In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until it forms a paste.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vanilla syrup, and maple syrup (if using). Heat until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
Use a milk frother or hand frother to froth the milk until it is creamy and has a thick layer of foam on top.
Pour the matcha paste into a cup, then pour the frothed milk on top.
Use a small whisk or traditional matcha whisk to mix the matcha and milk together until combined.
Enjoy your delicious vanilla matcha latte!
Notes
Vanilla Syrup - instead of vanilla syrup you can also use vanilla bean paste and balance the sweetness of the drink by adding more maple syrup.
Maple Syrup - you can also use agave nectar or the sweetener of your choice.
Matcha powder - use high-quality matcha powder made from fresh, young tea leaves that have been grown in the shade for a vibrant green color and rich flavor. You can substitute other types of tea powders, such as sencha or hojicha, but the flavor and color of the latte will be different.
Plant Milk - Heat the milk slowly and do not let it boil to avoid scalding the milk and changing the flavor of the latte. Experiment with different types of milk to find the one that suits your taste best. Each type of milk will affect the flavor and texture of the latte differently, so try out a few options.