If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to your morning coffee or a stylish mid-afternoon pick-me-up, the Iced Matcha Latte is a perfect choice. This smooth and vibrant green drink combines the earthy depth of Japanese matcha with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, served over ice for a cool, energizing experience.
Matcha has taken the spotlight in cafés and wellness circles for good reason. It’s loaded with antioxidants, provides a calm, focused energy boost (thanks to L-theanine), and looks absolutely stunning in a tall glass. Making an Iced Matcha Latte at home is surprisingly easy — and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever paid café prices.
What?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha you consume the entire leaf — meaning more antioxidants, nutrients, and flavor.
Matcha comes in different grades:
- Ceremonial grade: Highest quality, vibrant color, delicate flavor — best for drinking.
- Culinary grade:
For this recipe, either grade will work, but ceremonial grade will give you a smoother, more luxurious latte.
Ingredients
For 1 tall glass, you’ll need:
- 1 to 1½ teaspoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling – around 75–80°C / 170–180°F)
- ¾ to 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based: oat, almond, soy, coconut, etc.)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Optional toppings: frothed milk, a sprinkle of matcha powder, or vanilla extract for flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- A small bowl (preferably a matcha bowl or “chawan”)
- A bamboo whisk (“chasen”) or a small regular whisk or milk frother
- A tall glass
- A spoon or stirrer
- A blender or shaker (optional, for extra smooth results)
How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte
1. Sift the Matcha Powder
Place the matcha powder into a small bowl or cup and sift it through a fine mesh strainer. This helps prevent clumps and ensures a smooth, lump-free latte.
2. Add Hot Water and Whisk
Pour in about 2 tablespoons of hot (but not boiling) water. Using a bamboo whisk, whisk vigorously in a zigzag “W” motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a light froth forms on top. If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, a small regular whisk or milk frother works too.
Tip: Don’t skip the whisking step — it’s what creates that signature creamy texture and vibrant foam on top.
3. Sweeten (Optional)
Add your sweetener of choice directly to the matcha concentrate and stir until dissolved. This ensures even distribution of flavor.
4. Add Ice and Milk
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour your milk over the ice, then slowly pour in the matcha concentrate on top to create a beautiful layered effect (optional). Stir gently before drinking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Add an optional dusting of matcha powder on top or a splash of vanilla for extra depth. Insert a reusable straw and enjoy your homemade iced matcha latte!
Tips for the Perfect Iced Matcha Latte
- Use cold milk: The colder the milk, the more refreshing the drink.
- Plant-based milk options: Oat milk is creamy and blends well with matcha. Almond milk has a mild flavor. Coconut milk adds a tropical twist.
- Layered look: To get a clean separation between the milk and matcha, add ice first, pour milk slowly, and then top with the matcha mixture.
- Make it a blended latte: Blend all ingredients (including ice) in a blender for a frappé-style drink.
Health Benefits of Matcha
- High in antioxidants, especially EGCG, which helps fight inflammation.
- Natural caffeine: Matcha gives you energy without the crash of coffee.
- Contains L-theanine: Promotes calm alertness and better focus.
- Supports metabolism and detoxification.
It’s not just a pretty drink — it’s a wellness ritual in a glass.
Fun Variations to Try
- Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte: Add a few drops of pure vanilla extract to your milk.
- Coconut Matcha Latte: Use coconut milk and add toasted coconut flakes on top.
- Mint Matcha Latte: Muddle a few mint leaves in your glass before adding ice and milk.
- Dirty Matcha Latte: Add a shot of espresso for a hybrid between a latte and matcha — great for coffee lovers.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Want to prep your matcha ahead of time? Whisk a double or triple batch of matcha concentrate and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just shake before using and pour over fresh milk and ice when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Matcha Latte is more than just a trendy drink — it’s a delicious and calming ritual you can incorporate into your day. Whether you’re looking to replace your morning coffee or simply try something new and energizing, this green elixir is sure to impress.
With its creamy texture, gentle caffeine boost, and stunning green color, the Iced Matcha Latte is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Once you try making it at home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
