Save The first time I encountered black sesame and matcha together was at a tiny cafe in Kyoto where the barista served me this stunning marbled creation. I watched her layer the dark paste against vibrant green, and my first sip revealed this incredible nutty depth that balanced matcha's natural grassiness perfectly. Now whenever gray winter mornings have me dragging my feet, I toast sesame seeds until my kitchen fills with that warm, toasty aroma. Something about the combination feels both grounding and energizing, like coffee and comfort got tangled together in the best possible way.
Last month my friend Sarah came over feeling overwhelmed by work deadlines, and I made her this latte without saying anything about the ingredients. She took one sip and paused, eyes widening, asking what kind of magic was in her mug. We spent the next hour at my kitchen table just talking while the steam curled up from our cups, and she kept mentioning how something about the drink felt both indulgent and peaceful. Now whenever she visits, she heads straight for the sesame seeds before even saying hello.
Ingredients
- Black sesame seeds: Toasting them yourself makes all the difference between pleasant nuttiness and deep roasted flavor that carries through the whole drink
- Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the sesame paste while helping it emulsify into a smooth base that blends easily with liquids
- Matcha powder: Ceremonial grade gives you that smooth umami note but culinary grade works perfectly if you are watching your budget
- Hot water: Keep it around 80 degrees because boiling water can make matcha taste bitter and harsh instead of smooth
- Milk of choice: Oat milk creates the creamiest finish but almond and soy both work beautifully here
- Sugar or sweetener: Optional because the honey in the sesame paste might be enough depending on your taste
Instructions
- Toast and prepare the sesame paste:
- Heat the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until they are fragrant and starting to pop. Let them cool slightly then grind into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or food processor, mixing with honey until smooth.
- Whisk the matcha base:
- In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any lumps then whisk with hot water using a bamboo whisk or regular whisk until frothy and fully dissolved.
- Heat and froth the milk:
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling, then use a milk frother or vigorous whisking to create a nice foam layer on top.
- Assemble your latte:
- Divide the black sesame paste between two mugs, pour the matcha mixture over, and stir until the paste dissolves into the green tea creating that beautiful marbled effect.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Top each mug with the frothed milk, sweeten to taste if desired, and give it a gentle swirl to distribute the sesame flavor throughout.
Save There is something almost meditative about watching the black paste swirl into bright green, creating these marble patterns that disappear as you stir. My daughter calls it dragon's breath because of the way the steam carries both roasted and grassy notes through the room. On slow Sunday mornings, we make extra and just sit at the counter watching the steam rise, no screens, no plans, just this warm cup in our hands.
The Secret to Perfect Froth
I spent months making flat lattes before learning that milk froths best when it is cold going into the pan. Heat it slowly while whisking constantly, and you will get that microfoam that makes cafe drinks feel special. If you do not have a frother, pour the warm milk into a jar and shake vigorously for thirty seconds.
Finding Your Matcha Sweet Spot
Everyone's tolerance for matcha's grassy notes is different, and I have learned that starting with less powder and adjusting up is easier than fixing a too-strong batch. The black sesame naturally balances some bitterness, but taste your matcha water before combining it with everything else.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can double or triple the black sesame paste and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen over time as the honey infuses into the sesame. Just let it come to room temperature before using so it blends smoothly into your latte.
- Whisk the paste with a splash of warm milk first to loosen it up if it has been chilling
- Try swirling the paste halfway up the mug walls before pouring for an Instagram worthy effect
- A pinch of sea salt in the sesame paste makes the flavors pop beautifully
Save Some mornings call for coffee, some call for tea, and some mornings call for this beautiful marriage of both worlds in a single cup.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does black sesame matcha latte taste like?
The beverage features a complex flavor profile with earthy, nutty notes from roasted black sesame seeds complementing the grassy, slightly bitter characteristics of matcha. The combination creates a sophisticated umami-forward taste that's both grounding and refreshing.
- → Can I use pre-made black sesame paste?
Yes, store-bought black sesame paste or tahini can substitute for homemade paste. However, freshly toasted and ground sesame seeds provide a more intense, aromatic flavor. Adjust sweetener accordingly since commercial products may contain added sugars.
- → What type of matcha works best?
Ceremonial-grade matcha yields a smoother, more vibrant flavor with less bitterness, making it ideal for drinking. Culinary-grade matcha also works well and offers a more budget-friendly option while still providing excellent color and taste.
- → Is this beverage suitable for different dietary preferences?
The base preparation is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan options, use maple syrup instead of honey and choose plant-based milk alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk. Always check labels for potential allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
- → How should I store leftovers?
This beverage is best enjoyed immediately while freshly prepared and frothy. However, you can store the black sesame paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Prepare the matcha and milk components fresh when ready to serve.
- → Can I make this iced?
Absolutely. Prepare the black sesame paste and matcha mixture as directed, then pour over ice cubes filled glasses. Top with cold milk instead of steamed for a refreshing warm-weather version. The flavors remain equally delightful when served chilled.