Next to iced coffee or iced latte, the iced matcha latte has become a delicious and refreshing drink. The trendy green drink is packed with antioxidants and impresses with its slightly bitter taste. Find here a step-by-step guide on how to make your own low-calorie iced matcha latte & some of the amazing benefits of green powder!
What you´ll need for your Iced Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water (not boiling, around 80°C)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 250 ml (about 1 cup) milk (any kind you like, almond, soy, or oat)
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- A small bowl or cup for mixing
- A whisk or milk frother
- A glass for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Matcha Mixture
Place the matcha green tea powder into a small bowl or cup.
Add the hot water. It’s important that the water is not boiling, as too hot water can make the matcha bitter.
Whisk the matcha and water with a bamboo whisk or a small regular whisk until it becomes a smooth paste with no lumps.
Sweeten your Iced Matcha Latte to taste
Add some sweetener to the matcha mixture. If you don´t want extra calories, stick to a sweetener like stevia. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener completely. This step is essential to blend the sweetener while the mixture is still warm.
Next, to the Latte Part
Fill a glass with ice cubes to about halfway. Pour your choice of milk, and find here a huge array of freaking tasty vegan barista alternatives! over the ice. Leave enough room for the matcha mixture to be added.
Combine the Mixtures
Pour the matcha mixture over the milk and ice. Stir thoroughly to combine all the elements into a uniform green color. The matcha should be well distributed throughout the milk.
Find here some aesthetic glasses with straws that you can use to stir & drink your Iced Matcha Latte!
Serve & Enjoy your Iced Matcha Latte
Optionally, you can add more ice if needed or a sprinkle of matcha powder on top for decoration.
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing iced matcha latte! This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of milk, matcha, or sweetener according to your preference!
Why are Iced Matcha Latte so popular?
The Iced Matcha Latte is such a refreshing & healthy drink. Let´s take a look at what benefits the green powder has and why it is sooooo popular: Matcha has gained significant popularity for several reasons, encompassing both its unique qualities and the broader trends in health and wellness.
Its Versatile Benefits
It contains rich antioxidants
Matcha is rich in catechins, an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The specific catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is especially abundant in matcha and is celebrated for its powerful antioxidant properties. Not only does EGCG help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals, but it’s also linked to health perks like improved heart health and weight management. Since matcha is made from ground whole tea leaves, it delivers a much richer dose of EGCG than regular green teas just steeped.
Enhanced Calm
Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that enhances relaxation without causing drowsiness, promoting a state of calm alertness. Combined with caffeine, it provides a sustained, smooth energy boost. This blend makes matcha popular for those seeking focused energy without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee.
Metabolism Boost
Some studies suggest that matcha boosts metabolism and enhances fat burning, aiding in weight management. The high levels of the antioxidant EGCG in matcha are believed to accelerate metabolic rate and increase fat burn, especially during exercise. This makes matcha an attractive option for those looking to manage their weight more effectively.
Caffeine Content
Matcha provides a more balanced caffeine boost than coffee. The presence of L-theanine moderates the absorption of caffeine, resulting in a smoother increase in energy levels without the typical jitteriness associated with coffee.
Versatility
Matcha is extremely versatile in culinary uses. It can be used in beverages (like lattes and smoothies) and in a variety of foods (such as cakes, cookies, and ice creams). Its vibrant green color and distinctive taste add both visual and flavor enhancements to dishes.
Cultural Appeal
Matcha has a rich cultural heritage in Japan, where it has been a cornerstone of traditional tea ceremonies for centuries. This cultural aspect adds an element of ritual and mindfulness to its consumption, appealing to those interested in the ceremonial aspects of tea drinking.
Trend and Aesthetic
We love aesthetics! No matter if it concerns style, decor, fashion, or even drinks and food, Social media has played a significant role in popularizing matcha. Its bright green color is visually striking, making it a popular choice for visually appealing food and drink posts. The aesthetic appeal of an Iced Matcha Latte complements the growing interest in photogenic health foods.
Global Health Trends
The global surge in health-conscious eating habits has made matcha/match drinks (e.g., Iced Matcha Latte) a popular choice among those looking to improve their diet. Nowadays, we are increasingly seeking foods and beverages that offer health benefits alongside satisfying flavors and textures.
Conclusion
If we look at these factors, we can tell that they combine A LOT of great benefits to make matcha a popular choice for many people, from health enthusiasts and coffee alternative seekers to culinary adventurers and cultural aficionados.