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 475-ml Pistachio Creme Frappuccino has 360 calories! Hail-hail! There’s a delicious, healthy alternative: the iced matcha 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 green tea. Starbucks and Dunkin’ both have hot and iced Matcha lattes on their menus.

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

What’s Matcha Anyway?

Matcha green tea 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 green tea are also cultivated differently.

Plants for regular green tea are grown in direct sunlight and are generally less vibrant in colour. The brew’s flavour 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 green tea its unique bright green colour and yields a much milder flavour.

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 colour and flavour 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 flavour 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 tea is created equal. Matcha powder can be divided into grades according to its texture, colour, and flavour (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 a Starbucks iced matcha latte, but you don’t have a matcha whisk. Don’t worry. We gotcha.

The Mason Jar

To make this Starbucks iced matcha latte in a mason jar, combine your 82-degree Celsius water with the matcha green tea 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 lattes 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 475 ml glass, add your matcha ice cubes

The French Press

Add the 82-degree Celsius water, matcha green tea powder, cold milk, and maple syrup to the bottom of your French press to make this iced matcha latte recipe.

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’ve received your ingredients make a Starbucks iced matcha latte copycat.

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 82-degree Celsius water. Whisk in a W-shaped pattern with a matcha whisk to dissolve.

Step 2: Prep the 475-ml Glass

Fill the 475-ml glass with around 60 ml of matcha ice cubes. Gently pour 120 ml 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!

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.

Did you make this iced matcha latte recipe? If so, drop us a comment below.

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