherry trees. While they look like they might produce fruit, these trees aren’t the type that bear the sweet cherries we’re used to eating. Instead, they’re celebrated purely for their beauty and cultural significance during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season in Japan.
Surprisingly, sakura blossoms are edible! They’re often preserved in salt and used in a variety of Japanese dishes, from traditional sweets like wagashi to savory items like onigiri. They’re also steeped in sakura tea, offering a light, floral flavor experience.
In dried form—commonly used in desserts and lattes—sakura has a subtle floral aroma with hints of almond and strawberry. The flavor is delicate, not overpowering, which makes it a crowd favorite in seasonal recipes like this sakura matcha latte.
What is a Sakura Matcha Latte?
A sakura matcha latte is a dreamy, spring-inspired drink that blends floral cherry blossoms with umami matcha green tea. It’s made with sakura powder, whisked matcha, milk, a touch of sweetener, and ice for a refreshing beverage. The result? A smooth, pastel pink-green-and-white latte that tastes as good as it looks.
This drink is a classic Japanese flavor pairing—you’ll find sakura and matcha in everything from seasonal mochi to ice cream throughout Japan. While sakura lattes are often served with just milk or coffee, the matcha version brings a rich, umami balance that complements the delicate floral notes perfectly. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re walking through a cherry blossom park in Japan.
Fun fact: In Japan, cherry blossom season is so beloved that there’s even a word for enjoying it—hanami, which means “flower viewing.” Locals picnic under blooming trees and soak in the fleeting beauty of spring.
Does Sakura Go With Matcha?
Honestly, sakura is one of my favorite floral flavors to pair with matcha—it’s such an underrated combo! Sakura has a very delicate, slightly sweet floral taste with subtle notes of cherry and almond, and softens matcha just right.
Because matcha can be pretty strong and grassy on its own, some people are surprised that a subtle floral like sakura can even stand out—but that’s what makes it good! The floral notes gently lift the matcha, adding a light layer that feels like spring in a cup. It makes the whole drink feel more balanced and nuanced.
This combo gives a similar vibe to a rose or lavender matcha latte—but in a much more unique, Japanese-inspired way.
If you’ve never tried matcha with floral flavors before, sakura is the perfect introduction. It’s not too perfumy or overpowering, and it complements matcha beautifully.
What Does a Sakura Matcha Latte Taste Like?
A sakura matcha latte is seriously delicious—creamy, lightly sweet, subtly floral, and rich in umami. You’ll first taste the earthy depth of matcha, which is mellowed out by the smooth milk, then finished with a soft floral note from the sakura. It’s delicate without being dull, and flavorful without being overwhelming.
Sakura has a gentle sweetness to it—think less bold than lavender and far less perfumey. It adds a light, almost fruity-floral layer that brightens up the deeper matcha flavor and pairs beautifully with creamy textures and subtle sweetness.
If I had to describe the taste, I’d say it’s like a rose matcha latte and a strawberry matcha latte had a baby, but in the softest, most delicate way possible. It’s floral, slightly fruity, and comforting—all in one beautifully balanced sip.
How to Add Sakura Flavor
There are two main ways to infuse your matcha latte with sakura flavor: sakura powder and sakura syrup. Each has its pros and cons, depending on the flavor intensity and convenience you’re looking for.
1. Sakura Powder (Best for Flavor)
Sakura powder is the ideal choice if you want a more authentic, concentrated flavor. It’s typically made from dried, ground cherry blossom petals, so you’re getting the essence of the actual flower, unsweetened and rich in aroma. Since it’s not diluted with sugar or fillers, you have full control over how floral your drink tastes. Look for products labeled as 100% sakura powder or sakura latte powder, and always check the ingredients. Some powders sneak in rose petals or artificial flavoring, so if it seems too floral or cheap to be true—it probably is. You can find reliable options on Amazon or smaller Japanese specialty shops online.
2. Sakura Syrup (Best for Convenience)
Sakura syrup is a quick and easy way to add cherry blossom flavor, especially if you like your drinks sweet. It mixes well with both hot and iced lattes, and it’s a great option for beginners. Just keep in mind that the sakura flavor in syrup is usually milder, and it can easily overpower your drink with sweetness if you’re not careful. For the best flavor, try to buy syrup from a reputable Japanese brand—they usually have a more balanced, floral-forward profile.
How to Make a Sakura Matcha Latte
Here’s what you’ll need to make a sakura matcha latte at home:
- 1½ tsp matcha tea powder
- 1 tbsp sakura powder
- ½ cup water (divided)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp sweetener
Sakura Matcha Latte
- Sift matcha powder into matcha bowl and add 1/4 cup water. Whisk matcha using bamboo whisk for 20-30 seconds with bamboo whisk until a foam with small bubbles forms.
- Add sakura powder and water to a glass, then mix for 10 seconds or until well-combined.
- Add sweetener (if desired), ice, milk, and top with whisked matcha.
- Garnish with a real or fake cherry blossom.
- Mix and enjoy!
Other Floral Matcha Latte Recipes
If you love this sakura matcha combination, then you’ll love other floral matcha latte recipes! Here’s some inspiration for your next drink:
- Lavender matcha latte
- Lavender cold foam matcha latte
- Rose cream matcha latte
- Earl Grey matcha latte
- Jasmine matcha latte
Beautiful Sakura Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1½ tsp matcha tea powder
- ½ cup water divided
- 1 tbsp sakura powder
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp sweetener
Instructions
- Sift matcha powder into matcha bowl and add 1/4 cup water. Whisk matcha using bamboo whisk for 20-30 seconds with bamboo whisk until a foam with small bubbles forms.
- Add sakura powder and water to a glass, then mix for 10 seconds or until well-combined.
- Add sweetener (if desired), ice, milk, and top with whisked matcha.
- Garnish with a real or fake cherry blossom.
- Mix and enjoy!
Tips:
Here are some tips for making this delicious sakura matcha latte at home:
- Make a Cold Foam: Make this drink super creamy by whipping the sakura powder with heavy cream and milk to get a sakura cold foam. This will make your matcha latte so much richer and delicious, with a subtle floral flavor!
- Practice Whisking Matcha: If your matcha isn’t foamy, that is normal. You may need to practice whisking matcha until you improve your technique to create a nice velvety foam on top. Check out my matcha whisking tutorial!
- Make Layers: The pink sakura creates the prettiest light pink color that looks amazing next to matcha green. You can easily make layers by adding some sweetener to your sakura mix and adding that first to your glass, adding ice, then carefully pouring the milk directly onto the ice. Repeat with your whisked matcha and you should get a beautifully layered drink.
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