Iced Matcha Latte

Bonlemon #17: Ceremonial Grade Matcha Preparation

Iced Matcha Latte photo by Maria Villa on Bonlemon Market

Give yourself a refreshing and healthy elixir!

Matcha can be a great coffee alternative for those allergic or sensitive to coffee (like me). Or perhaps for those who are trying to lower their coffee intake. However, the cost of having a matcha latte every day ranges from $5 to $10 each, per my experience. A healthier and smarter alternative is to make it yourself at home. This iced matcha latte is ready in under 5 minutes and tastes better than store bought! You can save your lattes’ money and buy yourself something nice.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a powder made from green tea leaves. It is rich in catechins, a compound in tea that acts as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals that damage cells and cause chronic disease.

Benefits of Matcha

What is fantastic about matcha is that when it is added to hot water to make tea, this resulting tea has all the nutrients from the entire green tea leaf. When you include matcha in your diet, you will also increase your antioxidant intake. This will prevent cell damage and lower chronic disease, according to Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health article published by the US National Library of Medicine.

Matcha also helps boost mental activity, promotes heart health, helps with weight loss, may help prevent cancer, enhances brain function, and helps with the liver. It is effortless to prepare, says Healthline's article 7 Proven Health Benefits of Matcha Tea.

This iced matcha latte recipe is straightforward, and you can make it as creamy, sweet, or sugar-free as you like. Adding other ingredients can enhance your drink with additional flavors and boost the nutritional properties.

But what’s the best matcha?

I have tried several brands and grades of matcha. My top favorite is the ceremonial organic grade from Uji, Japan. When shopping for matcha pay attention to the color, fragrance, and taste. The brighter the green when it is dry, the better. When the matcha dissolves in water, it should turn into a green jade or emerald. It should taste sweet and aromatic, not bitter at any time. Low-quality matcha may have a robust earthy taste which deters several people from enjoying matcha. 

Good matcha has a pleasant fragrance, sweet taste, deep green color, and it is smooth.

Since I am a big matcha lover, I researched and developed my brand of matcha, and it is now available at BonlemonMarket.com. Here it is, Bonlemon Matcha Super Ceremonial Grade Organic. I hope you try it and let me know how you like it. Our matcha is super ceremonial grade and certified organic.

Boost the health benefits

You can take advantage of zipping on your super full of antioxidants iced matcha latte by adding more ingredients to boost your health benefits. Some elements you can add are:

• MCT or coconut oil which will make your matcha creamier and fulfilling

• A scoop of collagen if you wish to add more protein

• Adaptogens, for example, ashwagandha, lion's mane, maca powder, cinnamon, rishi, and any other you like

• Lavender edible essential oil. Make sure you only add one drop. I have used Doterra Lavender essential oils for this. This is my favorite add-on to my matcha drinks. It blends very well with the earthy matcha flavor. It is calming, tastes delicious, and fills you with calmness and a spa-like feeling.

Check out how easy it is to prepare ceremonial matcha

Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

GLUTEN FREE | VEGAN | DAIRY FREE 

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Matcha (organic and ceremonial grade is best)

• 4 tablespoons Water (hot or cold)

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Organic and gluten free)

• 2 teaspoons Maple syrup (Organic and gluten free)

• 3/4 cups Ice cubes

• 1/2 cup Plant based milk (Three Trees brand)

• 1/2 to 1 cup of Water

Instructions

1. Add matcha powder and water to a small bowl or wide cup. Mix the matcha powder with the water using a bamboo whisk (chasen), making round motions until the matcha dissolves. Add the vanilla and maple syrup and mix a little more. You will get a foamy green jade water mix.

2. Alternatively, you can use a blender or a hand frother for this step.

3. Add ice cubes to a tall cup or ice mug or mason jar and fill it to 2/3rds to make your iced latte.

4. Pour the water/matcha mix into the bottom.

5. Add the milk and any nutritional boosts and enjoy the sight of the dual color green and white. Mix and enjoy.

Notes

1. Use any milk you like; however, if you want a creamy consistency, use creamier milk such as coconut milk.

2. Use gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free recipe.

3. The coconut oil health boost works better with a hot latte.

Treat me to a coffee :)

My newsletter is FREE, and I love it that way. If you would be so kind as to support my recipe creations, please treat me to a coffee from time to time. I love matcha lattes and coffee. Click on the link or the coffee image.

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Disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided for informational purposes only and to the best knowledge. This article may contain affiliate links. I appreciate your support!

Love and a Matcha Latte,

Maria Villa