If you’re searching for how to make a matcha latte iced the right way, you’re not alone. This vibrant green drink is a favorite in coffee shops and home kitchens alike. On Recipe by Clara, I share recipes that feel fancy but are super easy, and this iced matcha latte is no exception. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make a matcha latte iced at home using simple ingredients, affordable tools, and techniques that deliver café-style flavor in every sip.
We’ll cover everything from choosing the best matcha powder to mastering the smooth, frothy texture that makes this drink irresistible. Whether you’re making your first iced latte or just looking for a healthier twist than the sugar-packed versions from chains like Starbucks, this is the only guide you need.
Don’t miss our Pistachio Matcha Latte for a creamy, nutty variation that takes the classic iced matcha to the next level.
Table of Contents
What Is an Iced Matcha Latte?
What is matcha and where it comes from?
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder from Japan, made by stone-grinding shade-grown leaves. Unlike regular green tea where you steep the leaves and toss them, matcha lets you drink the whole leaf, which means more antioxidants, more flavor, and more energy. It’s the heart of every matcha latte, hot or iced.
Many people curious about how to make a matcha latte iced are surprised to learn that matcha has been around for centuries, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Today, it’s a wellness trend with staying power thanks to its earthy taste, vibrant color, and ability to keep you calm but focused.
What makes a latte different from regular matcha tea?
When you add milk to matcha and pour it over ice, magic happens. An iced matcha latte is smoother, creamier, and often sweetened just enough to balance the bitterness of pure matcha. Unlike the traditional method using hot water alone, learning how to make a matcha latte iced gives you a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days or an afternoon energy boost.
This modern twist lets you customize everything. Choose your favorite milk, sweetener, or even flavored syrups like vanilla or coconut. The result? A silky iced latte that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Glow Tea for another green drink that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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How to Make a Matcha Latte Iced: The Ultimate Homemade Guide
Learn how to make a matcha latte iced the right way — smooth, creamy, and café-quality from your own kitchen using just a few simple ingredients.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons warm water (around 160°F)
- ¾ cup cold milk (oat, almond, soy, or dairy)
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or vanilla syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl using a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate clumps.
- Add warm water and whisk vigorously in a zig-zag motion until foamy and smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Pour in the cold milk, leaving space at the top.
- Add sweetener if desired, and stir to combine.
- Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk to create a layered effect.
- Stir if preferred or enjoy as is for a visually stunning presentation.
Notes
Use ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and color. Warm water helps dissolve matcha better than cold or boiling water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients You Need for Making Iced Matcha Latte at Home
Types of Matcha: Ceremonial vs Culinary Grade
When learning how to make a matcha latte iced, your first step is choosing the right matcha powder. There are two main types: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. This one decision can completely change the flavor, color, and texture of your latte.
Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest, most tender leaves. It has a naturally sweet, smooth taste and a vibrant green color. It blends beautifully into cold drinks, giving your latte that signature clean, fresh flavor.
Culinary grade matcha, while still good, is more robust and slightly bitter. It’s ideal for baking or smoothies, but it may not produce that silky iced latte texture you’re aiming for.
If you’re serious about learning how to make a matcha latte iced that rivals your favorite café, go with ceremonial grade. It may cost a little more, but it makes a big difference.
| Matcha Type | Color | Taste Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial Grade | Bright green | Smooth, mild | Drinking, iced lattes |
| Culinary Grade | Dull green | Strong, bitter | Cooking, smoothies |
Check out Pistachio Latte for a creative twist using high-quality matcha.
Best Milks to Use: Oat, Almond, Soy, and Dairy
Milk is a key player when figuring out how to make a matcha latte iced at home. Your choice affects flavor, texture, and how well the matcha blends.
- Oat milk is creamy, naturally sweet, and blends effortlessly. It’s a top pick for plant-based iced matcha lattes.
- Almond milk offers a light, nutty flavor. Use barista blends for a better texture.
- Soy milk is protein-rich and smooth, offering a neutral base that lets the matcha shine.
- Coconut milk brings richness and a tropical twist, perfect for summer versions.
- Whole milk creates a traditional, ultra-creamy matcha latte iced, if you’re sticking with dairy.
If you’re experimenting with how to make a matcha latte iced that fits your diet and preferences, start with oat milk for a well-balanced flavor. It’s froth-friendly and doesn’t drown out the matcha.
Looking for healthy mix-ins? Try adding natural boosts like Walnut Butter. It adds creaminess and healthy fats that pair beautifully with iced matcha.
Don’t miss our Glow Tea for another revitalizing drink if you love chilled green tea-based recipes.
Mastering how to make a matcha latte iced begins with quality matcha and the right milk. These ingredients set the foundation for every refreshing, frothy sip.
How to Make a Matcha Latte Iced: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Sift and Whisk Matcha Properly
When learning how to make a matcha latte iced, the biggest mistake most people make is skipping the sifting step. Matcha powder can clump easily, especially when mixed with cold liquid. Sifting helps create a smooth texture, preventing lumps from ruining your drink.
Start by measuring out 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder into a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or cup. Gently tap or stir it through to break up clumps. This quick step only takes seconds, but it dramatically improves the consistency of your iced latte.
Next comes whisking. While it’s common to use a traditional bamboo chasen (matcha whisk), you can also use a handheld frother or even a small milk frothing wand. Add 2 tablespoons of warm water — not hot, just around 160°F — to your sifted matcha. Whisk vigorously in a zig-zag (M or W) motion for about 15 to 20 seconds until the surface turns foamy and smooth.
Why warm water? Because cold water won’t dissolve the powder as well, and boiling water makes matcha taste bitter. This step is crucial for anyone trying to understand how to make a matcha latte iced the right way.
Mixing Matcha with Cold Milk and Ice: Expert Tips
Now that your matcha is smooth and foamy, it’s time to turn it into a proper iced latte. Fill a glass with ice — crushed ice or standard cubes both work well. Then pour in your cold milk of choice, leaving room at the top for your matcha concentrate.
Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the milk and ice to create a layered look. Not only is it Instagram-worthy, but it also gives the option to stir and blend to your taste. For a slightly sweet version, you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, honey, or vanilla syrup before shaking or stirring everything together.
Want to replicate the Starbucks iced version at home? Use oat milk and whisk the matcha with a little sugar before combining. That gives it the sweet, creamy vibe Starbucks is known for — but without the mystery ingredients.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make a matcha latte iced at home:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sift 1–1.5 tsp matcha powder | Removes clumps for a smoother texture |
| 2 | Add 2 tbsp warm water | Whisk until frothy |
| 3 | Fill glass with ice | Crushed or cubed |
| 4 | Pour in ¾ cup cold milk | Use oat, almond, soy, or dairy |
| 5 | Add sweetener (optional) | Maple syrup, honey, or vanilla |
| 6 | Pour matcha over milk | Creates a layered, photo-worthy effect |
Looking to spice things up? Discover great ideas like the Pistachio Matcha Latte, where nutty flavor meets creamy texture in one refreshing drink.
Once you know how to make a matcha latte iced like this, you’ll skip the drive-thru every time. It’s faster, cleaner, and fully customizable.
Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Recipe: Can You Make It at Home?
What Matcha Does Starbucks Use?
If you’ve ever wondered why the Starbucks version tastes a little different, it’s because their matcha blend already contains sugar. That’s right — the vibrant green powder used in-store is a pre-sweetened matcha powder made with sugar and ground green tea. It gives the drink a creamy, smooth flavor without needing additional syrup, but it also means you’re sipping a lot more sugar than you may realize.
When you’re learning how to make a matcha latte iced at home, this is a crucial detail. You’ll want to use unsweetened ceremonial-grade matcha and control the sweetness yourself. This gives you full transparency over ingredients, plus the flexibility to go low-sugar or sugar-free if desired.
If you’re looking to mirror the Starbucks experience without the hidden sugar, try sweetening your matcha with 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or vanilla syrup during the whisking step. This mimics that signature flavor but keeps things cleaner.
How to Replicate Starbucks-Style Iced Matcha Latte at Home
So, how do you copy that Starbucks iced matcha vibe? It’s easier than you think. And better yet, making it yourself means no waiting in line, no sugary surprises, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste.
Here’s how to make a matcha latte iced like Starbucks:
- Use 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder for that bold green flavor.
- Whisk it with 2 tablespoons warm water and 1–2 teaspoons of syrup or sugar to sweeten.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in about ¾ cup of cold oat milk, which is what Starbucks commonly uses.
- Pour the whisked matcha blend over the milk and ice.
- Stir or leave it layered for a more dramatic look.
Here’s a Starbucks-style iced matcha latte copycat recipe table for clarity:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha powder | 1.5 tsp | Ceremonial grade for best flavor |
| Warm water | 2 tbsp | Not boiling — just warm to whisk |
| Sweetener | 1–2 tsp | Maple syrup, vanilla syrup, or honey |
| Cold oat milk | ¾ cup | Starbucks usually uses oat or 2% |
| Ice | 1 cup | Cubed or crushed |
By mastering how to make a matcha latte iced like Starbucks, you get that same creamy flavor and bright green color, but you’re fully in charge of what goes into your glass.
Better yet, your homemade version will cost a fraction of what you pay at the counter.
Healthy or Hype? Nutrition Benefits of Iced Matcha Lattes
Antioxidants and L-theanine in Matcha
One of the biggest reasons people want to learn how to make a matcha latte iced at home is because they’re trying to swap out sugary, high-caffeine drinks for something more natural. And matcha delivers.
Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which help reduce inflammation, support metabolism, and promote healthy skin. Unlike coffee, which can leave you feeling jittery, matcha contains L-theanine, a calming amino acid that promotes focus and a steady energy boost without the crash.
When you drink iced matcha lattes made with real matcha powder and plant-based milk, you’re fueling your body with nutrients, not just empty calories. And since you control what goes into your glass, you can skip added sugars and flavorings that often sneak into store-bought versions.
So if you’ve been asking yourself how to make a matcha latte iced that’s both tasty and good for you, the answer is simple — start with high-quality matcha, clean milk, and natural sweeteners.
Comparing Sugar and Calories: Homemade vs Store-Bought
Let’s be real — not all iced matcha lattes are healthy. Many chain versions, especially from places like Starbucks or Dunkin’, contain 20+ grams of added sugar per serving. That’s nearly as much as a soda.
When you make your own, you control the sweetness. A homemade iced matcha latte can be as low as 50–80 calories, especially when made with unsweetened almond or oat milk and no extra syrups.
Here’s a comparison of calorie and sugar content:
| Drink Type | Calories | Sugar | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade Iced Matcha Latte | 50–80 | 2–5g (or less) | Made with oat or almond milk, lightly sweetened |
| Starbucks Grande Iced Matcha | 200 | 28g | Pre-sweetened powder with 2% milk |
| Bottled Matcha Latte (store) | 150–180 | 20–25g | Contains added stabilizers and sweeteners |
Learning how to make a matcha latte iced gives you a chance to enjoy the flavor and benefits without the sugar overload. Use natural options like honey, maple syrup, or even a splash of vanilla extract to sweeten it gently.
Need more healthy drink inspo? Don’t miss our Pistachio Matcha Latte, which adds healthy fats and a unique twist to your green tea routine.
When made with intention and clean ingredients, iced matcha lattes aren’t just delicious — they’re a seriously smart choice for your daily energy fix.
Iced Matcha Latte Variations You’ll Love
Pistachio Matcha Latte and Other Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basics of how to make a matcha latte iced, it’s time to get creative. The classic version is refreshing on its own, but adding fun flavors and textures can turn your everyday latte into a signature treat.
One standout favorite is the Pistachio Matcha Latte, a creamy, nutty blend that pairs perfectly with the grassy richness of matcha. To make this variation, blend a spoonful of pistachio butter or paste into your milk before adding the matcha. It creates a velvety texture and gives your iced drink a boost of healthy fats and natural sweetness.
Another great twist? A mint matcha latte. Just muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of your glass or infuse your milk with mint beforehand. It’s cool, clean, and energizing — ideal for summer afternoons.
If you’re wondering how to make a matcha latte iced with dessert-like vibes, try adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder. These cozy flavors balance well with matcha’s earthiness. You can even blend your iced latte for a matcha frappé effect.
Looking for something more tropical? Mix in coconut milk and a splash of pineapple juice for a matcha colada twist.
Check out this flavor idea chart for inspiration:
| Variation | Add-Ins | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Pistachio Matcha | Pistachio paste or nut butter | Nutty, creamy |
| Mint Matcha | Fresh mint or extract | Cool, refreshing |
| Vanilla Cinnamon Matcha | Vanilla syrup, ground cinnamon | Warm, sweet, spiced |
| Coconut Pineapple Matcha | Coconut milk, pineapple juice | Tropical, tangy, smooth |
| Chocolate Matcha | Unsweetened cocoa, honey | Rich, dessert-inspired |
Don’t miss our Pistachio Latte recipe — it’s a smooth, nutty base that works wonderfully with matcha.
Adding Flavors: Vanilla, Honey, Mint, or Coconut
If you’re serious about exploring how to make a matcha latte iced that feels custom-made, start experimenting with natural flavorings. The options are endless and don’t require anything artificial.
Here are simple ways to upgrade your iced matcha:
- Vanilla extract or vanilla syrup: Adds warmth and depth
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements matcha’s bitterness
- Fresh mint: Brightens the drink and boosts refreshment
- Coconut water or coconut milk: Adds richness and tropical flair
- Almond or hazelnut essence: Great for a nutty finish without added fat
These additions don’t just improve flavor. They also help make your drink more satisfying, especially if you’re trying to replace higher-calorie coffee drinks.
Once you’ve learned how to make a matcha latte iced, the creative potential is endless. Mix and match ingredients to find your perfect combo. You’re not just making a drink — you’re building a habit that’s delicious, energizing, and fun to personalize.
Now You Know How to Make a Matcha Latte Iced Like a Pro
Now that you’ve seen just how easy and customizable it is, you know exactly how to make a matcha latte iced that fits your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you prefer a classic version with oat milk, a tropical twist with coconut, or a nutty upgrade with pistachio, you have the tools and tips to enjoy café-quality matcha from your own kitchen.
By using quality matcha powder, choosing the right milk, and mastering the whisking technique, you’re not just making a drink—you’re creating a daily ritual that energizes your body and mind without the crash. Plus, making your own lets you skip the sugar overload found in most coffee shop versions.
Don’t miss our Pistachio Matcha Latte if you want to try a flavor-packed version that takes your iced latte to the next level.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it part of your morning routine, learning how to make a matcha latte iced is a small skill with big benefits. It’s cleaner, greener, and way more fun than standing in line at Starbucks.
PART 7: FAQ on How to Make a Matcha Latte Iced
How to make an ice matcha latte?
To make an ice matcha latte, start by sifting 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of warm water and whisk until smooth and foamy. Fill a glass with ice, pour in ¾ cup of cold milk (dairy or plant-based), then slowly add your whisked matcha. Sweeten to taste with honey or syrup. That’s how to make a matcha latte iced with smooth texture and vibrant flavor.
Are iced matcha lattes healthy?
Yes, iced matcha lattes can be very healthy, especially when made at home. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, like EGCG, and contains L-theanine, which promotes calm focus. When you control the ingredients, you can use low-sugar or sugar-free options. Learning how to make a matcha latte iced at home lets you avoid added sugars found in many store-bought versions.
How is a Starbucks iced matcha latte made?
Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend made with sugar and green tea powder. It’s shaken with 2% milk and ice. If you’re wondering how to make a matcha latte iced that tastes like Starbucks, use ceremonial-grade matcha, oat milk, and sweeten it with vanilla syrup or sugar before blending it over ice.
How to correctly make a matcha latte?
The correct way to make a matcha latte, especially iced, is to start by sifting matcha powder to avoid clumps. Whisk it with warm water (never boiling), then combine with cold milk and ice. This process ensures a smooth, creamy latte every time. If you’ve been wondering how to make a matcha latte iced correctly, this method guarantees a delicious, balanced drink.
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