How to make iced matcha

Iced matcha is refreshing and simple, but there’s one key step people often skip: you still need hot water.

Why You Need Hot Water

Matcha powder doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquid. If you dump matcha into cold water or milk, you’ll get clumps floating around no matter how hard you stir.

The solution: dissolve the matcha in a small amount of hot water first, then pour that concentrate over ice.

Iced Matcha (Water-Based)

A light, refreshing drink — just matcha, water, and ice.

Ingredients

  • 1-2g matcha
  • 1oz hot water (for dissolving)
  • 6-8oz cold water
  • Ice

Method

  1. Sift matcha into a glass or small bowl
  2. Add 1oz hot water
  3. Whisk until completely dissolved
  4. Fill a glass with ice
  5. Add cold water
  6. Pour in the matcha concentrate
  7. Stir briefly

Iced Matcha Latte

Creamy, popular, and customizable.

Ingredients

  • 1-2g matcha
  • 1oz hot water
  • 6-8oz cold milk
  • Ice
  • Sweetener (optional)

Method

  1. Sift matcha into a glass or small bowl
  2. Add 1oz hot water and any sweetener
  3. Whisk until dissolved and sweetener is incorporated
  4. Fill a tall glass with ice
  5. Pour in cold milk
  6. Add the matcha concentrate
  7. Stir or leave layered

For a layered look: add milk first, then slowly pour the matcha on top. It looks nice but tastes the same.

The Shaker Method

If you have a cocktail shaker or a bottle with a shaker ball:

  1. Add matcha, hot water, and sweetener
  2. Shake vigorously until dissolved
  3. Add ice and cold milk/water
  4. Shake again
  5. Pour

This works well and requires no whisking. The shaking breaks up clumps and chills the drink quickly.

Tips

  • More matcha for lattes — Milk dilutes the flavor, so use 2g instead of 1g
  • Dissolve sweetener in the hot water — It won’t dissolve well in cold liquid
  • Use good ice — Old freezer ice can taste stale
  • Drink promptly — Matcha will settle over time

Can You Cold-Brew Matcha?

Technically yes, but it takes longer and is less common. You can put matcha in cold water and shake vigorously in a closed container, but it takes more effort to dissolve and may still have some texture.

The hot water method takes only an extra 30 seconds and gives better results.

Written by Brandon · 22 years with matcha · About this site