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This classic iced matcha latte recipe is easy to make and customize with your preferred milk and sweetener.
Now that spring is just around the corner (thank goodness — I’m more than ready!), I’ve happily transitioned from my usual hot matcha latte each morning to iced matcha. And this vibrant, simple drink couldn’t be more refreshing. ♡
A homemade iced matcha latte is incredibly quick and easy to make in just a few minutes and costs a small fraction of the coffee shop version. All you need is some good-quality matcha powder, your choice of milk and sweetener, a splash of hot water and ice and you’ll be good to go! As always when making homemade lattes, you can completely customize the amount of milk and sweetener to your liking. Plus, I’ve included some fun variations below, in case you’d like to add in some espresso, lavender, vanilla or whatever other flavorings.
So the next time you’re craving an iced matcha latte, grab your whisk and let’s make this vibrant drink together!
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Iced Matcha Latte Ingredients
Here are a few quick notes about the iced matcha latte ingredients that you will need:
Ceremonial-grade matcha: This vibrant, finely ground green tea powder has a smooth, delicate flavor with natural sweetness and a hint of umami. I love this ceremonial-grade matcha, but I recommend doing some taste-testing to find the matcha you love best.
Milk:The choice of milk is completely up to you! I typically go for oat milk because of its creamy texture and natural sweetness, but any plain dairy or plant-based milk you love will work beautifully. Plain almond, coconut, and whole milk are all great options.
Sweetener: If you like your matcha latte on the sweeter side, you can mix in your favorite sweetener. I usually go with ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or granulated sugar, but feel free to adjust to taste.
Hot water: It’s important to use hot but not boiling water (ideally around 175°F) to dissolve and whisk the matcha into a paste. Water that’s too hot can scorch the tea, making it taste bitter and dulling its vibrant green color.
Ice: Finally, load up your glass with plenty of ice! Regular cubes, crushed ice, pellet ice, or even a fancy ice sphere will work — whatever you love best!
Iced Matcha Latte Supplies
If you find yourself making matcha regularly, investing in these two tools can make the process easier and help create a smoother, frothier latte:
Bamboo whisk: Known as a chasen in Japanese, a small bamboo whisk is traditionally used to whisk the matcha powder with water into a paste. The dozens of small bamboo tines on the whisk do an excellent job of helping to break up matcha clumps and make the paste extra creamy and frothy. That said, while a chasen is traditionally used to make matcha, you could make do with a mini metal whisk or an electric frother.
Matcha bowl (optional): Known as a chawan in Japanese, a small ceramic bowl with a pour spout is traditionally used to mix the matcha powder with the water before adding it to a mug. Alternately, you could use a measuring cup instead, or just mix the matcha paste directly in a mug (it’s easier if you use a wider mug).
Recipe Tips
Step-by-step instructions for how to make an iced matcha latte are included in the recipe below, but here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
Use ceremonial-grade matcha. Ceremonial-grade is the highest quality of matcha, with a naturally sweet, smooth flavor and vibrant green color that’s perfect for frothing.
Measure the water temperature. As mentioned above, if the water used to whisk the matcha is too hot, it can scorch the delicate tea leaves and make them taste more bitter. If you’re making matcha for the first time, I recommend using a cooking thermometer to measure the water temperature.
Sweeten to taste. Feel free to add whatever type and quantity of sweetener that you like to your matcha latte — or you can enjoy it unsweetened. If you’re using granulated sugar, be sure to dissolve it into the hot water along with the matcha (versus adding it in after the milk is mixed in, in which case the sugar crystals might not dissolve well).
Shake or froth for extra creaminess. If you’d like an even creamier matcha latte, you can use a milk frother to froth the milk before combining it with the matcha. Or you could shake it in a covered mason jar until frothy.
Iced Matcha Latte Flavors
Here are a few of our favorite variations on a classic matcha latte that you’re welcome to try:
Add espresso: Add a shot of espresso to make an iced matcha espresso latte (also known as an “iced dirty matcha latte”).
Add vanilla extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make an iced vanilla matcha latte.
This classic iced matcha latte recipe is easy to make and customize with your preferred milk and sweetener.
Ingredients
Scale
2 teaspoons ceremonial-grade matcha
1 teaspoon sugar, honey or maple syrup (optional)
2 tablespoons hot water (175°F)
3/4 cup plain milk (I use oat milk)
ice
Instructions
Dissolve the matcha.Add the matcha and sweetener (if using) to a small bowl or measuring cup (preferably one with a spout) and pour the hot water over it. Use a bamboo whisk to whisk the matcha into the water for about 20-30 seconds, repeating the shape of a “W”, until the powder is completely dissolved and the mixture is slightly foamy.
Combine.Pour the milk into a serving glass and top with lots of ice. Pour the matcha mixture over the milk, and use a straw or long spoon to gently stir the mixture to combined.
Serve.Serve immediately while nice and cold and enjoy!
I’m loving this with oat milk! It feels like drinking springtime.