This is hands down, one of the best matcha lattes I’ve ever made. It’s a creative combo that is seriously so good: sweet, creamy, umami, and ever-so-slightly smoky. The combination of earthy matcha, caramel maple syrup, and subtle smoked sea salt creates a perfectly balanced drink that keeps you coming back for sip after sip.

The best part? This decadent creation only requires 5 simple ingredients and is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha enthusiast or just exploring new flavor combinations, the smoked sea salt maple matcha latte is a must-try. It’s rich, refreshing, and satisfying—a perfect pick-me-up for slow mornings or a mid-afternoon treat.

So, here’s how to make a satisfying smoked sea salt maple matcha latte at home!

What is in a Smoked Salt Maple Matcha Latte?

This unique latte combines whisked matcha, milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative), maple syrup, and a pinch of smoked sea salt to round out the flavors. This recipe serves it over ice, but you can also enjoy it hot with frothed or steamed milk.

The drink combines the basic ingredients of any matcha latte but adds some extra flavor from the maple syrup and smoked sea salt. You can grab any grade of maple syrup (just make sure it’s real maple syrup) and any brand that sells smoked sea salt. My personal favorite is Maldon, or you can even smoke your own salt, too.

What Does a Smoked Sea Salt Maple Matcha Latte Taste Like?

A smoked sea salt maple matcha latte (wow, a mouthful) is deliciously salty and sweet. The umami and slightly bitter taste of matcha complement maple syrup’s flavor, and the smoky salt enhances the sweetness with a subtle savory edge.

Maple syrup tends to have a slightly roasted flavor, which works perfectly with the salt. Since matcha also leans umami sometimes, it has a savory profile that works incredibly well with smoky flavors.

It’s first umami, then sweet, then finished slightly savory, and it’s so addicting.

What is Smoked Sea Salt?

Smoked sea salt is salt you infuse with the aroma of wood smoke, giving it a unique and smokey flavor. You gently slow-smoke the salt over wood chips, usually oak, which allows it to absorb the smoky essence. It’s commonly used to add depth to savory dishes and can work beautifully in drinks like this latte.

Sometimes, depending on how the salt sits over the wood, it can take on a light brown color, which is what the Maldon smoked sea salt looks like!

Note: Smoked sea salt differs from smoke-flavored sea salt, which uses flavor additives vs. real wood.

Do Maple and Sea Salt Go Together?

Maple and sea salt are an amazing combination. Anything sweet is bound to taste great with a little bit of salt, like salted caramel or kettle corn.

Food Science Break: The salt enhances the sweetness, activating reward centers in your brain through endorphins, making each sip incredibly satisfying.

The salt enhances the natural sweetness of maple syrup and makes it taste more sweet. This is why salted maple desserts are so popular—like salted maple caramels or cookies—they hit that perfect sweet-and-savory craving.

Does it Taste Good With Matcha?

Yes! Smoked sea salt and maple work so well with matcha. Matcha’s earthy, slightly bitter flavor is an ideal tea for bold pairings like smoked sea salt and maple syrup.

The salt enhances matcha’s natural umami qualities, while the maple syrup rounds out any bitterness. Plus, the added milk makes it so creamy and delicious.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf, giving it a more robust flavor and a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients.

The vibrant green powder has been a staple in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries and is now loved worldwide for its unique taste and health benefits. Its earthy, umami-rich profile makes it a versatile ingredient in both traditional and modern recipes, from teas to lattes.

How to Prepare Matcha

Traditionally, matcha is prepared by sifting the powder into a bowl, adding hot (not boiling) water, and whisking it with a bamboo whisk (chasen) until it’s smooth and frothy. The froth is an important part of consuming matcha, as it adds a velvety mouthfeel, making it taste fresher and better.

If you don’t have traditional tools, don’t worry. You can whisk matcha using an electric milk frother, a small handheld whisk, or even a blender. The key is to fully dissolve the powder to avoid clumps and create a creamy texture. However, you’ll miss the microfoam on top that only whisking with a bamboo whisk creates.

You can find matcha sets, including the whisk and bowl, at specialty tea shops or online retailers.

How Much Matcha to Use

For a single serving of this latte, 1 to 2 teaspoons (2-4 g) of matcha powder is usually sufficient, depending on your preference for flavor strength. Start with 1 teaspoon if you’re new to matcha, and increase the amount if you enjoy a more robust taste.

I’ve found that 1.5 tsp (3 g) of matcha is perfect for 6 ounces of milk.

Nowadays, people like a strong and concentrated matcha that’s vibrantly green. However, using too much matcha can make the drink overly bitter, so it’s best to experiment and find the ratio that works for you.

How to Make a Smoked Sea Salt Maple Matcha Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a smoked sea salt maple matcha latte:

• 1.5 – 2 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1/4 cup room temperature or hot water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 – 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 cup ice
• A pinch of smoked sea salt

Smoked Sea Salt Maple Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Whisk matcha powder. Whisk the matcha powder with water in a flat, shallow bowl using a bamboo whisk until frothy. Use zigzag motions (not circular) and whisk in an M shape for the best froth.
2. Make smoked sea salt maple milk. Dissolve smoked sea salt and maple syrup in a cup with a little hot water. Add milk and combine until well mixed.
3. Assemble drink. Add ice and sweetened milk in a separate cup. Then, pour the whisked matcha on top.
4. Mix and enjoy!

Best Matcha Powder to Use

There are a lot of great quality matcha powders on the market to try! However, it can be hard to decide which matcha powder to buy, especially if you haven’t tried it before. 

Marukyu Koyamaen and Horii Shichimeien are two Kyoto brands that exploded in popularity in the past couple of months and are constantly sold out.

While I love Marukyu and use it routinely, it isn’t easy to get these days. So, try some other amazing brands like Ippodo, Rocky’s Matcha, or smaller local brands in your city or hometown.

Once you’ve found a brand you’re interested in, you can look through their catalog of blends (if available) to see what type of matcha flavor you want. There are sweet and creamy matcha powders and more umami-forward ones as well!

My favorite matcha of all time is Ippodo’s Ummon blend, a punch of umami perfect in lattes.

Most, if not all, matcha brands have an online website where you can shop, so it’s easy and convenient! If you’re unsure, buy a small tin and try it out!

Tips:

Here are some tips for making an incredible smoked sea salt maple matcha latte at home!

• Serve Immediately: Matcha tastes best fresh, so enjoy your latte right after making it.
• Store Matcha Properly: Keep matcha in an airtight container away from light and moisture to preserve its flavor.
• Experiment With Different Salts: Other infused salts, from lavender to rosemary sea salt, could work amazingly with matcha!
• Sift Matcha: Use a small sifter and sift matcha before whisking for a smooth drink without clumps of unsifted matcha.