Matcha Syrup: The Best Matcha Syrup Recipe, Uses, Storage Tips, and FAQs

If you love matcha lattes, iced matcha drinks, or café-style sweet matcha at home, matcha syrup is the one ingredient that makes everything easier. Instead of whisking matcha powder and sugar every time, you can prep a bottle of homemade matcha syrup (often called matcha simple syrup) and use it in seconds coffee, milk tea, lemonade, desserts, even cocktails.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make matcha syrup, the best matcha to use, the right syrup ratios, how to avoid clumps, and how long matcha syrup lasts in the fridge.

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What Is Matcha Syrup?

Matcha syrup is a sweetened matcha concentrate made by combining matcha powder with simple syrup (sugar + water). It’s smooth, pourable, and designed to mix easily into drinks.

What does matcha syrup taste like?

It’s sweet, earthy, grassy, and slightly bitter (in a good way). The sweetness balances matcha’s natural bitterness, which is why it’s perfect for iced matcha lattes, matcha milk tea, and matcha lemonade.

What should matcha syrup look like?

A good matcha syrup is:

• Bright green (not brown)

• Smooth (no gritty texture)

• Easy to pour (like maple syrup or thin honey)

Matcha Syrup vs Matcha Powder vs Matcha Concentrate

Matcha syrup vs matcha powder

• Matcha powder is pure ground green tea leaves.

• Matcha syrup is matcha already blended with sugar and water for instant mixing.

Matcha syrup vs matcha concentrate

• Matcha concentrate is typically matcha + water (sometimes unsweetened).

• Matcha syrup is sweetened, making it more like a flavor base for drinks.

Matcha simple syrup vs matcha sauce

• Matcha simple syrup = pourable, best for drinks.

• Matcha sauce = thicker (often includes cream, condensed milk, or starch), best for drizzling.

Matcha Syrup Ingredients (Best Ingredients for Matcha Syrup)

1) Best matcha for matcha syrup

For most people, culinary grade matcha is the best matcha for syrup because it’s designed for mixing and is more affordable. If you want a smoother, less bitter syrup, choose a higher-quality culinary matcha (sometimes labeled “latte grade”).

Tip: Sift your matcha. Sifting prevents clumps and gritty syrup.

2) Sugar options

• White sugar (granulated): clean sweetness, best “classic” matcha syrup

• Cane sugar: similar to white sugar, slightly warmer flavor

• Brown sugar: deeper caramel note (great for brown sugar matcha latte vibes)

• Honey or maple syrup: natural sweetness (but changes shelf life and texture)

3) Liquid options

• Water is standard for matcha simple syrup.

• For richer syrup, you can use a small amount of hot water to dissolve matcha first, then stir into syrup.

4) Optional add-ins (café flavors)

• Vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (boosts sweetness and reduces bitterness)

• Ginger (for matcha ginger syrup)

• Citrus zest (lemon/orange)

Equipment for Making Matcha Syrup (No Clumps)

You don’t need fancy tools, but these help:

• Fine mesh sieve (for sifting matcha)

• Small whisk or milk frother (for smooth mixing)

• Saucepan (for the heated method)

• Glass jar or syrup bottle (for storage)

Best bottle tip: A squeeze bottle or pump bottle is perfect if you make iced matcha lattes daily.

Matcha Syrup Recipe (How to Make Matcha Syrup)

Below are two versions: the classic heated matcha simple syrup and a faster no-cook method.

Classic Matcha Syrup Ratio

• 1:1 simple syrup = 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water (lighter, common)

• 2:1 rich syrup = 2 cups sugar + 1 cup water (thicker, often lasts longer)

For matcha, a practical starting point is:

• 1–2 teaspoons matcha per 1 cup of finished syrup (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step: Homemade Matcha Syrup (Heated Method)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons matcha powder (sifted)

• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make simple syrup: Add sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not boil aggressively gentle heat is best.

2. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let it cool 3–5 minutes. (Too much heat can dull matcha’s green color.)

3. Make a matcha paste: In a small bowl, sift matcha, then whisk it with 1–2 tablespoons warm water to form a smooth paste.

4. Combine: Whisk the matcha paste into the warm syrup until fully blended.

5. Strain (optional but great): Strain through a fine mesh sieve for ultra-smooth syrup.

6. Bottle and chill: Pour into a clean jar or bottle. Cool completely, then refrigerate.

Result: Smooth, pourable matcha syrup ready for lattes, milk tea, and desserts.

Quick Matcha Simple Syrup (No-Cook Method)

If you don’t want to heat anything:

1. Use superfine sugar (or dissolve sugar in hot water first).

2. Whisk sifted matcha with a splash of warm water into a paste.

3. Add sugar and room-temperature water, whisk hard (or use a milk frother).

4. Chill and shake before use.

Note: No-cook syrup can feel slightly grainy if sugar doesn’t dissolve fully.

Matcha Syrup Variations (Flavor + Diet-Friendly Options)

Vanilla matcha syrup

Add ½–1 teaspoon vanilla extract after the syrup cools.

Honey matcha syrup (matcha honey syrup)

Replace some sugar with honey (example: ½ cup honey + ½ cup sugar). Honey adds floral sweetness but can shorten shelf life.

Maple matcha syrup

Use maple syrup as the sweetener and blend matcha paste into it. Great for pancakes and iced drinks.

Brown sugar matcha syrup

Swap white sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper flavor perfect in iced matcha latte recipes.

Ginger matcha syrup

Simmer thin slices of ginger in the syrup for 5–10 minutes, then remove ginger and mix in matcha.

Sugar-free matcha syrup (keto-ish option)

Use a heat-stable sweetener that dissolves well (varies by brand). Expect a different mouthfeel than sugar syrup.

How to Use Matcha Syrup (Best Matcha Syrup Uses)

1) Matcha syrup drinks

Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons matcha syrup

• 1 cup milk (oat milk, almond milk, dairy)

• Ice
  Stir syrup into milk, add ice, and mix. Done.

Hot Matcha Latte

• 1 tablespoon matcha syrup

• 1 cup hot milk
  Whisk syrup with a splash of hot milk first, then add the rest.

Matcha Lemonade

• 1–2 tablespoons matcha syrup

• ¾ cup lemonade (or lemon juice + water + sweetener)

• Ice, sparkling water optional
  This is a huge crowd-pleaser if you like bright, refreshing flavors.

Matcha Milk Tea / Boba Base

• 1–2 tablespoons matcha syrup

• 1 cup milk or tea + milk

• Add boba or tapioca pearls if you like

Matcha Coffee (Matcha Espresso Fusion)
If you like the “dirty matcha” style:

• 1 tablespoon matcha syrup

• Milk + ice

• Top with 1 shot espresso

2) Matcha syrup for desserts + food

• Drizzle on pancakes, waffles, French toast

• Spoon over ice cream

• Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, chia pudding

• Sweeten whipped cream or frosting (use small amounts)

3) Matcha syrup cocktails + mocktails

• Matcha syrup + sparkling water + lemon = quick mocktail

• Matcha syrup pairs well with vanilla, citrus, coconut, berry flavors

How Much Matcha Syrup to Add (Barista-Style Guide)

Start here and adjust:

• Latte (12–16 oz): 1–2 tablespoons (or 2–4 pumps)

• Milk tea (12–16 oz): 1–2 tablespoons

• Lemonade (12–16 oz): 1–2 tablespoons

• Dessert drizzle: 1–2 teaspoons at a time

If your matcha syrup tastes too strong or bitter, use less matcha next batch or increase sweetness slightly.

Matcha Syrup Storage (How to Store Matcha Syrup)

How long does matcha syrup last?

For a typical homemade matcha simple syrup, a safe rule is:

• About 2–4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, airtight container.

A rich syrup (2:1) often keeps longer than a 1:1 syrup because higher sugar helps preservation.

Refrigerated storage tips

• Use a clean glass bottle or jar

• Keep it tightly sealed

• Don’t dip used spoons into the bottle (contamination shortens shelf life)

Can you freeze matcha syrup?

Yes. Freeze in an ice cube tray for easy “matcha syrup cubes.” Thaw cubes as needed.

Signs matcha syrup went bad

Discard if you notice:

• Mold

• Off smell (fermented/sour)

• Slimy texture

• Strange taste

Matcha Syrup Troubleshooting (Fix Common Problems)

Why is my matcha syrup clumpy?

Most clumps come from skipping the paste step.

Fix: Sift matcha, whisk with a splash of warm water into a paste, then mix into syrup.

Why is my matcha syrup gritty?

This is usually matcha quality or incomplete mixing.

Fix: Use a frother, strain through a sieve, and consider a finer matcha powder.

Why did my matcha syrup turn brown?

Oxidation and too much heat can dull matcha’s green.

Fix: Keep heat gentle, cool before adding matcha, store in an opaque bottle or keep it away from light.

Too bitter?

Use less matcha, add a pinch of salt, or add vanilla to round out bitterness.

Too thin or too thick?

• Too thin: simmer a bit longer (for heated method) or use rich syrup ratio (2:1)

• Too thick: add small splashes of water and whisk

Matcha Syrup Nutrition (Calories, Sugar, Caffeine)

Does matcha syrup have caffeine?

Yes, because matcha contains caffeine. The exact caffeine depends on:

• How much matcha you used

• The serving size of syrup

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, start with a smaller serving in your matcha latte or choose a lighter syrup batch.

Calories in matcha syrup

Most calories come from sugar. If you’re tracking calories, measure tablespoons/pumps and keep the ratio consistent.

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Store-Bought Matcha Syrup (Buying Guide)

If you’re buying matcha syrup or matcha green tea concentrate, check:

• Real matcha powder listed (not just “green tea flavor”)

• Sweetener type (cane sugar vs artificial sweeteners)

• Color additives (some products use spirulina/turmeric for color)

• Intended use (latte concentrate vs cocktail syrup)

Store-bought is convenient, but homemade usually tastes fresher and lets you control sweetness.

FAQs (People Also Ask–Style)

How do you make matcha syrup at home?

Make a simple syrup (sugar + water), whisk sifted matcha with a little warm water into a paste, then mix the paste into the syrup. Chill and store in the fridge.

How long does matcha syrup last in the fridge?

Typically 2–4 weeks in the refrigerator in a clean, airtight container. Rich syrup versions often last longer.

Can you freeze matcha syrup?

Yes. Freeze in ice cube trays and thaw cubes as needed for matcha lattes or lemonade.

Does matcha syrup have caffeine?

Yes, because matcha powder contains caffeine. The amount depends on how much matcha you add per batch and how much syrup you use per drink.

What can I use matcha syrup for?

Popular uses include iced matcha latte, hot matcha latte, matcha milk tea, matcha lemonade, cocktails/mocktails, and dessert drizzles.