Today we’re talking matcha.
Specifically: which type to buy, tools you’ll need, and how to make the perfect iced matcha latte at home.
Once you’re stocked up on the basics, this iced matcha latte is a breeze to make.
Let’s start with the matcha. I always buy organic ceremonial grade matcha. It’s the highest quality possible (and yes, it costs a little bit more money, but is so worth it!!) and after trying it, I’ll never go back to culinary or latte grade matcha again. I’ve found that the experience of drinking matcha can be entirely made or broken on the quality of the matcha, so I never try to cut corners or use a cheaper version. This is the brand I buy (<–affiliate link), and it’s consistently perfect. Bright green, mellow in flavor (not bitter or harsh), and has the perfect subtle caffeine boost. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re on the fence about matcha, or have tried other brands before and haven’t enjoyed it.
Next comes the matcha tools. You’re going to need either a bamboo whisk or a handheld frother. I have both this bamboo whisk, spoon and scoop set and this electric frother (<–affiliate links), and love them both equally. The experience feels a little bit more special/ceremonial when you use the bamboo whisk, and I tend to always use it for my matcha, then use the frother for the milk (if drinking it hot). I know it seems like an unnecessary step to buy a special whisk or frother for your matcha, but trust me, you need it to achieve fully dissolved, perfectly smooth matcha. Because of the way matcha is ground into a fine powder, it’s nearly impossible to just stir it into liquid with a spoon; it clumps and doesn’t dissolve easily on its own. I’ve also had success blending matcha up in my blender, (<–affiliate link) so that’s another option if you don’t want to go the whisk/frother route.
If you drink a lot of matcha, go for the bamboo whisk set; it’s fun, effective, and makes consistently great matcha! If you’re an occasional matcha drinker, the electric frother might be a better choice, since it’s a multitasker than can be used for frothing milk for coffee, etc, when not being used to dissolve your matcha into water. Or, if you already have a blender sitting on the counter that you use daily, don’t even worry about buying anything. You can make great matcha with the equipment you already have.
Okay, now that we have some high quality matcha and the tools to make it happen, here’s what you need to know about making and iced matcha latte. It’s super simple, I promise!
Matcha gets whisked with a few tablespoons of very hot (not quite boiling) water and some honey or maple syrup to sweeten. Then, it gets poured over a glass that’s been filled with the milk of your choice (I love coconut milk for this), a splash of vanilla extract, and some ice.
At this point, all that’s left to do is stick a straw in it, and you’re done.
Yes, really. It’s that simple.
Naturally sweetened, flavored with vanilla, and ultra creamy, this iced matcha latte is my go-to drink on hot mornings, or for an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t leave me unable to sleep at night (thanks to the gentle nature of the caffeine in matcha!).
And, as an added bonus, by making it yourself instead of buying matcha at a coffee shop you’re:
- Eliminating the plastic cup and straw (yay planet!)
- Saving yourself money- yes, even when purchasing the organic ceremonial grade matcha (yay bank account!)
- Able to tailor it to your precise flavor preferences (yay tastebuds!)
Don’t drink matcha first thing in the morning? Fear not, my friends. If you usually buy matcha later in the day, after being out of the house for hours, you can STILL make this latte and have it be perfectly cold and waiting for you, whenever you want it. Just make as instructed, and pour into an insulated mug in the morning (this one is our favorite (<–affiliate link), and toss it into your bag. Later in the day when you’d usually hit up your usual matcha spot, just pull out your mug, give it a shake, and you’re set.
I know I’m giving you lots of options today, but I’m doing it to ensure that you have no excuse not to make yourself a delicious homemade iced matcha latte, anytime!
If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below, or take a picture of your iced matcha latte and tag me in it on Instagram! I love seeing my recipes in your kitchen.
- 1 teaspoon matcha*
- 2 Tablespoons hot water
- 1/2-1 Tablespoon honey, maple syrup, or other favorite sweetener
- 3/4 cup milk of choice**
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 ice cubes, to fill a 16oz glass
- 1. Make sure you have some very hot (but not boiling) water on hand, by either heating water in a tea kettle or pot on the stove, microwaving water in a small dish, or using the hot water from your tap, if yours gets hot enough.
- 2. Put matcha, hot water, and honey (or sweetener of choice) into a small bowl, mug, or jar, and whisk well to combine with a bamboo matcha whisk or electric handheld frother.
- 3. Add vanilla, milk, and ice cubes to a mason jar (or other 16 oz capacity cup). Pour in the matcha, then stir to combine. Sip and enjoy, adding more sweetener or vanilla to taste, if needed.
- *I always buy organic ceremonial grade matcha, as its the best quality on the market, and is consistently great tasting. See blog post above for a link to my favorite brand.
- **Any milk works here, though I've found that coconut milk is my personal favorite. I always buy unsweetened, but if you have a sweetened milk, just keep that in mind as you add the honey/maple syrup; you might not need any at all!
- If you don't own a bamboo matcha whisk or a handheld frother, you can put all ingredients (except ice) into a blender and blend for 30 seconds, then pour over ice.