Why make an iced matcha?
Are you also a matcha tea enthusiast, won over by its unique taste, vibrant colour, and beneficial effects (thanks to that energy boost and dose of antioxidants!)? But on sunny days, when the temperature rises, does the idea of a hot drink appeal to you a little less? We have found the solution: drink it iced with ice cubes to combine its usual benefits with a refreshing, thirst-quenching touch. After iced coffee, iced teas, iced herbal teas, and even iced maté, there is no reason why matcha tea powder shouldn't have its own summer recipe!
What is the difference between an iced matcha and an iced matcha latte?
Two variations are possible: making a cold matcha without adding milk. This consists solely of water and matcha green tea powder. To infuse and froth it using a whisk, prepare it just like a classic hot matcha. Use a little water heated to 75°C maximum, to which you then add ice cubes to cool the matcha tea down and enjoy it thoroughly chilled. The iced matcha latte, on the other hand, is made by adding milk (dairy), which brings roundness and sweetness to the recipe. If you are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, plant-based milk alternatives (soya milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk…) can easily be used.
What does an iced matcha latte taste like?
Matcha tea offers a unique vegetal taste on the palate, followed by a slight bitterness, which should remain subtle. When the balance between vegetal notes and bitterness is achieved, it is referred to as "umami"—a Japanese term for a long-lasting, savoury sweetness. Adding milk brings an even creamier texture, while sugar balances out the bitterness for an even more indulgent taste.
How to easily make an iced matcha latte?
For one person,
- Heat half a glass of milk (dairy or plant-based) in a saucepan or microwave. Then add the matcha tea powder so it can infuse, and whisk vigorously to create as much froth as possible.
- Next, add a little sugar and honey if you wish. Then, fill another glass with ice cubes, and pour in the equivalent of an additional half glass of milk.
- Then add the first mixture, which will have cooled to lukewarm, and stir everything together.
- Finally, you can dust the top with a pinch of matcha powder to garnish. All that is left to do is enjoy.
- For the hot version, you can replace the water with milk.
Be careful, however, not to heat it too much, as excessive temperatures could damage the powder. 80°C is generally the maximum recommended water temperature.
Another delicious idea: matcha ice cream
If making an iced matcha latte inspires you to try a new, perhaps even more indulgent recipe, we can only recommend having a go at matcha tea ice cream. This treat will replace the ice cubes to keep you cool! For those with dietary requirements, there are also dairy-free, lactose-free matcha ice cream recipes made with plant-based milk.
Another delicious idea: dalgona matcha
Originating in South Korea, dalgona was originally a very popular whipped coffee made by mixing instant coffee powder, water, and sugar, served over milk. Easy to make, delicious, and highly Instagrammable, dalgona is becoming increasingly popular. Here, we offer a recipe based on matcha tea.