Craving something cool and creamy that gives you a vibrant lift? This Iced Matcha Latte is far more than just a pretty green drink – it’s a refreshing blend of smooth, grassy matcha, velvety milk, and a subtle sweetness that instantly wakes up your palate. Whether you’re a long-time matcha devotee or just starting to explore its bright, unique flavor, there’s nothing like whipping up this chilled treat at home. It’s quick, customizable, and always feels like a special moment in a glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Matcha Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha green tea powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Latte:
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup ice cubes
How to Make Iced Matcha Latte
Step 1: Whisk the Matcha
In a small bowl, add your matcha green tea powder and hot water. Use a bamboo whisk for the most authentic texture, though a regular small whisk works too. Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until the mixture is completely smooth and no clumps remain. This step is essential for achieving the signature bright color and creamy mouthfeel that makes the Iced Matcha Latte so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Sweetener (Optional)
Now’s your moment to customize: While the matcha is still warm, stir in honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness. The warmth helps the sweetener dissolve fully into the mix, allowing those nuanced flavors to meld seamlessly into every sip.
Step 3: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Pick a tall glass and fill it at least halfway with ice cubes. This not only chills the drink perfectly, but also creates those gorgeous layers when you pour. The more ice, the more stunning (and refreshing!) your Iced Matcha Latte will be.
Step 4: Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour your milk of choice over the ice in your glass. You can froth the milk beforehand for a foamy, café-style experience, or keep it classic and smooth. The milk softens the green tea’s earthy character and makes each sip luxuriously silky.
Step 5: Layer on the Matcha
Finally, gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk and ice. Enjoy the mesmerizing green ribbon sinking into the white milk – it’s like a little art show in your glass. Give it a gentle stir if you prefer everything blended, or leave it layered for an Instagram-worthy finish.
How to Serve Iced Matcha Latte
Garnishes
Taking your Iced Matcha Latte to the next level is as easy as a sprinkle or two! A light dusting of extra matcha powder on top looks beautiful and adds a subtle punch. For an indulgent twist, a dollop of whipped cream or a few toasted coconut flakes can make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your latte with a buttery shortbread, a slice of lemon loaf, or some fresh fruit for a relaxing afternoon treat. Anything lightly sweet – nothing too overpowering – makes a perfect companion for a matcha-based drink, allowing its green tea magic to shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t shy away from showing off the beautiful layers in a clear glass! For a playful touch, serve your Iced Matcha Latte in mason jars with fun straws, or add boba pearls for a DIY bubble tea. For gatherings, try a matcha flight: offer mini lattes with various milks (like oat, almond, or coconut) to let everyone find their favorite combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Iced Matcha Latte left over (not likely, but just in case), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The matcha can settle, so just give it a good shake or stir before enjoying again.
Freezing
For a fun twist, pour any extra matcha latte into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop these cubes into your next glass of milk or use them to chill future lattes without diluting the flavor. While you wouldn’t freeze the whole drink for long-term storage, these cubes are a clever, zero-waste way to enjoy every drop.
Reheating
While this drink is best served icy cold, you can gently warm any refrigerated leftover latte on the stove or in the microwave if you’d like a cozy hot matcha instead. Just whisk or stir well, as matcha tends to settle at the bottom.
FAQs
What type Beverage
Ceremonial-grade matcha is ideal, as it has a brighter color and a more delicate, complex flavor compared to the culinary kind. This makes your Iced Matcha Latte more vibrant and less bitter every time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work beautifully in an Iced Matcha Latte. Pair it with maple syrup for a 100% plant-based drink that’s every bit as creamy and delicious.
Do I need special tools to make matcha at home?
While a bamboo whisk (chasen) helps create that frothy, lump-free texture, you can use a handheld frother or even a small regular whisk in a pinch. Just be sure to blend until your matcha is smooth and evenly mixed.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Start with just a teaspoon of your favorite sweetener, taste, and add more if desired. Both honey and maple syrup blend in easily while the matcha is warm, so you have full control over your latte’s balance.
Why is my matcha clumpy?
Clumps can form if the water isn’t hot enough, or if the matcha isn’t whisked thoroughly. Sifting your matcha before whisking or using a powered frother can help guarantee a smooth, lump-free Iced Matcha Latte every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned matcha fan or dipping your toes into something new, making an Iced Matcha Latte at home is a simple pleasure you deserve. Try it out, play with your favorite additions, and sip your way to a brighter day!
Print
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy Iced Matcha Latte recipe that combines the earthy flavor of matcha with the sweetness of milk, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients
Matcha Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha green tea powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Latte:
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Matcha Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with hot water until smooth.
- Sweeten Matcha: Add honey or maple syrup to the matcha mixture and stir well.
- Assemble Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the milk, then slowly pour the matcha mixture over the milk.
- Enjoy: Stir gently before drinking or leave layered for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use ceremonial-grade matcha for a smoother taste.
- Froth the milk before pouring for a café-style finish.
- Adjust sweetness to taste or omit it for less sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
