Hey there, tea lovers! If you're a fan of the ever-popular matcha latte and want a refreshing twist on this classic drink, I have the perfect solution: my delightfully cool Iced Matcha Latte recipe.
This homemade matcha iced latte is not only a breeze to make, but it's also budget-friendly, especially compared to any Starbucks matcha drinks or Dunkin matcha latte runs. Ready to learn how to whip up this tasty concoction? Let's dive in!
Jump to:
- What is Matcha?
- What does this iced matcha latte taste like?
- Why You’ll Love This Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
- Substitutions
- How To Make An Iced Matcha Latte Starbucks-Style
- Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Success Tips
- FAQs
- Iced Matcha Latte Nutrition
- Other Starbucks Copycat Drinks
- Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
What is Matcha?
​​Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, specifically the Camellia sinensis plant. It has been a staple in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries and has gained popularity in recent years due to its vibrant color, unique flavor, and numerous health benefits.
What sets matcha apart from other types of green tea is how it is grown and processed. The tea plants used to make matcha are shaded from the sun for several weeks before harvesting, which increases the chlorophyll content and gives the leaves their vibrant green color.
After the leaves are harvested, they are steamed, dried, and then ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. This powder can then be whisked with hot water to make a frothy, delicious cup of matcha tea.
Best of all, matcha is not only delicious but it's also packed with health benefits. It's high in antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and promotes relaxation and mental clarity. So, if you're looking for a tasty and healthy beverage option, you might want to give matcha a try!
What does this iced matcha latte taste like?
​​Picture a lush, green forest where the trees sway in the breeze and the earthy aroma of matcha fills the air. Now add a touch of creamy milk that flows like a gentle stream and a sprinkle of fairy dust in the form of sweet vanilla syrup. As you take a sip, the flavors come together in perfect harmony, transporting you to a dreamlike realm of refreshing, balanced bliss. It's like taking a sip of enchantment itself!
My iced matcha latte recipe combines the earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha with the creaminess of your favorite milk and the sweetness of vanilla syrup. The result is a well-balanced, refreshing matcha drink that's perfect for sipping on warm days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Aside from tasting like the green nectar of the forest goddesses, this copycat Starbucks matcha latte recipe is also:
- Quick & Easy. This iced matcha green tea latte is super easy to make at home, requiring just a handful of ingredients and about 3 minutes of effort.
- Budget-Friendly. Making your own homemade matcha latte costs a fraction of what you'd pay for a Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts matcha latte.
- Easily Customizable. When you make your own matcha latte at home, you can customize it to your liking with various substitutions and additions — without any absurd upcharges. Say goodbye to those overpriced matcha Starbucks drinks and hello to your new favorite afternoon treat!
As promised, you only need a few simple ingredients to make this copycat iced matcha latte Starbucks recipe. Here’s what to grab:
- Milk of Choice - I personally prefer using unsweetened almond milk, but you’re welcome to swap in the dairy milk or plant-based milk of your choice. If you plan on using plant-based milk, I suggest reaching for unsweetened plain or vanilla flavors.
- Vanilla Syrup - You’ll find this ingredient is a staple here in the Coffee Copycat barista station and with good reason. It’s an excellent sweetener that blends well with nearly any flavor and seamlessly dissolves into any concoction, hot or cold.Â
- Pure Matcha Powder - Matcha comes in different grades, ranging from culinary grade (best for baking and cooking) to ceremonial grade (best for drinking as tea). If you're planning to drink your matcha as tea, look for ceremonial-grade matcha, which is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a milder, more delicate flavor. Also, high-quality matcha powder can be expensive, so be wary of bargain-bin prices. Cheaper matcha powders may be lower quality or contain additives like sugar or artificial flavorings.
- Ice - If possible, make sure you’re using ice made from filtered water for the best, cleanest taste.
Substitutions
As much as I think this recipe is as perfect as can be, I also know that taste is totally subjective and sometimes you’re fresh out of ingredients. Here are a few easy swaps to keep in mind:
- Milk of Choice - Not in a milky mood? No problem! You can totally make a tasty matcha iced tea without using any milk. In fact, matcha mixed with water is the traditional way to enjoy it! To make yourself a refreshing iced matcha tea without milk, whisk the matcha powder with cold water and sweeten to taste with the vanilla syrup. Feel free to add a splash of soda water for some tongue-tingling effervescence.
- Vanilla Syrup - If you don’t have vanilla syrup on hand, plain simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water will work beautifully. Feel free to add a splash of pure vanilla extract to replace some of the warm flavor if you like. You’re also welcome to use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, but you may want to thin these out with a small amount of hot water at first to make them easier to stir into your iced drink. Alternatively, you can experiment with other flavors of syrups like hazelnut, almond, or caramel, but I suggest starting with just a little at a time to see if you like them.
- Ice - Nobody said this matcha latte recipe HAS to be iced. Feel free to drink it hot if you prefer! Alternatively, you can use flavored ice cubes made from green tea, lemonade, or milk to let them slowly flavor your iced green tea latte as they melt.
How To Make An Iced Matcha Latte Starbucks-Style
This Starbucks iced matcha latte recipe comes together in just a few minutes’ time. Here’s how:
Step 1: Sweeten Milk. In a large container, stir together the milk and vanilla syrup.
Step 2: Ice Half the Milk. Add ice to your drinking glass, and pour about half of the sweetened milk over the ice.
Step 3: Mix In the matcha powder to the remaining sweetened milk, and use a milk frother or matcha whisk to blend (this may take 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Assemble & Serve. Pour the matcha milk over the sweetened milk in your glass. Drink up!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
As much as I’m obsessed with everything about this Matcha green tea latte Starbucks recipe, there are plenty of ways for you to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get your creative barista wheels turning:
- Vegan/Dairy-Free. Use a plant-based milk and sweetener to make this tasty summer sipper completely vegan-friendly.
- Iced Matcha Recipe, No Milk. Go traditional Japanese-style and swap water for the milk.
- Pineapple Matcha Starbucks Dupe. Add a splash of pineapple syrup for a fun, tropical twist.
- Hot Starbucks Matcha Recipe. Skip the ice and use steamed or warmed milk for a cozy drink instead.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how and when to serve your iced green tea deliciousness? Here are some of my favorite pairings and occasions:
- Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up. Matcha contains caffeine and L-theanine, which work together to promote alertness and focus without the jittery feeling often associated with coffee. It's the perfect way to beat the 3-o'clock slump! Add a sprig of fresh mint for a flavorful, bright, and colorful garnish.
- Pair with a baked treat like muffins, scones, or cookies for a serious moment of self-indulgence. The earthy flavor of the matcha pairs well with sweet and savory baked goods alike.
- If you want something sweet without any guilt, a refreshing and healthy option is to serve your matcha latte with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. The bright, juicy flavors of the fruit complement the earthy notes of the matcha.
- Matcha is a traditional Japanese ingredient, so it pairs well with Japanese-inspired dishes like sushi, teriyaki chicken, or miso soup.
- These iced matcha lattes are a great addition to any brunch spread. Serve alongside other breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, and toast for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Recipe Success Tips
- Invest in a good-quality matcha powder for the best flavor. The quality of your matcha powder can make a BIG difference in the taste of your latte. Look for a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha that is bright green in color and has a smooth, fine texture.
- To avoid clumps and ensure that your matcha powder dissolves evenly, it's a good idea to sift it before using. Use a fine-mesh strainer or a matcha sifter to remove any lumps or bits of stem that may be present.
- To make a smooth and frothy matcha, it's best to use cold milk instead of hot. Cold liquid helps to prevent the matcha from clumping and produces a smoother, more even texture. Follow this advice even when making a hot latte, adding hot milk or water after whisking it into a small amount of cool liquid.
- Consider investing in the traditional bamboo whisk tool known as a chasen. The thin, flexible tines help to aerate the tea and create a smooth, creamy texture. To use, place a small amount of matcha powder in a bowl, add cold milk or water, and whisk vigorously in a back-and-forth motion until frothy. Otherwise, a milk frother is perfect!
FAQs
Unfortunately, regular green tea won't provide the same flavor or texture as matcha. That said, you’re welcome to brew a double-strength batch of green tea to make a regular tea latte that is still quite tasty!
Yes, iced matcha lattes do contain caffeine. However, the caffeine content of matcha is generally lower than that of coffee or black tea because the whole leaf is used and the tea is prepared differently.
The exact amount of caffeine in an iced matcha latte can vary depending on the amount and quality of matcha used. However, in general, a cup of matcha tea contains about 30-70 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly equivalent to a cup of black tea.
It's also worth noting that matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. This can help to balance out the stimulating effects of caffeine and provide a more sustained, focused energy boost without the jitters or crash often associated with coffee or energy drinks.
So if you're looking for a delicious and energizing beverage without the intensity of coffee, this gorgeous green beverage might be just what you need!
Iced Matcha Latte Nutrition
Please note that the following nutrition facts are based on using almond milk, which is lower in calories, protein and fat than other milk options.
This iced matcha latte recipe has 238 calories and 4 grams of total fat per serving. This number may be higher or lower depending on the type of milk and sweetener you use. That said, this is a relatively low amount of fat compared to other beverages like milkshakes or frappuccinos. It also contains 5 grams of protein per serving, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
With 46 grams of carbohydrates per serving — 40 grams of which are from sugar — this is definitely more of a treat than a super healthy beverage choice. Feel free to swap in low-calorie, high-protein milk and use a sugar-free sweetener like monkfruit to make it a drink you can enjoy on the daily without any guilt.
Total nutritional content per serving is:
- Calories: 238 calories
- Total Fat: 4 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Sodium: 256 mg
- Carbohydrates: 46 grams
- Sugar: 40 grams
*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.
Other Starbucks Copycat Drinks
Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice (I like almond milk)
- ¼ cup vanilla syrup
- 2 ½ teaspoon pure matcha powder
- ice
Instructions
- In a large container, stir together the milk and vanilla syrup.
- Add ice to your drinking glass, and pour about half of the sweetened milk over the ice.
- Add the matcha powder to the remaining sweetened milk, and use a milk frother or matcha whisk to blend (this may take 2-3 minutes).
- Pour the matcha milk over the sweetened milk in your glass. Drink up!
Nutrition
xoxo Megan
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