The Easiest Trick to Making Homemade Iced Matcha, According to Experts

I don't know about you, but one of the most important parts of my day is preparing my caffeinated beverage in the morning. Starting the day off with this ritual not only energizes me for whatever my daily tasks, but it also allows me to enjoy something delicious, resulting in a whole lot of endorphins.

My drink of choice is an iced matcha latte. I often make one at home, but they taste a little better when I splurge for one at my favorite coffee shop. So, why not reach out to some baristas and tea experts to figure out what I can do to improve my own?

To my surprise, the pros agreed on one key component to make a coffee shop-worthy iced matcha latte: sifting the matcha powder.

The Matcha Latte Authorities

• Hana Yoshimoto: Barista Market Developer at Oatly North America
• Tomoko Honda: Head of global operations at Ippodo Tea Co.
• Michael Cramer: CEO at Adagio Teas
• Brittany Wight: Founder and co-owner of Wight Tea Company

How To Make the Best Iced Matcha Latte

Before we discuss the expert tip, the pros all reiterate the importance of selecting a quality matcha powder for your iced latte. "Select a matcha from a reputable, well-established tea company," says Cramer. "The color of a high-quality matcha should be bright green and have a fresh, sweet, and grassy aroma."

You'll also want to check the ingredient list, advises Wight: "Make sure there are no fillers, like sugar, powdered or dehydrated milk, or preservatives." She notes that shoppers can also look for the country of origin, as she says Japan is known for making the best matcha.

The experts agreed it's essential, whether you shake your matcha like Yoshimoto, who adds matcha and water to a mason jar then shakes aggressively for 20 seconds; blend it like Wight, who claims blending yields the frothiest drink; or use the classic bamboo whisk-and-bowl setup like Cramer, who says these tools develop a creamy, foamy texture. 

The Key to the Best Matcha Experience

"Matcha powder can sometimes form small clumps due to static electricity," explains Honda. "By sifting it first, you ensure a smoother texture and a better overall drinking experience." You can even double sift for an extra-smooth result, adds Yoshimoto: "Sift the matcha powder dry before adding water and then pour the mixture back through the strainer after shaking."

Once your matcha is sifted, whisk, blend, or shake the powder with cool or room temperature water, then pour it over a glass of ice with sweetener (if desired) and the milk of your choice. Unlike other matcha beverages, which are made by mixing matcha powder with hot water, iced lattes can be made with cool water. This helps keep the tea cool, preventing the drink from being diluted by melting ice cubes.

Then simply sip and enjoy! I know I'll enjoy my delicious iced matcha even more since I made it myself.