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Genmaicha Latte

By • Updated October 2026
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Genmaicha – the toasted rice green tea beloved across Japan – makes a remarkably comforting latte. Its nutty, slightly popcorn-like aroma mellows beautifully with steamed milk, creating a drink that's gentler than a matcha latte yet more complex than a simple cup of tea. Because Japanese green teas can turn astringent if oversteeped, a reliable tea timer is essential to capture genmaicha's sweet, toasted character.

This recipe steeps loose-leaf genmaicha for exactly two minutes at 80°C, then strains and tops it with frothy milk. The timer ensures you never miss the moment when the tea is perfectly balanced – nutty and bright, not bitter. Serve it hot for a cosy morning ritual or over ice for a refreshing twist.

Genmaicha Latte
Prep Time2 mins
Cook Time3 mins
Servings1 Latte
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 1½ tbsp Genmaicha (loose-leaf, about 4 g)
  • 120 ml Water (heated to 80°C)
  • 200 ml Whole Milk (or oat milk)
  • 1 tsp Honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of Sea Salt (optional, to enhance nuttiness)
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 110
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 6g

Instructions

1
Steep: Place the genmaicha in a teapot or heatproof jug. Pour over 120 ml water heated to 80°C. Set your tea timer for exactly 2 minutes and let the tea steep undisturbed.
2
Strain: When the timer sounds, immediately strain the tea into a large mug or heatproof glass to stop the infusion. Discard the leaves and rice.
3
Steam Milk: While the tea steeps, warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat (or use a milk frother) until steaming and frothy, about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
4
Sweeten: Stir in the honey and a pinch of salt to the brewed tea if using. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
5
Combine & Serve: Pour the frothed milk over the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the toasted, nutty warmth of your genmaicha latte.

🫖 Equipment You'll Need

A tea timer is indispensable for genmaicha: Japanese green teas are delicate, and just 30 seconds too long can shift your latte from sweet and nutty to grassy and bitter. A reliable timer – whether analogue, digital, or app-based – takes the guesswork out, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced brew every time.

See our tea timer picks →

Expert Tip: Boost the Nuttiness

A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt in the brewed tea amplifies genmaicha's toasted-rice sweetness and rounds out the latte's flavour. It's a trick borrowed from Japanese confectionery that works beautifully in drinks, too.

Related Learning

What Is Genmaicha?

Introduction to Japanese Green Teas

Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

Tea Tasting 101

The 5 Best Genmaicha Teas of 2026

Best Iced Matcha Latte Mix – Instant Powder & Concentrate for Quick Drinks

Best Milk Frothing Pitchers for Latte Art & Chai Drinks (2026)

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