Matcha green tea seems to be all the rage these days. During the summer, this is the drink I make after a day at the lake or pool, but also the one I make before jumping in my car to grab the kids from school (t-minus a few weeks!). As per usual, the mainstream coffee shops serving up matcha green tea lattes (iced or hot) are using highly processed, low quality matcha blend sugar bombs. Sugar is the main ingredient that is mixed with the green tea, so you cannot even order the drink unsweetened. The green tea powder is usually chunky and floating in the milk and ice, almost impossible to incorporate using their method. As you can see I am not a fan but I want to be!
Enter the homemade iced matcha green tea latte where you can control the quality of the matcha and the quantity of sugar. It only takes about 2 minutes to make! Our family has several members who love the flavor of matcha – I find it creamier, naturally sweeter and prefer it to regular green tea. It’s high in antioxidants – the kind that protects your cells from damage – sign me up! And, I also have noticed since I’ve incorporated matcha green tea into my regular routine, I do feel it has revved up my metabolism a bit, something this almost 45 year old appreciates.
There are many quality brands of matcha powder, but my favorite brand that I’ve been loving for quite awhile is Kyoto Dew Matcha Organic Ceremonial Grade Powder. It’s quite strong and a bit pricey, but this is the powder we use to make hot green tea as well, so we often choose the ceremonial grade. If you have plans for only iced lattes or adding it as an ingredient to smoothies (highly recommend and a family favorite), I recommend a more affordable and less strong culinary grade – it is meant to be used as a blended ingredient, and is a great choice if matcha is new to you. Brands I have used and enjoy are Jade Leaf Culinary Grade and Matcha Love Culinary Grade.
Almond milk and oat milk are my favorite non-dairy beverages for this (homemade almond milk being by absolute favorite but that’s for another day!), but regular cow milk is likely just as delicious. Either way, I hope you try this iced matcha green tea latte at home!
Cheers,
Christina
The Best Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
The perfect afternoon pick me up on a summer day! Good quality matcha is the key to getting the most nutritional benefit out of this drink. It can be a bit pricey but a little goes a long way and making it at home will always be cheaper and far superior in taste than what is likely available at your corner coffeeshop.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup almond milk
- ⅛ tsp almond or vanilla extract a drop of peppermint extract is delicious too
- 1 cup ice
- drop sweetener of your choice: agave, honey, liquid stevia optional
Instructions
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In a glass mason jar, add the matcha green tea powder and about a tablespoon of warm water. Whisk to form a paste.
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Add almond milk, almond or vanilla extract, sweetener to taste, and about a cup of ice. With a tight fitting lid, shake vigorously to really combine the paste and the milk. The ice will help froth the beverage a bit. Add a straw and enjoy!
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