The Best Iced Matcha Recipe (Creamy & Delicious)
Looking for the perfect iced matcha recipe that’s creamy, refreshing, and tastes even better than the one from your favorite coffee shop? This simple homemade version is my go to morning beverage all through the summer. And in the winter I love to make a hot matcha latte. This matcha recipe is made with ceremonial grade matcha, your choice of milk, and a touch of sweetener for a smooth, vibrant drink you can make in minutes.
Whether you’re trying to replace your daily morning coffee, save money by skipping expensive café drinks, or simply enjoy the earthy flavor of matcha, this easy recipe delivers a delicious iced matcha latte for a fraction of the price.
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What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike a traditional cup of tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf, which contributes to its rich flavor and impressive health benefits.
This unique type of green tea has been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Today, matcha has become increasingly popular throughout the Western world, showing up in everything from smoothies to lattes.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Matcha Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Naturally energizing without the jitters of a cup of coffee
- Made with simple ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite milk alternative
- Beautiful bright green color
- Tastes just like a coffee shop drink
- Ready in less than 5 minutes
Ingredients
For this easy iced matcha latte recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 3/4 cup cold oat milk (or milk of choice)
- 1–2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Best Milk Options
One of the best things about making iced matcha recipes at home is choosing your favorite milk. Some popular options include:
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
- Cashew milk
- Regular whole milk
The best type of milk ultimately comes down to personal preference. Many people prefer alternative milks because they complement the earthy flavor of matcha without overpowering it.
Choosing the Best Matcha
For the best flavor and color, look for a high quality matcha powder labeled as ceremonial matcha or ceremonial grade matcha.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha vs. Culinary Grade Matcha
Ceremonial-grade matcha powder is made from younger tea leaves and typically has a smoother taste, a more vibrant green color, and less bitterness.
Culinary grade matcha, sometimes called culinary matcha, is often used for baking and cooking. While it’s usually more affordable, it can have a stronger, slightly more bitter taste.
For an iced latte, a higher quality ceremonial matcha is usually worth it for the smoother flavor and stunning vivid green appearance.
How to Make This Iced Matcha Recipe
Step 1: Sift the Matcha
Place a small fine-mesh sieve over a matcha bowl or small bowl. Add the matcha powder to the sieve and gently press it through with a spoon to remove any clumps. This helps create a smoother latte.
Step 2: Heat the Water
Heat water until warm but not boiling, about 160–175°F (70–80°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before using. Water that is too hot can make matcha taste bitter.
Step 2: Whisk with Water
Pour 2 tablespoons of the warm water over the sifted matcha. Using a bamboo whisk, whisk in a quick zigzag “W” or “M” motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a light layer of foam forms on top. You can also use a handheld frother or electric frother.
Step 3: Sweeten
Stir in the maple syrup or sweetener of choice until completely combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass about 1/2 to 3/4 full with ice cubes.
Pour the prepared matcha mixture over the ice. Then add the cold milk and stir until the matcha and milk are fully combined and evenly blended.
Enjoy!
Alternative Shaking Method
Don’t have a whisk?
Try the shaking method instead.
Add the matcha powder, water, and sweetener to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until smooth, then pour over ice and milk.
This method works especially well for making cold brew matcha and other iced matcha recipes.
Optional Flavor Variations
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Blend fresh strawberries into a puree and add them to the bottom of your glass before pouring in the milk and matcha.
A strawberry matcha latte offers a delicious balance of sweet fruit and earthy green tea.
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the natural sweetness and create a dessert-like drink.
Matcha Cold Foam
Top your drink with homemade cold foam for an extra coffee-shop-style experience.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is more than just a colorful green drink. Because the entire tea leaf is ground into a fine powder and consumed, matcha contains a concentrated source of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
One of matcha’s most unique qualities is its combination of caffeine and L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea leaves. Together, they may help promote calm, focused energy without the jitters or crash that some people experience after a cup of coffee.
Some potential health benefits of matcha include:
- Rich in antioxidants, including catechins
- Provides steady, sustained energy
- Contains L-theanine, which may support focus and mental clarity
- May be a satisfying alternative to sugary coffee drinks with added sugar
- Easy to incorporate into your daily routine
Whether you enjoy a traditional matcha or a creamy iced matcha latte, it’s a delicious way to add more green tea to your day.
Tips for the Best Iced Matcha
- Use fresh, high-quality ceremonial grade matcha whenever possible.
- Store matcha in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight.
- Always sift the powder before whisking.
- Use cold ingredients for the most refreshing drink.
- Adjust the sweetener and milk to suit your tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of matcha for lattes?
A traditional matcha made from ceremonial-grade powder typically provides the smoothest flavor and the most beautiful vibrant colour.
Why does my matcha taste bitter?
A bitter taste can result from using lower-quality matcha, too much powder, or water that is too hot.
Which milk tastes best with matcha?
The best milk alternative is largely a matter of preference. Many people enjoy oat milk because it creates a creamy texture and complements the natural flavor of matcha.
Can I make matcha without a bamboo whisk?
Yes. A handheld frother, electric frother, or cocktail shaker can all help create a smooth drink.
Final Thoughts
This easy matcha recipe is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a refreshing matcha drink at home. Whether you choose oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or another favorite milk alternative, you’ll have a delicious green tea latte that rivals anything from your local coffee shop.
Once you find your favorite matcha and preferred sweetener, you’ll never need to spend money on an expensive café iced latte again. If you prefer a hot matcha latte then use this recipe!
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The Best Iced Matcha Recipe (Creamy & Delicious)
Equipment
- 1 bamboo whisk this whisk set comes with everything you need
- 1 fine mesh strainer optional
- 1 matcha bowl with spout optional
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 3/4 cup oat milk or milk of choice
- 1-2 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Place a small fine-mesh sieve over a matcha bowl or small bowl. Add the matcha powder to the sieve and gently press it through with a spoon to remove any clumps. This helps create a smoother latte.
- Heat water until warm but not boiling, about 160–175°F (70–80°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before using. Water that is too hot can make matcha taste bitter.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of the warm water over the sifted matcha. Using a bamboo whisk, whisk in a quick zigzag "W" or "M" motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a light layer of foam forms on top. You can also use a handheld frother or electric frother.
- Stir in the maple syrup or sweetener of choice until completely combined.
- Fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Slowly pour the prepared matcha mixture over the ice.
- Then pour 1 cup of cold milk over the ice and matcha mixture. Oat milk creates an especially creamy texture, but almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or regular whole milk all work well.
- Stir before drinking and serve immediately.
Notes
- A fine-mesh sieve is the easiest way to remove clumps from matcha powder.
- Ceremonial-grade matcha will provide the smoothest flavor and brightest green color.
- If your matcha tastes bitter, the water may have been too hot or the matcha may be lower quality.
- For a sweeter latte, add additional maple syrup or simple syrup to taste.
- Store matcha in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and sunlight to preserve its flavor and vibrant green color.
