If you love creamy iced drinks with a balance of smooth sweetness and earthy flavor, this Iced Matcha Vanilla Latte will become a new favorite. It’s refreshing, energizing, and beautifully simple—perfect for warm afternoons, busy mornings, or whenever you want a café-style treat without leaving home.
This drink brings together the natural, grassy notes of high-quality matcha with the comforting sweetness of vanilla and the cool creaminess of milk over ice. The result is a silky, indulgent latte that feels both relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
Whether you’re a longtime matcha fan or just starting to explore it, this iced latte is approachable, customizable, and easy to adjust to your taste. Plus, it’s ready in minutes and uses just a few pantry staples.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This latte relies on simple ingredients, and each one contributes to a perfectly balanced drink. Here’s what you’ll need and how to modify it if needed.
Matcha powder: Choose high-quality ceremonial or latte-grade matcha for the best flavor and color. Ceremonial-grade gives a smoother, brighter green drink, while latte-grade offers a stronger matcha taste. If you don’t have matcha, this recipe won’t be quite the same, but you can use green tea concentrate for a lighter version.
Milk of choice: You can use dairy milk or a plant-based alternative like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Oat milk gives a naturally sweet and creamy texture, while almond milk keeps it lighter. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note.
Vanilla syrup or extract: Vanilla is what gives this latte its cozy sweetness and warm aroma. Use vanilla syrup for a sweetened option or vanilla extract with your choice of sweetener. If you prefer flavored lattes, try using maple syrup instead for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
Sweetener (optional): Honey, maple syrup, agave, simple syrup, or sugar all work. Adjust based on how sweet you like your drinks. You can also skip added sweetener if your vanilla syrup provides enough sweetness.
Hot water: A small amount of hot water is needed to whisk the matcha into a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps. You can also use warm milk for a richer base.
Ice: Ice chills the drink and adds refreshing crispness. Use large cubes to slow down melting and keep your latte from watering down too quickly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Matcha whisk (chasen) or small regular whisk
- Small bowl for preparing matcha
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glass
- Milk frother (optional, for extra creaminess)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Honey vanilla matcha: Sweeten with honey instead of syrup for a floral, smooth finish.
- Coconut matcha latte: Use coconut milk for a rich, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with matcha.
- Iced caramel matcha: Add a drizzle of caramel syrup for a sweeter, dessert-like drink.
- Mint matcha latte: Add a splash of mint syrup for a cooling, refreshing version.
- Extra creamy: Use half milk and half heavy cream or canned coconut milk.
- Dirty matcha: Add a shot of espresso for a bold, energizing hybrid drink.
- Maple matcha: Replace vanilla syrup with maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Lavender matcha: Add a small amount of lavender syrup for a floral, café-style drink.
How to Make Iced Matcha Vanilla Latte
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1–1 1/2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling)
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla syrup or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener of choice (optional)
- 3/4–1 cup milk of choice
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This iced latte takes about 5 minutes to make from start to finish. Preparing the matcha only takes a minute, and assembling the drink is quick and easy. It’s one of the fastest ways to enjoy a barista-style drink at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the matcha paste
In a small bowl, add the matcha powder and pour in the hot water. Using a matcha whisk or small regular whisk, whisk in a zigzag motion until the matcha is smooth and frothy with no visible clumps. This creates a concentrated, flavorful base.
2. Sweeten and add vanilla
Add the vanilla syrup or vanilla extract to the matcha mixture. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in your chosen sweetener until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust until the flavor is just right for you.
3. Fill a glass with ice
Fill your tall glass almost to the top with ice cubes. Using larger cubes helps slow down melting, keeping the latte cold and strong without watering it down too quickly.
4. Pour in the milk
Pour your milk of choice over the ice. This creates the creamy base of the drink and makes the final mixing much easier once the matcha is added. You can froth a small amount of the milk if you want a café-style creamy layer on top.
5. Add the matcha mixture
Pour the prepared matcha mixture over the cold milk. You’ll see beautiful green swirls as the matcha settles into the latte. Give it a gentle stir to fully combine the flavors.
6. Taste, adjust, and enjoy
Take a quick sip to check sweetness and strength. If needed, add a bit more syrup or milk. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
A few small techniques can make your Iced Matcha Vanilla Latte taste like it came straight from your favorite café. Keep these in mind for the perfect drink every time.
- Use high-quality matcha: Bright green, finely ground matcha will deliver a smooth flavor without bitterness.
- Avoid boiling water: Too-hot water can make matcha taste harsh. Ideally, use water between 160°F and 175°F.
- Whisk vigorously: Whisking in a zigzag motion eliminates lumps and creates a silky texture.
- Chill your milk: Cold milk keeps the latte refreshing and crisp when poured over ice.
- Add sweetener while warm: Sweeteners dissolve more easily when the matcha base is warm, creating a smoother drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Iced Matcha Vanilla Latte vegan?
Yes. Simply use a plant-based milk such as oat, almond, soy, or coconut, and sweeten with maple syrup, agave, or a vegan-friendly vanilla syrup. Everything else in the recipe is naturally vegan.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Matcha does contain caffeine, but it typically provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost compared to coffee. It also contains L-theanine, which helps promote calm focus.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the matcha mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to drink, pour it over ice and milk for a freshly assembled latte.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have leftover latte, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within 24 hours. Just note that the matcha may settle at the bottom, so give it a good shake or stir before drinking.