Summer Iced Matcha Green Tea Recipe
As summer quickly approaches us, I find myself gravitating towards refreshing, cool beverages that can provide not only a delicious taste but also a boost of energy. One of my absolute favorites is an Iced Matcha Green Tea.
It’s one of my absolute favorite drinks to enjoy in the summer heat. Let me walk you through my favorite recipe for a perfect Iced Matcha Green Tea that you can whip up in just 5 minutes!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea made from finely ground green tea leaves, specifically the youngest tea leaves, which are shaded before harvest to increase chlorophyll levels. This process gives matcha its vibrant green color and enhances its flavor. Pique Tea's Matcha, which I use for this recipe, is a ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Japan.
The term "ceremonial grade matcha" indicates that the tea is of the highest quality, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s quadruple-screened to ensure it’s free from impurities like heavy metals and pesticides, making it a clean and high-quality matcha powder.
What Makes Matcha Special?
Unlike regular green tea, which is made by steeping tea leaves in water, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form. This means you get a more concentrated dose of nutrients and antioxidants.
Matcha has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering high cholesterol. It's also rich in vitamin C, amino acids, and free radicals, making it a powerful addition to your daily routine.
Why I Love This Recipe
One of the reasons I adore this iced matcha latte recipe is its simplicity. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing drink that rivals those found in coffee shops. It’s my go-to recipe for a quick pick-me-up on a hot day.
Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to my morning coffee, offering a more balanced caffeine boost without the jitters or crash.
Let's get to the recipe!
Ingredients
1 packet of Pique Tea Matcha
1/2 cup creamer of choice (flavored or unflavored)
1 cup cold water
2 tablespoons hot water
Ice cubes
Simple syrup or maple syrup (optional)
Directions
1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, add the matcha powder. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of hot water and whisk or blend with a frother until the matcha has fully incorporated into the water, creating a smooth liquid and removing any clumps.
2. Pour in the remaining 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the fridge or freezer to chill for about 5 minutes.
3. Fill a glass full of ice and add the chilled matcha. Next, add your creamer of choice on top. Finish with maple syrup if you prefer your matcha sweeter.
4. Stir well to combine. Enjoy your refreshing iced matcha latte!
Tips for making the perfect Iced Matcha Green Tea
1. Choosing the Right Matcha
The quality of matcha you use will significantly impact the flavor of your latte. While there are different grades of matcha available, ranging from culinary to ceremonial, opting for a high-quality matcha powder like Pique Tea’s ensures a smooth, less bitter taste and a vibrant green color. If you don’t have Pique matcha, you can use about 1 teaspoon of another matcha powder or 1/2 teaspoon for a milder taste. Remember, the better the quality, the better your drink will taste!
2. The Key to No Clumps
Using a bamboo matcha whisk or an electric hand frother is essential to create a smooth matcha mixture. This helps to break down any clumps of matcha and ensures it blends well with the water. If you don’t have these tools, a regular whisk or even a handheld frother will do the job. The goal is to make a smooth matcha paste that can be easily mixed with cold water.
Product Recommendations:
3. Selecting Your Creamer
The choice of creamer can alter the entire flavor profile of your matcha latte. You can use any milk of choice—coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk, or traditional cow’s milk. Each adds a unique twist. For a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, I love using oat milk or coconut milk. If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, go for unsweetened versions.
4. Adding Sweetness
If you like your matcha on the sweeter side, adding a drizzle of simple syrup or maple syrup can enhance the flavor without overpowering the natural taste of matcha. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it if you’re transitioning from sweetened drinks like a Starbucks matcha latte to a more traditional green tea latte.
Health Benefits of Matcha
1. Packed with Antioxidants
Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and support overall health. The chlorophyll in matcha not only gives it its vibrant green color but also aids in detoxifying the body and promoting healthy skin.
2. Promotes Relaxation and Focus
The L-theanine in matcha is known for promoting calm and enhancing focus. This amino acid works synergistically with the caffeine in matcha to provide a steady, relaxed alertness, making it perfect for a midday break or even as a calming drink before starting your day.
3. Aids in Weight Management
Matcha can help curb hunger and sugar cravings, making it an excellent addition to a weight loss journey. Its high levels of catechins, a type of antioxidant, have been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning.
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
Matcha
While I highly recommend using Pique Tea matcha for its purity and flavor, you can substitute it with another high-quality matcha. Aim for ceremonial-grade matcha for the best results. If you’re using culinary grade matcha, expect a slightly more bitter taste, which may require a bit more sweetener.
Creamer
Feel free to experiment with different creamers. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk each offer a unique taste and texture. If you’re a fan of creamier matcha lattes, try using a thicker creamer like macadamia milk or even adding a splash of heavy cream.
Sweeteners
If maple syrup isn’t your thing, you can use honey or agave nectar as an alternative. These natural sweeteners blend well with the flavor of matcha and complement its subtle sweetness.
Exploring More Matcha Recipes
If you’re as obsessed with matcha as I am, you’ll love trying different variations and recipes. Here are some of my favorites:
Warm Matcha: For a cozy, comforting drink, try my warm matcha recipe HERE.
Pumpkin Cold Foam: Add a fall twist to your iced matcha latte with a pumpkin cold foam topping HERE.
Shaken Espresso: If you’re a coffee lover, my iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso is a must-try HERE.
Pumpkin Spice Chai: For a spiced treat, check out my pumpkin spice chai latte recipe HERE.
Homemade Oat Milk: Want to learn how to make your own oat milk at home? Check out my recipe HERE!
Making an iced matcha latte at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a versatile drink that you can customize to your taste preferences, whether you like it creamy, sweet, or with a hint of spice.
Next time you’re craving a refreshing beverage, skip the coffee shops and try this iced matcha latte recipe. Trust me, it’s going to become your new favorite way to enjoy matcha!
Summer Iced Matcha Green Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packet of Pique Tea Matcha
- 1/2 cup creamer of choice (flavored or unflavored)
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- Ice cubes
- Simple syrup or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, add the matcha powder. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of hot water and whisk or blend with a frother until the matcha has fully incorporated into the water, creating a smooth liquid and removing any clumps.
- Pour in the remaining 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the fridge or freezer to chill for about 5 minutes.
- Fill a glass full of ice and add the chilled matcha. Next, add your creamer of choice on top. Finish with maple syrup if you prefer your matcha sweeter.
- Stir well to combine. Enjoy your refreshing iced matcha latte!
