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I’ll admit it—I was hooked on the iced matcha latte from Starbucks. That creamy green drink felt like a little luxury in my day: not too sweet, perfectly chilled, and just the right amount of caffeine. But after one too many $6 matcha runs (and a glance at the ingredient list), I started to wonder… could I make this at home?
Spoiler alert: I could. And honestly? It’s even better.
This creamy, cooling latte made my list of refreshing summer drinks for those slow, sunny mornings.
Why this Latte Recipe Rawks
This homemade Iced Matcha Latte is smooth, refreshing, and made with simple ingredients I actually feel good about. It takes just a few minutes to blend up, costs way less, and gives me that same cozy-cool energy boost without the jitters that I looooove in matcha.
- Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially EGCG, which supports metabolism, brain function, and glowing skin. It also gives you a gentle, focused energy boost without the jitters or crash that coffee can bring.
- I make mine with Elmhurst almond milk — see my breakdown of the best almond milk brands if you want to pick the creamiest, cleanest option. Want more protein? Add a scoop of unflavored collagen. #gamechanger
- A splash of vanilla extract and pure maple syrup brings warmth and depth, rounding out the earthy notes of matcha with a soft sweetness. You can use any natural sweetener you like in this recipe— even dates work amazing!
Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the almond milk, matcha powder, vanilla and maple syrup to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
- Pour over ice in a glass and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Milk Swaps: Any plant-based milk works. Oat milk makes it extra creamy.
- No Blender: Whisk the matcha with 2 tablespoons of the milk into a smooth paste, then whisk in the rest.
- Matcha Grade: Ceremonial-grade matcha tastes smoother and less bitter than culinary grade. Add more maple syrup to taste if you like it sweeter.
- Storing: Matcha tastes best fresh, but the latte keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before pouring over ice, since the matcha settles.
Nutrition
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Common Questions
Matcha is a type of green tea that dates bake to 7th century China. The Chinese used it to make green tea, while the Japanese invented the matcha latte drink (after a Japanese Buddhist monk took matcha tea seeds home from China). Matcha is considered the highest quality tea Japan has, and is used in Japanese tea ceremonies that date back to the 1500’s. The tea ceremony has 4 basic principles: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Look for ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor and color. Culinary grade works too—it’s more affordable but slightly more bitter. While you can now buy matcha pretty much anywhere, I suggest getting it from a Japanese grocery store, as these will have higher quality, more authentically branded tea. If you don’t have a Japanese grocer near you, then Amazon can be a good alternative. Look for organic to get the highest quality, and Japanese sourced as well.
You don’t need a whist for this iced matcha recipe since everything is going in the blender.
Totally—just adjust the added sweetener so it’s not overly sweet. Unsweetened almond milk gives you more control over the flavor.
Matcha has about 35–70mg per cup, depending on how much you use. I def go heavy on the scoop, because I love the stable, less jittery energy boost I get from it…. esp compared to coffee.
You can, but it’s best fresh. If you prep it ahead, wait to add ice and give it a good shake or stir before serving, as matcha can settle.
More Tasty Latte Recipes
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should i start with thrive fresh start or Lets eat? Something else?
Hi Wayne,
YAY! Love your interest in our meal plans and where you start is really up to you and your personal goals. Both Thrive and Fresh Start are great ways to cleanse your body. Both are vegan meal plans designed to cleanse, detox and reset your body. Each day we’ll plan out your meals, snacks, and beverages to help you reach your health + wellness goals.
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i must buy more milk bags because the ones I use to use are used up.
should i make my own almond milk, cashew milk , peanut milk etc?
Hi Wayne,
We love making our own plant-based milks! Check out our recipes for almond milk + coconut milk here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/diy-almond-milk
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-coconut-milk
Elmhurst vs Silk almond milk cashew milk coconut milk How do they compare. I don’t see anything added to silk and I buy it cheaper in grocery store. Tell me your thoughts.
Hi Wayne,
For me it’s all about the ingredients. Elmhurst’s product has 5 ingredients almonds, water, salt, cane sugar + natural flavors. There’s less processing, less additives, and Elmhurst offers the most protein than any other almond milk out there! Learn more about their process here…
I usually buy a local organic cow’s milk for the little I use in my morning tea and to make yogurt. However I ran out one day so I tried making cashew milk. So easy and delicious and it didn’t change the taste of my tea, which I find almond milk does. It will be my go to milk for everything but yogurt!
Hi Eve,
I love cashew milk + it’s so creamy!! Perfect for your morning tea or coffee!