Iced Matcha Latte Recipe: A Cold Twist To A Healthy Classic

Here at Home Grounds, we love our frappuccinos and frappes as much as any coffee connoisseur with a sweet tooth. But there’s just one problem: One 16-ounce Pistachio Creme Frappuccino has 360 calories! Hail-hail! There’s a delicious, healthy alternative: the iced matcha tea latte. Keep reading for what we’re sure you’ll agree is the best iced matcha latte recipe.

Lately, it seems like everyone is in love with matcha. Coffee giant Starbucks has both hot and iced Matcha lattes on their menus. It’s one of the most popular drinks on Starbucks’ latte menu. Even Home Grounds’ editor, Kashmir Brummel included the iced matcha latte in her list of the best Starbucks drinks.

And with less than half the caffeine per serving, matcha is Home Grounds’ favorite alternative to coffee.

What’s Matcha Anyway?

Matcha powder is made by grinding processed green tea leaves into a fine, vibrant green powder (1). While the processing differs from its regular green tea counterpart, plants used for making matcha are also cultivated differently.

Plants for regular green tea are grown in direct sunlight and are generally less vibrant in color. The brew’s flavor is slightly astringent, and most green teas process every part of the plant —stems, leaves, and veins.

Matcha powder is processed from camellia sinensis plants that are shade-grown for the last three weeks before harvest. This extra shade forces the plant to produce more chlorophyll, which gives the matcha its unique bright green color and yields a much milder flavor.

From Leaf to Cup

Once the plant is ready for harvest, farmers harvest the green tea leaves by hand. Then, these tea leaves are quickly steamed to prevent oxidation (2), and this oxidation affects the color and flavor of the final product.

Next, the steamed tea leaves dry in nets and ovens. Once dry, the leaves are sorted and cut into smaller pieces. During this tencha stage, the tea master tries the tencha and builds their signature flavor by combining different tea cultivars to create a signature blend. This process is similar to how a coffee roaster blends different Arabica cultivars and varietals to create a signature cup profile.

Culinary vs. Ceremonial Grade Matcha

But not all matcha green teas are created equal. Matcha powder can be divided into grades according to its texture, color, and flavor (3). While ceremonial-grade matcha is enjoyed on its own and used for Japanese tea ceremonies, culinary grades of matcha are less vibrantly green and are most often used for cooking or lattes.

What About the Whisk?

So, you want to make the perfect iced matcha latte, but you don’t have a matcha whisk. Don’t worry. We gotcha.

The Mason Jar

To make this Starbucks-copycat iced matcha tea latte in a mason jar, combine your 180-degree Fahrenheit water with the matcha powder.

Then, add your whole milk or almond milk into the jar, along with your natural sweetener of choice, and shake thoroughly to combine.

Add your matcha ice cubes to the bottom of a glass, and you’re good to go.

French Press or Aeropress

If you’ve been with Home Grounds for a while, you’ll likely have either a French press or an Aeropress. Both brew methods are incredibly versatile, as they can do everything from brewing delicious coffee to clarifying stock.

The Inverted Aeropress Method

To make iced matcha latte with an Aeropress, insert the plunger ¾ inches into the brew chamber and invert it onto your countertop. Measure in hot water and matcha powder, and screw the perforated cap, with a paper filter, onto the bottom.

Resist the urge to stir. Allow the matcha powder to remain suspended in the water until you’re ready to press it out into the mug.

After 20-25 seconds, carefully invert the Aeropress over a heat-safe mug and gently press out the matcha. To a separate 16-ounce glass, add your matcha ice cubes

The French Press

Add the 180-degree Fahrenheit water, matcha powder, cold milk, and maple syrup to the bottom of your French press to make this iced matcha tea latte.

Place the lid and plunger on top. Use short strokes to incorporate air into the matcha mixture until the matcha latte is smooth and frothy. Finally, pour this matcha mixture over some matcha ice cubes, and voila! Your French press iced matcha latte is ready.

How To Make Iced Matcha Latte: A Step-By-Step Guide

Now that you know the ingredients and the equipment you’ll need to make an iced matcha latte, we can proceed to this step-by-step guide. Do not worry. This guide is as easy as making a hot matcha latte!

Step 1: Prep The Matcha Green Tea

In a small bowl, measure in 2 teaspoons of culinary premium or cafe-grade matcha powder and 1-½ tablespoons of 180-degree Fahrenheit water. Whisk in a W-shaped pattern with a matcha whisk to dissolve.

Step 2: Prep the 16-Ounce Glass

Fill the 16-ounce glass with 2 volumetric ounces of matcha ice cubes. Gently pour 4 ounces of cold milk on top.

Step 3: Assemble the Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte

Pour the matcha mixture over the ice cubes and cold milk. Gently stir and enjoy!

Other Starbuck Latte Recipes

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Caramel Brulee Latte (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

Starbucks Vanilla Iced Latte Recipe: The Best Copycat

Starbucks Pistachio Latte recipe (Best Copycat!)

Chestnut Praline Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Final Thoughts

This iced matcha latte is a delicious way to incorporate antioxidants into your diet. Earthy, sweet, and creamy, it’s easy to make and chock-full of health benefits.

Have you made an iced matcha tea latte with our recipe? If so, drop us a comment below.

Also, if you liked this recipe, please do us a solid and rate and share.