Matcha has become increasingly popular in recent times, even though it has been around for centuries. It originated in Japan in the 12th century and has now become a regular drink in the United States. These matcha lattes can be found at chain and local coffee shops, cafes and bakeries. Although some say matcha tastes like grass, these places offer a variety of flavors to add to your drink. Now, here are some places to get matcha near Cortland:
- Starbucks
I’m sure everybody already knows Starbucks for their endless drink options, but you may not know that Starbucks adopted matcha early on. The company first introduced the drink in 2006 as the Green Tea Latte but later changed the name to Matcha Latte. However, in January 2025, Starbucks changed its matcha powder, prompting contrasting reactions from its customers. Some believe it was for the better, while others think it ruined their matcha entirely. Their new matcha powder allows customers to adjust the sweetness level, which they could not do before, making it an upgrade. The matcha flavor is subtle and slightly bitter and becomes even better when you customize the milk and add any of the different flavors that Starbucks has to offer.
- Dunkin’
Just as well-known as Starbucks, Dunkin’ also makes a variety of drinks. However, they did not introduce their matcha latte until recently in 2020. They use real, high-quality matcha green tea powder from Japan, but sweetened with cane sugar and fruit pectin. While it may be pre-sweetened, the signature matcha taste still comes through. Dunkin’ matcha is a good choice for people who are just trying it for the first time or aren’t regular matcha drinkers. As it happens, the first matcha I ever tried was from our Dunkin’ on campus, and I can say that I’m now an avid matcha drinker. Just like Starbucks, the drink can be customized with your own choice of milk and flavors. Dunkin’s matcha latte is pleasant. It is not too sweet or too strong and is just enough to satisfy that matcha taste.
- Bru 64
Bru 64 is a popular local coffee shop in downtown Cortland. It’s best known for its cozy, lounge atmosphere, friendly service, and diverse menu. This menu features specialty drinks, craft coffee, beer, and wine, as well as bagels, breakfast wraps, and baked goods. Both college students and residents love this place for the quality food and drinks, including its matcha latte. People have said that the matcha was very good and made well, especially the hot matcha latte. I just recently tried this café’s matcha with vanilla, and I have to say, it certainly lives up to its great reviews.
- Coffee Mania
Another local café in Cortland is Coffee Mania, which is also served in the Sawubona Café in SUNY Cortland’s Moffet Center. They are praised for their delicious drinks, affordable prices, and friendly service, even called the best coffee in town. Still, their matcha latte has just as admirable reviews. Coffee Mania features organic, unsweetened matcha that is characterized as earthy with a creamy and frothy texture. Their matcha lattes are highly regarded for the customizable flavor options. While some have said that the flavor strength is inconsistent, more people often describe Coffee Mania as “amazing” and “top-notch.”
- Bookmark Café
My personal favorite spot on campus to get matcha is the Bookmark Café, located in the Memorial Library. While they’re mostly known for having coffee, bubble tea, sandwiches, and baked goods, their matcha is still a delicious option on their menu. Like their coffee, their matcha powder is from Ink Wtr. Ink Wtr’s matcha powder is described as shade-grown, loose-leaf tea, and the highest quality, with a smooth, earthy taste. People often regard it as a “wonderful” flavor, and I would have to agree. It tastes very similar to Coffee Mania’s matcha, which makes sense as they both offer great matcha lattes. However, the Bookmark Café has more flavor options to customize your drink to your own taste.
- 7 Brew Coffee
Very close to campus is another popular chain coffee spot called 7 Brew Coffee. They are most known for only offering a drive-thru and for their friendly service and 20,000+ drink combinations. While they specialize in customizable espresso coffee, their matcha latte can also be personalized to your liking. 7 Brew’s matcha lattes use authentic and high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder, with a rich green color and smooth taste. It is mixed with milk, sweeteners, and any of its many flavorings. Some of their featured matcha flavors include vanilla and lavender (Cloud 9) and white chocolate and raspberry (Raspberry Truffle). Many customers have described the taste profile as sweeter and milkier than some competitors, especially with the various flavor customizations.
Cortland has many great coffee shops that serve up a good matcha latte. While matcha may look unappetizing, and it certainly did for me at first, don’t knock it until you try it! So, for the next time you want to try matcha, whether it’s your first time or if you’re already a matcha lover, refer back to this list to determine the best place for you to go.