Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam
Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam – Easy Creamy Green Matcha Latte
This Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam is a beautiful, creamy, and refreshing homemade drink made with vibrant green matcha, cold milk, a little vanilla, and a fluffy layer of light green matcha cold foam. It’s an easy coffeehouse-style latte you can make right in your own kitchen!
If you love ordering iced matcha lattes from your favorite coffee shop, you’re going to love making this delicious version at home.
The matcha is whisked until smooth, then combined with cold milk and a little sweetener to create a pretty pastel-green latte. To make it even more special, the drink is topped with a thick, velvety matcha cold foam that’s a lighter shade of green.
The result is a gorgeous two-tone green matcha latte that’s just as pretty as it is delicious!
The flavor is smooth, creamy, lightly earthy, and gently sweet, with a delicate vanilla finish.
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, a refreshing summer drink, or a beautiful homemade matcha recipe, this iced latte is a wonderful choice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 large latte
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Latte
- Beautiful green color: A soft green latte topped with fluffy, pale green matcha foam.
- Creamy and refreshing: Perfect for enjoying over ice.
- Easy to make at home: No espresso machine required.
- Coffeehouse-inspired: Looks and tastes like a specialty café drink.
- Customizable sweetness: Add as much or as little vanilla syrup as you prefer.
- Delicious matcha flavor: Smooth, lightly earthy, and balanced with creamy milk.
- Perfect for photos: The pretty layers make a beautiful drink for entertaining or sharing.
Ingredients
For the Iced Matcha Latte
- 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
- 3 tablespoons warm water, approximately 175°F
- 1 cup cold whole milk or milk of choice
- 1–2 tablespoons vanilla syrup, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 cup ice cubes
For the Light Green Matcha Cold Foam
- 1/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon warm water
Optional Garnish
- A light dusting of matcha powder
- Additional vanilla cold foam
- A drizzle of vanilla syrup
How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam
Step 1: Prepare the Matcha
Add 2 teaspoons of matcha powder to a small bowl.
Pour in 3 tablespoons of warm water.
Using a bamboo matcha whisk or handheld frother, whisk until the matcha is completely dissolved and a little frothy.
The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
Avoid using boiling water, which can make matcha taste bitter.
Allow the matcha mixture to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour the cold milk over the ice.
Add the vanilla syrup and vanilla extract, if using.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Add the Matcha
Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk.
Stir until the entire latte turns a beautiful, soft green color.
For a lighter pastel-green appearance, add a small splash of additional milk.
Step 4: Prepare the Matcha for the Cold Foam
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder with 1 teaspoon warm water.
Whisk until smooth.
This helps prevent little clumps of matcha powder from appearing in the cold foam.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Step 5: Make the Light Green Matcha Cold Foam
In a tall, narrow container, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, cold milk, vanilla syrup, and prepared matcha mixture.
Using a handheld milk frother, whip for approximately 20–40 seconds, or until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and fluffy but still pourable.
The foam should be a beautiful pale green color.
Be careful not to overwhip, as the mixture can become too thick.
Step 6: Top the Latte
Slowly spoon or pour the light green matcha cold foam over the iced latte.
The foam should float over the darker green matcha milk, creating a beautiful two-tone appearance.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If desired, sprinkle a very light dusting of matcha powder over the foam.
Add a straw and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love making beautiful drinks at home, and this Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam is such a pretty one!
One of my favorite things about matcha is its gorgeous green color. It makes the prettiest homemade lattes, especially when you combine it with creamy milk and a little vanilla.
For this recipe, I wanted the entire latte to have a lovely soft green color, rather than just having a dark green layer of matcha at the top.
And the light green matcha cold foam makes it even prettier!
I love how the fluffy foam sits on top of the iced latte and creates two beautiful shades of green.
The flavor is creamy, lightly sweet, and refreshing, with just enough matcha to give it that delicious green tea flavor.
It’s such a fun drink to make when you want something that feels a little special without having to leave the house.
I also think this would be beautiful for spring gatherings, brunch, or a fun afternoon treat.
If you love creamy iced matcha drinks, this is definitely one to try!
Tips for the Best Iced Matcha Latte
Use good-quality matcha. A bright green matcha powder generally gives the drink a more vibrant color and pleasant flavor.
Sift the matcha powder. Sifting helps prevent clumps and creates a smoother latte.
Don’t use boiling water. Warm water around 175°F helps preserve matcha’s flavor.
Whisk thoroughly. A bamboo matcha whisk or handheld frother works well.
Use cold milk. Cold milk keeps the drink refreshing and helps maintain the beautiful green color.
Adjust the sweetness. Vanilla syrup adds a delicious coffeehouse-style flavor, but you can use your favorite sweetener.
Keep the foam ingredients cold. Cold cream and milk whip into a thicker, fluffier foam.
Use less matcha in the foam. A small amount of matcha gives the foam its pretty pale green color without making it too dark.
Serve immediately. Matcha cold foam looks its best when freshly prepared.
How to Make a Beautiful Light Green Matcha Latte
The secret to creating a beautiful pastel-green matcha latte is balancing the amount of matcha powder with the milk.
Matcha powder naturally has a rich green color, but when it’s mixed with milk, the color becomes softer and creamier.
For this recipe, the matcha is first whisked with warm water to create a smooth concentrate.
It’s then mixed with cold milk to create a lovely green latte.
The cold foam uses a much smaller amount of matcha powder, giving it a lighter, more delicate green color.
When the pale green foam is poured over the latte, the two shades create a beautiful layered appearance.
The exact color will depend on the matcha powder and milk you use.
What Is Matcha Cold Foam?
Matcha cold foam is a creamy, whipped topping made with milk or cream, matcha powder, and sweetener.
Unlike traditional whipped cream, cold foam is whipped just enough to become thick and airy while remaining pourable.
It’s designed to float on top of iced drinks, creating a delicious creamy layer.
Adding a small amount of matcha powder gives the foam a beautiful light green color and a subtle green tea flavor.
Matcha cold foam is delicious on iced matcha lattes, vanilla iced coffee, and other specialty drinks.
What Does an Iced Matcha Latte Taste Like?
Matcha has a unique green tea flavor that’s slightly earthy, grassy, and naturally bittersweet.
When combined with milk and vanilla syrup, the flavor becomes much smoother and creamier.
This iced latte has a mild matcha flavor balanced by the sweetness of vanilla and the richness of the milk.
The light green matcha cold foam adds another layer of creamy sweetness.
For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder slightly.
For a sweeter, milder drink, add a little more vanilla syrup or milk.
Best Milk for a Matcha Latte
You can make this recipe with several different types of milk.
Whole milk: Creates a rich, creamy latte with a soft green color.
Oat milk: Gives the latte a smooth, naturally sweet flavor.
Almond milk: Creates a lighter latte with a subtle nutty flavor.
Coconut milk: Adds a slightly tropical flavor.
2% milk: A good option for a lighter, everyday latte.
For the cold foam, heavy cream creates the thickest, fluffiest texture, but you can experiment with barista-style non-dairy alternatives.
Easy Matcha Latte Variations
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Add an extra teaspoon of vanilla syrup for a sweeter, more pronounced vanilla flavor.
Honey Matcha Latte
Replace the vanilla syrup with honey syrup for a naturally floral sweetness.
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Add a layer of strawberry puree to the bottom of the glass before pouring in the matcha latte.
Brown Sugar Matcha Latte
Use brown sugar syrup instead of vanilla syrup for a rich caramel-like flavor.
Coconut Matcha Latte
Replace the milk with coconut milk for a creamy tropical variation.
White Chocolate Matcha Latte
Add 1 tablespoon white chocolate sauce to the milk for an extra-sweet, dessert-inspired matcha drink.
Lavender Matcha Latte
Add a small amount of lavender syrup for a floral springtime drink.
Can You Make Matcha Cold Foam Without Heavy Cream?
Yes!
For a lighter cold foam, you can use cold 2% milk or a barista-style oat milk.
However, the foam will generally be less thick and rich than foam made with heavy cream.
A handheld milk frother works best for creating an airy texture.
If using non-dairy milk, choose one specifically designed for frothing.
Can You Make This Matcha Latte Hot?
Absolutely!
To make a hot matcha latte, warm the milk gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Whisk the matcha powder with warm water, then combine it with the heated milk and vanilla syrup.
For a hot version, you can froth the matcha topping separately or simply finish the latte with warm frothed milk.
How to Make Matcha Without a Bamboo Whisk
A traditional bamboo whisk is wonderful for preparing matcha, but it’s not required.
You can also use:
- A handheld electric milk frother
- A small kitchen whisk
- A blender
- A tightly sealed jar for shaking the matcha and water together
The most important thing is to dissolve the matcha completely so the finished drink is smooth.
Can You Make an Iced Matcha Latte Ahead of Time?
Yes, although the cold foam is best made fresh.
You can prepare the matcha concentrate ahead of time and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, stir or shake the matcha mixture, then combine it with cold milk, syrup, and ice.
Prepare the matcha cold foam immediately before serving for the fluffiest texture.
How to Store Leftover Matcha Latte
An iced matcha latte is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
If you have leftover latte without ice, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Shake or stir well before serving because matcha can settle at the bottom.
Cold foam may lose its airy texture during storage, so it’s best to prepare a fresh batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a matcha latte?
A matcha latte is a drink made with powdered green tea, milk, and an optional sweetener. It can be served hot or iced.
How do you make a green matcha latte?
Whisk matcha powder with warm water until smooth, then combine it with milk. The amount of matcha and milk determines how dark or light green the latte appears.
How do you make light green matcha foam?
Use a small amount of matcha powder mixed with cold cream, milk, and vanilla syrup. Froth until thick and fluffy.
Is matcha the same as coffee?
No. Matcha is powdered green tea, while coffee is made from roasted coffee beans. Both contain caffeine, but the flavor and caffeine amounts differ.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine. The amount depends on the matcha powder and serving size.
Can I use sweetened matcha powder?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added vanilla syrup because sweetened matcha mixes already contain sugar.
Why is my matcha bitter?
Matcha can taste bitter if the powder is low quality, too much matcha is used, or the water is excessively hot.
Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free milk and a suitable non-dairy whipping or cold foam alternative.
Why isn’t my matcha foam fluffy?
The ingredients may not be cold enough, or the milk may not have enough fat or protein to create a stable foam. Heavy cream and cold milk generally produce a thicker topping.
More Delicious Homemade Drink Recipes
If you love this Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam, try more delicious homemade drinks:
- Banana Matcha Latte
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Vanilla Bean Latte
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Honey Cinnamon Latte
- Iced White Chocolate Mocha
- Strawberry Italian Soda
- Raspberry Italian Soda
The Perfect Homemade Iced Matcha Latte
This Iced Matcha Latte with Matcha Cold Foam is a delicious combination of smooth green matcha, creamy milk, sweet vanilla, and fluffy light green cold foam.
It’s refreshing, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re making it for a relaxing afternoon, a spring brunch, or simply because you’re craving a delicious coffeehouse-style drink, this creamy green matcha latte is sure to become a favorite!
