There’s nothing quite like an iced matcha latte to give you a refreshing energy boost! This creamy, vibrant green drink is smooth, slightly earthy, and naturally packed with antioxidants. It’s the perfect alternative to coffee when you want a steady caffeine boost without the jitters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home in just a few minutes. Once you try this homemade iced matcha latte, you’ll never need to make a coffee shop run again!
And, if you’re looking for more cozy drink recipes you can make at home, I highly recommend my authentic masala chai recipe, rich golden milk, and my chai concentrate that you can use for hot and cold drinks!
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Why You’ll Love This Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, type of milk, or even add vanilla for extra flavor. It also goes really well with sweet cold foam on top!
Quick & Easy: Ready in just a few minutes with only three ingredients.
Naturally Energizing: Matcha provides a sustained energy boost without the crash.
Creamy & Refreshing: The perfect balance of smooth, creamy milk and bold matcha flavor.
History of Matcha
Matcha has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, originating in China during the Tang Dynasty. The process of grinding tea leaves into powder and whisking them into hot water was later refined and embraced by Japanese Zen Buddhist monks in the 12th century.
Japanese monks traveling to China brought the tradition back to Japan, where matcha became deeply intertwined with Zen Buddhism and the Japanese tea ceremony. Over centuries, matcha evolved into a symbol of mindfulness, elegance, and hospitality, with tea masters perfecting the art of preparing and serving it.
Today, matcha has transcended traditional tea ceremonies and become a global sensation. From lattes and smoothies to desserts and even savory dishes, matcha’s earthy, slightly sweet flavor and impressive health benefits have made it a staple in modern kitchens worldwide.
Understanding Matcha Grades: Which One Should You Use?
Matcha comes in different grades, each with unique characteristics. The three main types are:
- Ceremonial Grade: The highest quality, made from the youngest tea leaves. It has a delicate, smooth flavor and is best enjoyed on its own with just water.
- Premium Grade: A step below ceremonial, but still high quality. It has a vibrant green color and a slightly bolder flavor, making it great for lattes or mixed drinks.
- Culinary Grade: More robust and slightly bitter, this grade is designed for blending into recipes like lattes, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s also more affordable, making it perfect for daily use.
For an iced matcha latte, culinary-grade matcha is the best choice. Its stronger flavor pairs well with milk, ensuring a balanced and delicious drink without being overpowered by sweetness or creaminess.
Key Ingredients for Iced Matcha Latte
If you want to make the best Iced Matcha Latte, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- Culinary-Grade Matcha (2 tsp): Provides a rich, slightly earthy flavor and natural energy boost.
- Hot Water (1/4 cup): Helps dissolve the matcha powder smoothly without clumps.
- Milk of Choice (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess—use dairy milk for a richer latte or oat/almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Optional: Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, simple syrup, or vanilla syrup) to balance the matcha’s natural bitterness. I would recommend about 4 pumps of sweetener if you have vanilla or simple syrup for an 16 ounce glass (I used to be a barista at Starbucks this is how much syrup we used for a grande size!)
Make the Matcha:
Make the Matcha: Whisk matcha powder with hot water until completely smooth and frothy. You can use a matcha whisk or milk frother.
Add Milk: Pour your milk of choice over ice in a glass.
Combine: Pour the whisked matcha over the milk and stir well. Add sweetener if desired.
Enjoy: Sip and savor your refreshing iced matcha latte!
FAQ
Yes, but it has a more delicate flavor and is typically used for traditional matcha tea rather than lattes. When making an iced matcha latte, culinary-grade matcha is the best choice! It has a slightly stronger, more robust flavor that pairs well with milk. Unlike ceremonial-grade matcha, which is delicate and best enjoyed on its own, culinary matcha blends beautifully into lattes, making it the ideal choice for this recipe. Plus, it’s more affordable, so you can enjoy your daily matcha without breaking the bank.
Whisking matcha with hot water (not boiling) helps dissolve it smoothly. You can also use a milk frother or shake it in a jar for a lump-free latte.
Iced Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 2 tsp matcha culinary grade
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk
- sweetener, (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Matcha: Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the matcha powder into a small bowl. This helps prevent clumps.
- Make the Matcha: Whisk matcha powder with hot water until completely smooth and frothy. You can use a matcha whisk or milk frother. If you are using a thicker sweetener (honey or brown sugar) add it here now after you've whisked out all the clumps. Because the water is still warm, it is easier for the sugar or honey to dissolve. Otherwise, you can wait till step four.
- Add Milk: Pour your milk of choice over ice in a glass.
- Combine: Pour the whisked matcha over the milk and stir well. Add sweetener if desired.
- Enjoy: Sip and savor your refreshing iced matcha latte!
As a matcha lover, this recipe has the perfect ratio for that delicious sweet and balanced iced matcha latte!!