Ingredients
Making iced matcha tea? No sweat! It's an easy and yummy way to enjoy a cup of the classic Japanese green tea. Before you start, it's important to have all the right ingredients. The basics are matcha powder, water, and sweetener (optional). Let's go into more detail about what you need:
- Matcha powder
- Water
- Sweetener (optional)
Matcha powder
Matcha powder is a finely-ground, green tea powder from Japan. It's made from young, shaded tea leaves – high in chlorophyll and antioxidants.
For iced matcha tea, you need ceremonial grade matcha powder. This grade only uses the tenderest leaves, ground into a fine powder with a stone mill. Ceremonial grade has an intense flavor and more caffeine than other types. It's worth the expense for its flavor depth and nutrition.
Water
For yummy iced matcha tea, you'll need cold or room temp water. This simple ingredient can change the tea's taste. So, to get the best flavor, use clean water from a reliable source. Filtered tap or filtered bottled water are best.
Ice
When concocting iced matcha tea, it is crucial to use quality, cold water. Little ice chunks are preferred; large cubes are a no-no as they will make the matcha taste more like flavored water than tea.
If creating your own iced matcha tea, filtered or distilled water is recommended to maintain the true taste of the matcha. Cold water is best, but if desired, add some ice chunks or cubes for better cooling and dilution. The amount of ice should be based on the strength you want – adding too much will water it down, so measure carefully if using a recipe.
Optional: Milk and/or sweetener
You have the option to add milk and/or sweetener to your iced matcha tea. Dairy milk such as 2% or whole milk, as well as non-dairy milks like oat and coconut, could be used. Simple syrup or honey can also be added as sweetener. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference. This helps reduce the grassy flavor of the matcha tea. Don't overpower the flavor of the matcha powder – it's the main flavor!
Tools
Creating iced matcha tea is a cinch! But, having the right tools can make it even more fun. Start off with a bowl or cup for whisking the matcha powder. You'll also need a chasen, which is a bamboo whisk. Don't forget a spoon for scooping and stirring. Finally, you'll need a sieve to sift the powder. Lastly, grab a container for your drink! Let's take a closer look at each of these tools:
- Bowl or cup for whisking the matcha powder.
- Chasen, a bamboo whisk.
- Spoon for scooping and stirring.
- Sieve to sift the powder.
- Container for your drink.
Matcha whisk
A matcha whisk (or chasen) is a special tool for creating a frothy, creamy drink. It's better than a standard whisk (“fukamushi-cha”). A chasen has more tines, which fan out and make finer bubbles. This results in a smoother texture. The chasen is round, so it mixes the matcha powder into the liquid without clumps. It's made from bamboo, with each tine cut by hand and given a specific angle.
To keep your chasen clean, rinse it with cold water after each use. You can also deep-clean it occasionally with baking soda or vinegar wash, to maintain its longevity.
Matcha bowl
Matcha bowls have been around since the Kamakura period (1192-1333). They come in a range of shapes and sizes, from round to oval to rectangle to square or cylindrical. The size of the bowl depends on how many people are being served. Larger bowls are for up to four people, while smaller ones are made for just one. Matcha bowls keep the liquid warm longer than normal cups.
Modern versions of matcha bowls come with abstract geometric patterns or floral motifs. You can even get custom versions with images like animals or landscapes. Matcha bowls made from clay or pottery are more expensive than plastic or stainless steel.
The matcha whisk is an important tool for frothing the powdered green tea before it's served. Whisks are essential for creating consistent texture and flavor during preparation, as well as for presenting them aesthetically when served in a bowl.
Measuring spoon
Use a teaspoon or scooping spoon to measure matcha powder. Not traditional measuring spoons. They don't give accurate measurements.
For one serving of matcha, 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) are recommended. If you like bolder matcha, use up to 3 teaspoons (6 grams). Use a scooping spoon designed for matcha powder. Get the exact amount each time and enjoy your iced matcha tea!
Teacup
A teacup is a must when making iced matcha tea. Pick one that's comfortable for you, but large enough for the hot water and matcha powder. Japanese ceramic bowls are a classic choice. They've been used for ages in Japan. A chawan (tea bowl) is an elegant type of ceramic bowl with no handle. It sits low on the table when served. A chasen (tea whisk) is usually taller and comes with handles. Both can be used to mix your hot water and matcha powder.
Preparation
To make a perfect cup of iced matcha tea, you need certain ingredients and equipment. Preparing it is easy and can be done at home. Here is a guide for making it:
- Get your stuff ready! Get the necessary ingredients and items.
- Mix the matcha powder with some cold water. Stir them thoroughly.
- Pour the mix into a cup filled with ice.
- Enjoy your chilled matcha tea!
Boil water
Fill your kettle with cold filtered water. Heat it up until small bubbles appear on the surface. Now take the kettle off heat. This gives you the perfect temperature for steeping and cooling your iced matcha tea.
Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to the bowl
Make an 8-oz cup of iced matcha tea! Here's what you'll need:
- 1 teaspoon of stoneground matcha powder
- 1/3 cup of hot (not boiling!) water
- A bowl
- A chasen (bamboo whisk) or electric mixer
- Ice cubes
Start by adding the matcha powder to your bowl. Ensure it is high quality stoneground matcha powder for the best taste. Use a matcha scoop or blunt knife to measure one teaspoon exactly. Pour the hot water into the bowl. Whisk vigorously with the chasen or mixer for 15 seconds. Dissolve all clumps and create a smooth rich froth on top. Put ice cubes into your cup. Finally, pour in the matcha tea from the bowl. Enjoy!
Pour in a small amount of boiled water, and whisk
Get the right proportions of matcha to water. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of boiling water over the matcha in a bowl or cup. This helps dissolve the powder and get its flavor out.
Whisk it. Use a bamboo whisk or an electric one if blending. Keep whisking until it's foamy and frothy. No lumps or chunks!
Now set the matcha aside – more liquid coming soon.
Add the remaining boiled water, and whisk until frothy
Once the boiling water has cooled, put two teaspoons of matcha powder in a cup. Pour in two to three ounces (60-90 milliliters) of cooled boiling water. If you want a more bitter taste, add three teaspoons of powder. Whisk it, either with an electric whisk or a bamboo chasen. Whisking will emulsify and aerate the tea, making tiny bubbles on the surface. This will bring out even more flavor of your iced matcha tea.
Add ice to the teacup
Add ice to the teacup when making iced matcha green tea. Fill it halfway – don't overfill! Use store-bought or homemade crushed ice. To make your own, bag cubed ice and use a rolling pin or wooden mallet to crush.
For this recipe, use cold water. This helps reduce brewing time and prevents ingredients from melting too quickly.
Pour the matcha mixture over the ice
Once the matcha has been whisked and cooled, it's time to pour. Go slow and steady and pour it into the center of the glass. This will ensure even distribution and keep the flavor consistent. Pour until there's 0.25 inches (or 0.6 centimeters) left.
Optional Steps
Making iced matcha tea? Understand the basics first. Then, optional steps can make it even yummier. Let's explore these extra steps and take your iced matcha tea to the next level!
Add milk and/or sweetener to taste
It is a matter of personal taste to decide the perfect balance of flavors for cold matcha drinks. Unsweetened matcha is delightful, however adding honey or agave syrup at the end can bring out hidden notes in the tea.
In addition, adding half & half, almond milk, coconut milk or non-dairy creamers can make the beverage tastier and creamier. Milk helps reduce bitterness and makes the tea more quenching. Cow’s milk is suggested to be whole or 2%.
Experiment with different types of sweetener and add-ins until the desired flavor is found!
Enjoy your iced matcha tea!
Well done! You prepared an amazing iced matcha tea. Drink it however you like. If you want, add more flavors to make it special. For example:
- Honey, agave syrup, almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk, dairy milk substitutes such as rice milk or oat milk.
- Syrups (e.g. caramel, vanilla) and spices (e.g. cinnamon, nutmeg). Even butter!
To cool it down, add some ice cubes. Also, use lower temperature liquids like juices or diluted fruit juices. Whatever you put in will give your tea a unique zing! Enjoy your delicious refreshment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is matcha tea?
A: Matcha tea is a Japanese green tea that is made by grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder. Unlike other teas, the whole leaf is consumed as part of the drink, offering a more concentrated source of nutrients.
Q: How do I make iced matcha tea?
A: To make iced matcha tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to a glass along with some sweetener (optional). Add a small amount of hot water to the glass and whisk vigorously until the powder is dissolved. Fill the remaining space with cold water or ice cubes.
Q: Can I use a blender to make matcha tea?
A: Yes, you can use a blender to make matcha tea. Simply add the matcha powder, sweetener and hot water to the blender and blend until frothy. You can then pour the mixture over ice or add cold water to the blender to create a chilled drink.
Q: What sweetener should I use for my iced matcha tea?
A: There are several sweeteners you can use, including honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup. It's best to experiment with different sweeteners to find the one that suits your taste buds.
Q: Can I add milk or cream to my iced matcha tea?
A: Yes, you can add milk or cream to your iced matcha tea to create a creamier texture. Try using almond milk, coconut milk, or regular cow's milk, and add it to your drink to taste.
Q: How can I store my matcha powder?
A: Matcha powder should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and light. It's best to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness for longer.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is matcha tea?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Matcha tea is a Japanese green tea that is made by grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder. Unlike other teas, the whole leaf is consumed as part of the drink, offering a more concentrated source of nutrients.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I make iced matcha tea?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “To make iced matcha tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to a glass along with some sweetener (optional). Add a small amount of hot water to the glass and whisk vigorously until the powder is dissolved. Fill the remaining space with cold water or ice cubes.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I use a blender to make matcha tea?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, you can use a blender to make matcha tea. Simply add the matcha powder, sweetener and hot water to the blender and blend until frothy. You can then pour the mixture over ice or add cold water to the blender to create a chilled drink.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What sweetener should I use for my iced matcha tea?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “There are several sweeteners you can use, including honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup. It's best to experiment with different sweeteners to find the one that suits your taste buds.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I add milk or cream to my iced matcha tea?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, you can add milk or cream to your iced matcha tea to create a creamier texture. Try using almond milk, coconut milk, or regular cow's milk, and add it to your drink to taste.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How can I store my matcha powder?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Matcha powder should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and light. It's best to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness for longer.”
}
}
]
}
