If you’ve been on the lookout for a refreshing, energizing drink that can brighten any day, you’re in for a treat with this Iced Matcha Latte Recipe. This deliciously smooth beverage blends the vibrant, grassy notes of high-quality matcha green tea with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, all poured over ice for the perfect cool-down. It’s a sensational way to enjoy matcha whether you’re warming up in the morning or need a mid-afternoon boost that’s both calming and invigorating. Trust me, once you try this simple yet spectacular Iced Matcha Latte Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to pick-me-up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Iced Matcha Latte Recipe is how few ingredients it takes to create such a beautiful and flavorful drink. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the vibrant green matcha powder that gives the drink its signature color and health benefits, to the milk that adds silky texture and creaminess.
- Matcha powder: Use a high-quality ceremonial grade for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Hot water: Necessary to dissolve the matcha properly and bring out its rich, umami flavor.
- Ice water: Helps cool the matcha base and balance the intensity before combining with milk.
- Milk of your choice: Whether dairy, almond, oat, or soy, milk adds creaminess and mellows the matcha’s boldness.
- Ice cubes: Essential for keeping your latte delightfully chilled and refreshing.
- Optional sweetener: Simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey can be added to taste, enhancing the drink without overpowering the natural matcha flavor.
How to Make Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Step 1: Sift the Matcha
The first step for a silky smooth latte is to sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer. This little step might seem small, but it prevents clumps, ensuring your latte will be beautifully smooth and easy to whisk.
Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Base
Add 3 tablespoons of hot water, heated to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit, to the sifted matcha. Use a bamboo whisk or any mini whisk to vigorously stir the mixture. This whisking action is key — it dissolves the matcha powder completely and releases the rich, earthy notes that make matcha so irresistible.
Step 3: Dilute and Cool
Next, add 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water to the matcha base. Whisk again to mix everything evenly and help cool the matcha down, creating the perfect, balanced concentration for your latte. This step also starts the layering effect when combined with milk later.
Step 4: Assemble the Latte
Fill your favorite glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Pour in three-quarters of a cup of your preferred milk, then gently add the matcha mixture on top. Watching the layers form between the green matcha and creamy milk is almost as rewarding as the first sip!
Step 5: Sweeten and Serve
If you love a bit of sweetness, now is the time to stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite sweetener like simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey. Give it a gentle stir to combine without disturbing the beautiful layered look too much. Serve immediately and savor every refreshing sip.
How to Serve Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic Iced Matcha Latte Recipe shines on its own, you can elevate it with a few thoughtful garnishes. Consider a light dusting of matcha powder on top for a burst of color and aroma, or a few fresh mint leaves for a cool herbal twist. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes can add a fun texture and tropical vibe to your glass.
Side Dishes
Pair this lovely iced latte with light, fresh bites like a citrusy fruit salad, almond biscotti, or a buttery croissant for a complete afternoon indulgence. The gentle bitterness of matcha balances beautifully against sweet or savory nibbles, making your snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, use a clear glass so the distinct matcha and milk layers are visible, or even serve it in a mason jar with a colorful straw for a delightful picnic vibe. You can prepare multiple servings in small jars and chill them for an elegant party-ready treat. Adding edible flowers on top can turn this simple drink into a stunning showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover Iced Matcha Latte, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before drinking, give it a nice stir or shake to re-mix any separation that may have occurred.
Freezing
Freezing this latte isn’t ideal as the texture of milk can change and become grainy once thawed. However, you can freeze the matcha base prior to adding milk for up to a week in an ice cube tray, which allows for quick latte assembly later.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm matcha latte, prepare fresh with hot milk instead of ice and skip the ice water.
FAQs
Can I use any type of milk in the Iced Matcha Latte Recipe?
Absolutely! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility. Dairy milk lends a creamy richness, while plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy add their own unique flavors and work wonderfully.
How sweet should I make my Iced Matcha Latte?
Sweetness is totally up to you. Start with 1 teaspoon of sweetener and adjust to your liking. The earthy matcha flavor pairs well with light sweetness, so avoid adding too much to preserve the taste balance.
What’s the best way to whisk matcha without a bamboo whisk?
If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, a small handheld whisk or even a milk frother can work just fine for dissolving matcha powder and creating that smooth base.
Can I prepare this latte without sifting the matcha powder?
Sifting is recommended to prevent clumps that can make the drink gritty. If you’re in a rush, whisk very thoroughly to help break up lumps, but sifting will always yield the smoothest result.
Is this Iced Matcha Latte Recipe healthy?
Yes! Matcha is packed with antioxidants, and using your choice of milk can add nutrients too. Keep the sweetener moderate for a delicious and relatively healthy treat.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Matcha Latte Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy the complex, soothing notes of matcha in a chilled, refreshing drink. It’s easy enough to whip up any day but impressive enough to share with friends. Do yourself a favor and make this recipe your new staple for a cool, energizing lift whenever you want a delicious escape in a glass.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Iced Matcha Latte is a vibrant green, creamy beverage made with finely sifted matcha powder, combined with hot and cold water to create a smooth matcha base, then poured over ice and milk for the perfect cool, energizing drink. Optionally sweetened with natural syrups or honey, it’s a quick and simple recipe ideal for a delightful pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Matcha Base
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 3 tablespoons hot water (around 180°F)
- 3 tablespoons ice water
Latte
- ¾ cup milk of your choice (180 mL)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill glass two-thirds full)
Optional
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener (simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey)
Instructions
- Sift the matcha: In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer to remove any clumps. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free latte base.
- Prepare the matcha base: Add 3 tablespoons of hot water (around 180°F) to the sifted matcha powder. Using a bamboo matcha whisk or a mini whisk, whisk vigorously until the matcha is fully dissolved and you achieve a smooth, concentrated liquid without lumps.
- Dilute and cool: Pour in 3 tablespoons of cold water to the matcha mixture and whisk to combine. This cools down the matcha and adjusts the concentration suitably for the latte.
- Assemble the latte: Fill a glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Pour in ¾ cup of your chosen milk over the ice, then slowly add the prepared matcha mixture, allowing the layers to form an aesthetically pleasing look.
- Sweeten and serve: If you prefer a sweeter latte, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of your desired sweetener, such as simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey. Stir gently to blend all the ingredients, then serve immediately to enjoy a refreshing iced matcha latte.
Notes
- Use a fine mesh strainer when sifting matcha to prevent clumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Temperature of the hot water should be around 180°F to preserve matcha’s delicate flavor.
- Choose any milk according to preference—dairy or plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy work well.
- Adjust sweetness to taste or omit sweetener for a naturally earthy flavor.
- For best results, serve immediately so the matcha layers remain distinct and fresh.
