When it comes to surviving Oregon’s notoriously dark and damp winters, mornings definitely find me protectively clinging to a steaming mug of full-bodied, locally-roasted coffee. But when warm weather rolls around, my solar-powered self craves something cooler (and less high-octane) to provide a light boost to my day. I’ve found a number of traditional and herbal iced tea recipes that often fit the bill, but when I really want to treat myself, I take the time to whip up a special treat: a chilled organic matcha tea latte. I love the organic matcha tea powder offered here at Mountain Rose Herbs because it’s cultivated and prepared using the same practices as the powder used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies; it’s shade-grown in Kyoto prefecture, harvested while the Camellia sinensis leaves are young and tender, and then dried and slowly ground into fine powder through a special technique that helps it retain its nutrients, chlorophyll, and STUNNING green color. The result? A gorgeous, complex, power-packed beverage that makes my whole body smile—I hope it does the same for you. :)
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe (Traditional Preparation)
Makes 1 serving.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp. organic matcha powder
- ½ tsp. organic lemongrass powder (optional)
- 5 fl. oz. hot (not boiling) water
- 2 tsp. organic local honey or agave (or to taste)
- ½ cup milk of your choice, room temperature (staff favorites include full-fat cow’s milk, coconut milk, and soy milk)
- Ice
Directions
- Sift organic matcha powder and organic lemongrass powder into a small, heat-safe tea mixing bowl (a traditional bamboo matcha spoon and mesh tea strainer work well for this; see our matcha making video tutorial for pro tips!).
- Gradually add water, and whisk to combine with powder in bowl (any whisk will do, but a traditional matcha whisk is specially shaped for this purpose).
- Once powder is completely incorporated (about 45 seconds), add honey (or alternative sweetener) to the warm liquid and whisk until dissolved.
- Gradually whisk in milk until texture is smooth and frothy.
- Pour over ice, let chill for a minute, and enjoy!
We LOVE the traditional preparation for optimal smoothness, but if you need a quick and easy matcha latte recipe to take on-the-go, there’s a simplified version as well!
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe (Easy Mason Jar Preparation)
Makes 1 serving.
Prepare in a half-pint jar with lid.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. organic matcha powder
- A few drops warm water
- 1 cup milk or vegan alternative of your choice
- 2 tsp. organic local honey or agave (or to taste)
- Ice
Directions
- Scoop organic matcha powder into jar, then add a few drops of water.
- Stir to form a paste, adding more water as needed (this prevents powder clumps).
- Add milk, honey or agave, and a couple ice cubes.
- Screw lid securely onto jar, then shake to mix.
- Grab, go, and enjoy!
Wondering how to use matcha in Hot Tea?
Watch Our Matcha Tea How-To Video!
You may also be interested in:
- Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Tea
- Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe
- No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake
This blog post was originally published in 2014 as a part ofour weekly series: The Sunday Steep.
Topics: Recipes,
Written by Jana on July 18, 2018
Jana DiSanti is a marketing writer, editor, and strategist who holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Sustainability. She has also earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and enjoys exploring techniques that help people change their everyday behaviors to make better use of our precious environmental resources. She's spent her career promoting businesses that strive to better the world, and she loves how passionately her Pacific Northwest community supports that mission! She firmly believes that rethinking our food systems is essential for worldwide human and ecological health, and she is thrilled to help support Mountain Rose Herbs in providing responsibly sourced herbal offerings to its customers. Off-work hours will find her hiking, camping, and mushroom-hunting in Oregon's wild areas, volunteering at her local farmer’s market, or cooking, gardening, and corralling chickens at home.
