What is Iced Matcha Latte?
Iced Matcha Latte is a refreshing, vibrant green drink made by blending matcha green tea powder with plant-based milk, ice and, if desired, a touch of sweetener. It combines the rich flavor of matcha with the creaminess of milk, offering a cool and energizing alternative to traditional coffee-based iced lattes. Perfect for warm days, an Iced Matcha Latte provides a boost of antioxidants and a gentle caffeine lift without the jitters.
The origins of Iced Matcha Latte can be traced back to Japan, where matcha – a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves – has been used in traditional tea ceremonies for centuries. However, the iced version of this drink is a relatively modern twist that gained popularity as matcha became a global trend.
As more people discovered the health benefits and unique flavor of matcha, cafés and tea houses around the world began offering it in various forms, including the now-popular Iced Matcha Latte. This adaptation retains the traditional essence of matcha while catering to modern tastes and preferences for cold, refreshing beverages. It’s often made with dairy, but using plant-based milk is an easy switch for a vegan drink.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is said to have 10x the health benefits associated with regular green tea. The reason is that, compared to other teas, you actually ingest the entire leaf rather than simply making an infusion. It is rich in antioxidants and helps protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness. Matcha provides a gentle, sustained energy boost thanks to its natural caffeine content, which is released slowly into the bloodstream, avoiding the spikes and crashes associated with coffee.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
This kind of matcha is the highest quality of green tea powder, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves, which are carefully shade-grown to enhance their chlorophyll content, resulting in a vibrant green color. The leaves are hand-picked, steamed and stone-ground into a fine powder, preserving their delicate flavor and nutrients. Ceremonial grade matcha has a smooth, rich taste with a natural sweetness and lacks the bitterness found in lower grades.
Ingredients You’ll Need & How to Substitute
To make a delicious Iced Matcha Latte at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Matcha Powder: Choose a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and color.
- Plant-based Milk: Any plant-based milk will work. Oat milk will add some natural sweetness while other milks like cashew or almond milk might give a creamier texture.
- Sweetener (optional): Add a touch of maple or agave syrup before frothing up the matcha. I prefer it unsweetened.
- Water: A small amount of hot water is needed to whisk the matcha powder before mixing it with the milk.
How to make Iced Matcha Latte (step-by-step)
You can make the drink with a Matcha Whisk or a Milk Frother. Below is the method for the whisk, but you can find the frother method in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Heat the water. Heat the water to 80°C (176°F) in a Kettle. If your kettle doesn’t have a temperature setting, bring it to a boil and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the Matcha. Sift the matcha into the matcha bowl, pour in the hot water and whisk well until frothy.
Serve. Add plenty of ice cubes and plant-based milk to a glass of your choice, leaving just enough space for the matcha. Pour in the whisked matcha, give it a stir and enjoy.
Useful Tips
- Avoid Clumps: Sift your matcha powder before whisking it with water to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth drink.
- Use Cold Milk: For a truly refreshing latte, make sure your milk is cold before pouring it over the ice.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
- Packed with health benefits
- Vibrant color
- Refreshing
- Lower caffeine alternative to coffee
How to Store Iced Matcha Latte
Iced Matcha Lattes need to be enjoyed fresh. If you happen to have too much whisked matcha, freeze it in ice cubes and use them in your next latte.
Other Drinks Recipes You Might Like
- Ginger & Turmeric Shots: the ultimate immunity boost
- Kombucha: Make your own kombucha with a scoby
- Greek Frappé: Whipped coffee for a satisfying caffeine kick
- Pomegranate Kefir: Homemade Kefir for a probiotic boost
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Iced Matcha Latte (With or Without Whisk)
Equipment
- Kettle (I use the KitchenAid Artisan 1.5l Kettle)
- Matcha Whisk (optional)
- Milk Frother (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha (or 2 scoops)
- 50 ml water
- ice cubes (to serve)
- plant-based milk (to serve)
Instructions
With a Matcha Whisk
- Heat the water to 80 °C (176 °F) in a kettle. If your kettle doesn't have a temperature setting, bring it to a boil and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Sift the matcha into the matcha bowl, pour in the hot water and whisk well until frothy.
- Add plenty of ice cubes and plant-based milk to a glass of your choice, leaving just enough space for the matcha. Pour in the whisked matcha, give it a stir and enjoy.
With a Milk Frother
- Heat the water to 80 °C (176 °F) in a kettle. If your kettle doesn't have a temperature setting, bring it to a boil and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Sift the matcha into a small glass or bowl, pour in the hot water and whisk well until frothy.
- Add plenty of ice cubes and plant-based milk to a separate glass of your choice, leaving just enough space for the matcha. Pour in the whisked matcha, give it a stir and enjoy.
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