Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

Refresh your energy levels with a bright, creamy, and slightly earthy iced green tea.

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When I was in college, iced matcha lattes were my go-to, especially during the warmer months. There are few drinks more refreshing than a vibrant green tea mixed with cold milk and ice. But matcha isn’t just any green tea—there’s a reason why it has become a popular drink all around the world.

Matcha has been traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, as part of a ritual that honored the bond between host and guest. There was a time when it was only practiced by Zen Buddhist monks and noblemen, but today people of all walks of life enjoy drinking matcha tea. What sets it apart from standard green tea is that it’s grown in the shade, which increases its chlorophyll content and gives it that vibrant green hue and umami taste. It’s then ground into a fine powder.

In the Western world, matcha has been popularized for its uniquely bright color and grassy-but-sweet flavor. To some people, it’s considered an antioxidant-rich alternative to coffee, since it also contains caffeine. And while this remarkable green powder was once sought after by only the most elite classes, today it’s easier than ever to ask for a matcha latte at Starbucks or your local cafe. The fact that we can also make a homemade version is an honor … this tea has come far and wide to reach our humble little mugs!

Is This Iced Matcha Latte Healthy?

As far as tea goes, this latte is pretty healthy. The optional sweetener of honey is natural, and the almond milk is unsweetened, making it low on sugar. Sometimes, though, matcha powder has sugar or additives mixed into it, so make sure to get an all-natural brand to avoid that. Keep in mind that matcha also has plenty of caffeine. While it’s not as much as a cup of coffee, it is still potent.

A Personal Ritual Inspired by Tea Ceremonies

While matcha has come a long way since its ceremonial usage in 12th-century Japan, I believe we can still make our iced matcha latte with a level of mindfulness and respect toward those origins. I recommend giving yourself a little extra time in the morning to make this drink, and if you have a partner, friend, or family member nearby, share it with them. As you’re mixing the tea, think about all the good memories you have with that person, and the kind of meaningful connection you want to create moving forward. It might seem silly at first, but trust me: Making your food and drink with this much love and then sharing it with another is one of the quickest ways to cultivate peace and appreciation.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder, sifted
1/4 cup hot water
Ice cubes
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix
Whisk matcha with hot water to form a paste.

Assemble
Combine ice, matcha mixture, and almond milk in a glass.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Feel free to make the matcha tea ahead of time and store it in an airtight refrigerated jar for 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, portion it out into a glass, give it a good stir, and follow the rest of the recipe, adding the ice and milk accordingly. Once it’s made, this drink is best enjoyed fresh!

What Kind of Matcha Does Starbucks Use?

This might come as a shock, but Starbucks doesn’t use ceremonial-grade matcha. Supposedly, their batches are pre-sweetened with sugar. True matcha will have no added sugar and comes from a very specific kind of green tea that’s known for its earthy and slightly sweet flavor.

What’s the Best Kind of Plant-Based Milk for Matcha Lattes?

Some people prefer almond milk (as this recipe calls for), but I would also recommend oat or cashew milk, if you’re looking for something a bit creamier. Oat milk is especially good for foaming, but in this particular drink, either will do. The choice is yours!

Serving Suggestions

While an iced matcha latte is delicious on its own, you can also garnish it with a bit of fresh mint, a sprinkle of cardamom, or a swirl of whipped cream.

For a balanced breakfast, serve it alongside a Coconut Milk Quinoa Fruit Salad, Protein Oatmeal or Paleo Banana Pancakes with Coconut Flour. Want something savory? Explore Creamed Eggs or a Healthy Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash with Bacon.