When designing the perfect drink for spring (and St. Patrick's Day), we couldn't shake the idea of a mint iced matcha latte.
When you buy high-quality matcha, the fragrance of flowers and grass is perfectly balanced with the aroma of vanilla and even rose. Swoon.
I believe you are thinking, "Mint matcha latte-how hard is it?" But sometimes, the simplest formula concept is the hardest to perfect. This is the case with this matcha. However, after several rounds of testing, we cracked the code.
Coconut milk and water create a creamy, slightly sweet base note that perfectly complements the green and floral matcha flavor. Fresh mint-not an extract-is the key to the best flavor. And all this is naturally sweetened with dates (maple syrup gives too much maple flavor compared to maple syrup). The best part? Throw it all into the blender and it will be ready in 5 minutes. Let us show you how it is done!
What is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder with 137 times the antioxidant content of brewed green tea (for example, wow). Both come from the tea tree (camellia sinensis), but when using matcha, the entire leaf is consumed.
It has been traditionally eaten as part of the Japanese tea ceremony for centuries, but in recent years it has become more widely known and popular, and is now enjoyed in lattes, smoothies, desserts, snacks, etc. all over the world! Learn more about the fascinating history of matcha here.
Health benefits of matcha
Studies have shown that green tea supports brain health and has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. We have determined that matcha is more effective than green tea!
In addition, matcha is a milder source of caffeine than coffee (we noticed that matcha does not make people dizzy or nervous). It is rich in vitamin C, the sedative amino acid L-theanine and a series of antioxidants (most notably the powerful EGCG).
Making it into an ice latte is as simple as mixing matcha powder with your favorite sweetener and dairy-free milk and/or water. We like to add a little sea salt to increase the flavor. This version is infused with fresh mint leaves to bring a fresh spring breath!
We hope you enjoy this iced matcha latte! It's:
- Minty
- Earthy
- Naturally sweet
- Refreshing
- Creamy
- Quick & Easy
- & SO delicious!
It’s the perfect morning beverage or afternoon pick-me-up, especially when warmer weather comes around.
Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
Matcha
- 1 large medjool date, pitted (if sugar-free, try subbing stevia to taste)
- 1/2 cup light coconut milk (canned, organic is best)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 ¼ tsp quality matcha powder (see our Best Matcha Review for recommended brands // our favorite is Kyoto Dew)
- 8-10 average-size mint leaves (for super minty matcha, add a bit more // or sub peppermint extract to taste, but we didn’t enjoy it as much.
For serving
- Ice
Instructions
- To a small blender add pitted date, light coconut milk, water, sea salt, matcha powder, and mint leaves. Blend on high until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and add more mint for minty flavor, matcha for tea/grassy flavor, or a bit more date for more sweetness. Blend again to combine.
- Serve over ice and garnish with more fresh mint (optional). Best when fresh. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (vibrant green hue will fade a bit). Not freezer friendly.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with the lesser amount of mint leaves.
Nutrition (1 of 1 servings)
Serving: 1 latte
Calories: 153
Carbohydrates: 21.3 g
Protein: 0.9 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 73 mg
Potassium: 219 mg
Fiber: 2.9 g
Sugar: 18 g
Vitamin A: 52.8 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
Calcium: 29 mg
Iron: 0.9 mg
