You haven’t truly experienced a summer refreshment until you’ve sipped an Iced Matcha Latte—the exhilarating blend of velvety milk, vibrant green tea, and ice delivers energy and calm in every lush, chilly sip. This Iced Matcha Latte recipe is my go-to afternoon pick-me-up: subtly sweet, creamy, and bursting with the signature grassy-fresh flavor of premium matcha. If you’re ready to ditch the coffee shop lines and craft barista-worthy green goodness at home, you’re in for a real treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cafe-Quality at Home: Experience the luxury of your favorite coffeehouse Iced Matcha Latte—crafted right in your own kitchen with just a few fresh ingredients.
- Customizable and Dairy-Free Friendly: Use your milk of choice and easily control the sweetness for a frosty treat that fits any craving or diet.
- Pure, Clean Energy: Matcha delivers a vibrant, sustained boost without the jitters or crash, making this iced drink a brilliant morning or midday pick-me-up.
- Ready in Minutes: Quick to prepare, this Iced Matcha Latte fits seamlessly into even the busiest routine—no fancy gadgets required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients blend together to create the most luxurious Iced Matcha Latte! Each has its own role: from the starring high-quality matcha powder to your preferred milk, everything works in harmony for impeccable flavor and refreshment.
- Matcha Powder: The star of the show—opt for ceremonial or culinary grade for the best vibrant color and smooth flavor.
- Hot Water: Used to “bloom” the matcha, dissolving it into a silky paste and unlocking its grassy citrus notes—don’t skip this step!
- Warm Water: Extends and chills that vivid green base so every sip tastes fresh and light—not too strong or bitter.
- Ice: Essential for that ultra-cooling, cafe-style effect; big cubes work best for slow melting.
- Milk of Choice (almond, soy, oat, cashew, or dairy): Your favorite milk adds the perfect creamy finish—almond milk is delicate and nutty, but you can absolutely have fun with all kinds of milk!
Variations
The beauty of an Iced Matcha Latte is in how easy it is to tailor to your preferences! Whether you’re swapping out milks, tweaking sweetness, or getting creative with flavors, there are so many delicious ways to make it uniquely yours.
- Strawberry Matcha Latte: Layer strawberry puree at the bottom of your glass for a fruity twist that’s both gorgeous and delicious.
- Sweetened Versions: Stir in honey, maple syrup, agave, or vanilla simple syrup to sweeten your latte—just add to the milk before pouring in your matcha.
- Dairy Milk or Cream: Prefer classic richness? Go for whole milk or even a splash of half-and-half for a decadent treat.
- Spicy Chai Matcha: Add a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced kick—especially delightful in cooler months!
How to Make Iced Matcha Latte
Step 1: Bloom the Matcha Powder
In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of matcha powder with 1–2 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water. This step transforms the powder into a luminous, smooth paste and ensures your latte is never gritty or clumpy—trust me, it brings out the matcha’s best qualities!
Step 2: Mix and Chill the Matcha
Add in the remaining cup of warm water and stir gently until completely blended. Pop the mixture into the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes. This quick chill intensifies both color and flavor while preparing the matcha for that ice-cold finish.
Step 3: Layer with Ice and Milk
Fill two glasses generously with ice. Pour in your chosen milk, filling each glass about 3/4 of the way. If you’d like a little sweetness, now’s the perfect time to swirl in some simple syrup, honey, or vanilla.
Step 4: Add Chilled Matcha and Stir
Carefully pour the chilled matcha mixture over the milk and ice. Give it a gentle stir and watch those mesmerizing green ribbons swirl into creamy perfection. Snap a photo—then sip and savor your homemade Iced Matcha Latte!
Pro Tips for Making Iced Matcha Latte
- Sift for Smoothness: Always sift your matcha powder before whisking—it dissolves easier and guarantees a lump-free latte every single time.
- Go for Cold Foam: Froth a little chilled milk to create luscious, creamy cold foam for a cafe-style finish—spoon it right on top!
- Use Filtered Water: If your tap water tends to taste mineral-y, filtered water enhances the delicacy of the matcha’s flavor and keeps the color bright.
- Matcha Grade Matters: For the most vibrant color and smooth, non-bitter taste, choose a high-quality ceremonial or latte-grade matcha—they’re worth the splurge!
How to Serve Iced Matcha Latte
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra matcha powder on top, a few edible flower petals, or even a mint sprig can turn your Iced Matcha Latte into a work of art. For extra luxury, try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla syrup.
Side Dishes
The creamy, gently earthy flavors of Iced Matcha Latte pair beautifully with a flaky croissant, almond biscotti, or a soft berry muffin. If you’re after something savory, tea sandwiches (think cucumber or smoked salmon) bring out matcha’s refreshing green notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Iced Matcha Latte in clear, tall glasses to show off those striking green swirls! For fun gatherings, try layering with bright fruit purées or topping each glass with latte art made from frothed milk. Mason jars with colorful straws or small glass bottles are always a crowd-pleaser too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover matcha tea, simply store it in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a quick shake before pouring over fresh ice to revive the flavors and texture.
Freezing
While freezing the finished Iced Matcha Latte isn’t recommended (the texture changes), you can absolutely freeze extra matcha mixture in ice cube trays. Pop them into milk for instant, undiluted iced matcha magic!
Reheating
Though this drink is best enjoyed chilled, you can gently reheat leftover matcha (before adding ice or milk) for a cozy warm matcha latte—just whisk well and heat over low to preserve that vibrant green color.
FAQs
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What kind of matcha should I use for Iced Matcha Latte?
For the brightest color and smoothest, least-bitter taste, opt for ceremonial or latte-grade matcha powder. Avoid culinary grade if you want that vibrant color and subtle sweetness—though all types will technically work in a pinch!
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Can I make an Iced Matcha Latte ahead of time?
Yes! You can blend the matcha and water mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply pour over fresh ice and milk for the best texture and temperature.
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What’s the best milk for an Iced Matcha Latte?
Any milk will work—almond, oat, soy, dairy, or even coconut! Almond milk is light and nutty, oat milk is creamy and naturally sweet, and regular dairy milk gives classic richness. Test a few and see which you like best.
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Why do I need to mix matcha powder with hot water first?
Blooming the matcha with a little hot water helps dissolve the powder properly, avoiding clumps and creating a silky-smooth, even latte. Skipping this step risks a gritty texture and uneven flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making your own Iced Matcha Latte at home, there’s no turning back—you’ll find yourself looking for any excuse to whip one up! It’s smooth, uplifting, and surprisingly easy. Don’t forget to get creative and make it your own. Here’s to the chillest, greenest sip of your day—enjoy every last drop!
Print
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 glasses of iced matcha latte 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Iced Matcha Latte recipe combines the earthy flavors of matcha with creamy milk over ice, creating a perfect pick-me-up drink for any time of the day.
Ingredients
For Matcha Mixture:
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water
For Latte:
- 1 cup warm water
- Ice
- Milk of choice (such as almond milk)
Instructions
- Prepare Matcha Mixture: In a bowl, combine matcha powder with 1-2 tablespoons of hot water, whisk until a paste forms.
- Make Matcha Latte: Add 1 cup of warm water to the matcha paste, mix well, chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Assemble Latte: Fill two glasses with ice, pour in milk, add sweetener if desired, then pour in the chilled matcha mixture and stir.
Notes
- Tips and Tricks: Experiment with different milk options like soy, oat, almond, cashew, or cow’s dairy milk. For a fruity twist, try a Strawberry Matcha Latte.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: Approx. 50 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 3g
- Sodium: Approx. 30mg
- Fat: Approx. 2g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 7g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
