If you enjoy starting your mornings with something sweet, creamy, and energizing, this iced brown sugar matcha latte will become a new favorite. It has a delicious balance of earthy matcha and warm caramel notes from the brown sugar syrup, making every sip smooth and comforting. Whether you’re settling into a slow morning or powering through a busy afternoon, this drink offers a little lift that feels like a treat.
With only a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this café-style latte right at home. The deep green color of the matcha swirls beautifully with the milk and syrup, giving the drink a layered, elegant look. It’s simple, refreshing, and indulgent without feeling heavy. This iced brown sugar matcha latte is also a great introduction to matcha if you’re new to it, thanks to the mellow sweetness of the syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with this drink, but here are the highlights:
It boosts your morning instantly.
The creamy milk, subtle caramel sweetness, and vibrant matcha blend into a drink that wakes you up without feeling overwhelming.
It requires minimal ingredients.
You don’t need special tools or complicated steps to make this iced brown sugar matcha latte. A whisk, a bowl, and a glass of ice are enough.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of matcha.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, and although this recipe includes brown sugar syrup, the overall drink still feels light and balanced—your daily moment of self-care.
It tastes even better than store-bought versions.
You can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and strength of the matcha exactly how you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this iced brown sugar matcha latte, gather the following:
Matcha powder
Use a good-quality matcha for the best flavor and color. Ceremonial grade offers a rich, smooth taste and a deep green hue. Culinary grade can be used, but it tends to be a bit more bitter.
Hot water
The water should be hot but never boiling. About 176°F (80°C) is ideal. Water that is too hot can burn the matcha, changing the flavor and making it harsher.
Ice
Loads of ice help create that clean separation between the milk and matcha. You can even use matcha ice cubes for an extra boost of flavor.
Brown sugar syrup
Store-bought or homemade both work. A slightly thicker syrup adds a beautiful drizzle effect on the glass and enhances the caramel-like taste.
Milk
Whole milk makes the latte extra creamy, but any non-dairy milk works well—almond, oat, soy, or coconut.
Matcha Tools That Make a Difference
You can prepare this latte with whatever you already have at home, but if you want the best texture and experience, the following tools help:
Matcha bowl (chawan)
Any bowl with tall sides works for whisking matcha. A spout makes it easier to pour smoothly into your glass.
Bamboo whisk (chasen)
A bamboo whisk helps eliminate lumps and produces a light, frothy matcha layer. If you don’t have one, a small milk frother or metal whisk will work. As a last resort, shaking everything in a jar also does the job.
Tea sifter
Sifting the matcha is important because it removes clumps and results in a smoother, more enjoyable latte.
Matcha scoop
A scoop or a small measuring spoon helps you portion the matcha correctly and press it through the sifter.
How to Make an Iced Brown Sugar Matcha Latte
1. Sift the matcha
Place your matcha over a fine mesh strainer and sift it into a bowl to break up any clumps. This ensures a smoother texture and more even mixing.
2. Whisk the matcha
Add the hot water and whisk vigorously in an M or W motion until you get a smooth, slightly frothy mixture.
3. Prepare the glass
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the brown sugar syrup over it.
4. Add the milk
Pour in your milk of choice, letting it settle around the ice.
5. Add the matcha layer
Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk to create that beautiful layered look.
6. Stir and enjoy
Mix everything together before drinking for the perfect balance of caramel sweetness and vibrant matcha.
Recipe Tips and Notes
Here are a few helpful tips to make your iced brown sugar matcha latte even better:
- Never skip sifting. It improves both texture and taste.
- Matcha does not fully dissolve like instant powder because it’s made from ground tea leaves—tiny green specks are normal.
- You can adjust creaminess by adding more or less milk.
- If you want the syrup to cling to the sides of the glass, cook it slightly longer for a thicker consistency.
- Look for matcha stored in airtight tins to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- A bright green color usually indicates a higher quality matcha, while yellow or brown tones suggest older or more mature leaves.
Iced Brown Sugar Matcha Latte (A Smooth and Refreshing Homemade Drink)
- Total Time: 5 min
Description
A refreshing iced brown sugar matcha latte made with creamy milk, sweet brown sugar syrup, and smooth, perfectly whisked matcha. Simple, energizing, and delicious for mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.
Ingredients
1½ teaspoons matcha powder
¼ cup hot water (about 176°F / 80°C)
Ice cubes
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup
½ to 1 cup milk (or any non-dairy alternative)
Instructions
-
Sift the matcha:
Place the matcha powder in a fine-mesh sifter and sift it into a small bowl to remove any clumps. -
Whisk:
Add the hot water. Whisk briskly in an M or W motion until the matcha becomes smooth, fully combined, and lightly frothy on top. -
Prepare the glass:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the brown sugar syrup so it coats the ice. -
Add milk:
Pour in the milk of your choice. -
Add matcha:
Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk to create a layered effect. -
Stir and enjoy:
Mix well before drinking to blend the caramel sweetness with the earthy matcha.
Notes
- You can make homemade brown sugar syrup by simmering equal parts brown sugar and water until slightly thickened.
- For a stronger matcha flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of matcha.
- If the matcha tastes bitter, ensure the water isn’t too hot and choose a higher-quality powder.
- For extra flavor, chill the milk before pouring it over the ice.
- Matcha naturally contains fine particles that may settle—simply stir again if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
