This delicious and refreshing matcha drink is a popular Starbucks order that you can easily make it at home! An iced vanilla matcha latte combines the yummy flavors of vanilla and matcha green tea with milk to make a perfectly refreshing, creamy beverage. This copycat recipe is one of my favorite drinks and because it has less caffeine than coffee its a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Matcha, or green tea powder, can sometimes have a grassy, earthy taste so a little vanilla extract helps to balance and sweeten the flavor. This homemade iced vanilla green tea latte recipe tastes just like Starbucks! It is sweet, creamy, and will give you a nice boost of energy and focus.
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What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is popular in Japan. It is made from shade-grown green 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 has been associated with a range of other benefits, including improved focus and concentration, boosted metabolism, and reduced risk of certain diseases.
Grades of Matcha
There are several types of matcha powder, which vary in quality and price:
- Ceremonial-grade matcha: 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 normally part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or for drinking straight, without any added ingredients.
- Premium grade matcha: This is a high quality matcha powder 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 matcha: 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.
Ingredient Notes
This iced matcha latte recipe is made with simple ingredients and can be made at home for a fraction of the price of Starbucks matcha lattes.
- Hot water - This will help to dissolve the matcha powder and sweetener.
- Honey or maple syrup - A touch of honey, along with the vanilla, helps to subdue the earthy flavors of the green tea. Maple syrup or vanilla syrup also work well as sweeteners in this recipe.
- Matcha powder - Use a high-quality matcha powder for this recipe for the best flavor results.
- Vanilla extract - Adds a little vanilla flavor to offset the earthy flavor of the green tea.
- Milk - Any non-dairy or regular dairy milk will work for this recipe. Oat milk is my favorite milk for this drink because it has a nice creamy consistency.
- Ice cubes - Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing!
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list with quantities.
Substitutions
- You can swap the vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup for a vanilla simple 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 or maple syrup in this recipe if preferred.
- For an easy latte option, swap the milk for vanilla-flavored milk and then you can leave out the vanilla extract. And if your vanilla-flavored milk is sweetened you may also eliminate the sweetener.
- You can use vanilla bean seeds instead of vanilla extract if preferred. Add ¼ teaspoon for your latte in replacement of the vanilla extract.
How To Make an Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte
- STEP ONE: Add the hot water, matcha powder, honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to a small bowl or jug.
- STEP TWO: Use a small whisk or hand frother to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- 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.
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
Ceremonial grade matcha is a higher quality matcha powder than baking matcha and it is best for making lattes.
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.
Matcha, or green tea powder, is full of nutrients that are good for you. The benefits of matcha powder include: High in antioxidants (including the powerful EGCg), boosts metabolism, detoxifies, rich in fiber and vitamins, enhances mood, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
More coffee & tea recipes to consider:
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Recipe
Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Hot Water
- 2 teaspoons Honey or Maple Syrup
- 2 teaspoons Matcha Powder
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Milk of choice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the hot water, matcha powder, honey, matcha powder, and vanilla extract to a small bowl or jug.1 Tablespoon Hot Water, 2 teaspoons Honey, 2 teaspoons Matcha Powder, ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Use a small whisk or hand frother to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Fill a serving glass or jar with ice cubes and add the milk.Ice cubes, 1 Cup Milk
- Pour the matcha mixture over the milk and ice. Gently stir and enjoy immediately.
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