A homemade Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte that tastes just like Starbucks! This delicious matcha latte is sweet, creamy, and will give you a healthy boost of energy and focus.
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What is an Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte?
This delicious and refreshing green tea drink is a popular Starbucks order but you can easily make it at home too!
A vanilla matcha latte combines the yummy flavors of vanilla and matcha. This is then served over ice and milk to make a perfectly refreshing, creamy beverage.
The flavors of vanilla and matcha complement each other perfectly. Adding some vanilla to matcha is a great way to soften the taste of matcha and make it taste better.
Matcha powder, or green tea powder, can sometimes have a grassy, earthy taste so the vanilla extract used in this latte balances and sweetens the taste of the matcha.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy DIY version. This yummy iced latte can be made at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients. And the best part is that it will taste just as great as the one you buy from your favorite coffee shop!
- A delicious refresh. This refreshing iced drink has healthy caffeine in it from the matcha powder that will give you a great boost in energy and focus.
- Nutritional benefits. Matcha is packed with healthy nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants
Love a good breakfast drink? Check out our post about The Best Breakfast Drinks
If you are a fan of matcha, check out these yummy recipes for Easy Matcha Sheet Cake and Baked Matcha Latte Donuts.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Hot water. This will help to dissolve the matcha powder and sweetener.
- Honey or maple syrup. The amount of sweetener you use can be adjusted according to your preference.
- Matcha powder. Use good quality matcha for this recipe for the best flavor results.
- Vanilla extract. An easy way to add delicious vanilla flavor to your iced matcha latte.
- Milk. Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work for this recipe.
- Ice cubes. Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing!
Optional ingredient substitutions
- You can swap the vanilla extract and honey/maple syrup for a vanilla syrup if preferred. Adjust the amount according to your preferred sweetness.
- You can use agave syrup or any other preferred liquid sweetener in place of the honey/maple syrup in this recipe if preferred.
- For an easy latte option, swap the milk for vanilla-flavoured milk and then you can leave out the vanilla extract. And if your vanilla-flavored milk is sweetened you may not need to add any additional honey/maple syrup too.
- You can use vanilla bean seeds instead of vanilla extract if preferred. Add ¼ teaspoon for your latte in replacement of the vanilla extract.
Sweetener options for Iced Matcha Latte
- Sugar: White sugar, brown sugar, and raw sugar are all popular options for sweetening matcha lattes. They dissolve easily in hot liquid and can be added to taste.
- Honey: Honey provides a mild, natural sweetness and can be a good alternative to sugar for those who prefer to avoid processed sugars.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to matcha lattes. It is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar.
- Stevia: Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener that can be used to sweeten matcha lattes. It is a good option for those who are trying to limit their sugar intake.
- Agave nectar: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that is derived from the agave plant. It has a slightly sweeter taste than sugar, so less may be needed.
How To Make an Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte
STEP ONE
In a small mug, jug, or bowl, add the hot water, matcha powder, honey/maple syrup, matcha powder, and vanilla extract.
STEP TWO
Use a small whisk or hand frother to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Alternatively, you can also use a high-speed blender to combine the ingredients together along with the milk.
STEP THREE
Fill a serving glass or jar with ice cubes and add the milk.
STEP FOUR
Pour the matcha mixture over the milk and ice. Gently stir and enjoy immediately.
You can double or triple the recipe and store the matcha mixture in the fridge for later use for up to a week.
What is Matcha
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is popular in Japan and other countries. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are carefully hand-picked and processed to create a fine powder.
The leaves used to make matcha are steamed, dried, and then ground into a fine powder using granite stones.
Matcha has a distinct, vibrant green color and a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It is often used as an ingredient in cooking and baking, as well as in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
It is also a popular ingredient in lattes, smoothies, and other beverages.
Matcha is known for its high levels of antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds, and it has been associated with a range of health benefits, including improved focus and concentration, boosted metabolism, and reduced risk of certain diseases.
Different Grades of Matcha
There are several grades of matcha, which vary in quality and price. The main grades of matcha are:
- Ceremonial grade: This is the highest quality matcha and is typically the most expensive. It is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a bright green color, smooth texture, and delicate, sweet flavor. Ceremonial grade matcha is best used in traditional tea ceremonies or for drinking straight, without any added ingredients.
- Premium grade: This is a high-quality matcha that is a step below ceremonial grade in terms of quality. It has a slightly less vibrant color and a milder flavor, but is still suitable for drinking straight.
- Culinary grade: This is the lowest quality matcha and is used primarily for cooking and baking. It has a more muted green color and a slightly bitter taste, but is still a good option for adding flavor and color to recipes.
Milk Options For Matcha Latte
Cow's Milk
Whole milk, 2%, or skim milk are the most commonly used types of cow's milk for matcha lattes. They create a creamy, velvety texture and add richness to the drink.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular non-dairy alternative that provides a nutty flavor and lighter texture to matcha lattes. It is also lower in fat and calories than cow's milk, making it a good option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is another popular non-dairy alternative that can be used to make matcha lattes. It is creamy and rich, and has a slightly sweeter taste than cow's milk.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a newer non-dairy alternative that is gaining popularity. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the earthy taste of matcha.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a rich, creamy alternative that adds a slight sweetness and tropical flavor to matcha lattes. It is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
How To Store Matcha
Keep it airtight
Store matcha in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to prevent oxidation and keep the powder from absorbing moisture or other odors from the environment.
Store in a cool, dry place
Avoid storing matcha in a hot or humid environment, as this can cause the powder to deteriorate more quickly. The ideal storage temperature is between 59-77°F (15-25°C).
Keep away from light
Light can cause the vibrant green color of matcha to fade, so store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
Use within 6 months
Matcha is best consumed within 6 months of purchase, although it can last up to a year if stored properly.
Recipe FAQs
Which Matcha is best for an iced latte?
Ceremonial grade matcha is a higher quality matcha powder than baking matcha and it is best for making lattes.
Is matcha better for anxiety than coffee?
Like coffee, matcha has a decent amount of caffeine in it, but it won't give you the jitters. Matcha can actually help reduce anxiety because of the large amount of L-theanine that it contains.
This powerful amino acid lessens the stimulating effect of caffeine on the nervous system, and instead, it produces an energized and focused state.
Is Matcha good for you?
Matcha, or green tea powder, is full of nutrients that are good for you. The health benefits of matcha powder include:
- High in antioxidants (including the powerful EGCg)
- Boosts metabolism
- Detoxifies
- Rich in fibre and vitamins
- Enhances mood
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
More Latte Recipes To Try:
- Caramel Mocha Iced Latte
- Oatmilk Honey Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
- Oat Milk Latte
- Cacao Maca Latte
- Iced Beetroot Latte
Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
A homemade Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte that tastes just like Starbucks! This delicious matcha latte is sweet, creamy, and will give you a healthy boost of energy and focus.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 - 2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 - 2 teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy or plant-based milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small mug, jug, or bowl, add the hot water, matcha powder, honey/maple syrup, matcha powder, and vanilla extract.
- Use a small whisk or hand frother to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside. (Alternatively, you can also use a high-speed blender to combine the ingredients together along with the milk.)
- Fill a serving glass or jar with ice cubes and add the milk.
- Pour the matcha mixture over the milk and ice. Gently stir and enjoy immediately.
Notes
You can double or triple the recipe and store the remaining matcha mixture in the fridge for later use for up to a week.
Add as much matcha powder and/or sweeter according to personal preference.
I hope you love this Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my delicious food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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