This iced brown sugar matcha latte is a delicious blend of traditional matcha, sweetened by brown sugar. With a creamy infusion from condensed milk and a hint of heavy cream, this iced latte feels like a refreshing oasis on a warm day. If you haven’t jumped on the matcha train yet, now’s the time!
So, summer’s almost over, but is it really? It’s been 75 degrees all week, and who else is sweating their makeup off? While my friends and I usually reach for our regular iced lattes, I thought we’d shake things up a bit (literally). Enter: my latest obsession – the Shaken Brown Sugar Iced Matcha Latte. It’s green, it’s sweet, and trust me, it’s everything you need right now.
What is Matcha?
First, let’s talk matcha. This isn’t just your regular green tea. Originating from Japan, matcha consists of green tea leaves transformed into a vibrant, flavorful powder. You get a richer taste since you’re savoring the whole leaf.
Traditionally in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is whisked with hot water using a bamboo whisk until it becomes frothy. This produces a thick, rich tea, which has a unique combination of creamy, bitter, and slightly umami flavors. High quality matcha is bright green and has a fine texture, while lower quality matcha can appear duller with a more yellow or brownish hue. High-quality matcha is smooth and umami-rich, while lower grade matcha might taste more bitter.
I recommend using this Jade Tea Leaf Matcha Powder, I have been using this for all my matcha recipes recently. I absolutely love it’s quality and flavor but as I am getting more and more into matcha, I will be trying out more matcha powders and will keep y’all updated if I find something better.
Brown Sugar: That Deep Sweetness
Instead of the usual granulated sugar, I decided to use brown sugar, and oh my, what a game changer! It’s got this rich, caramel flavor that works so well with matcha’s earthy tones.
Brown sugar has a deeper, molasses-like flavor due to the presence of molasses in it. This rich undertone complements the earthy notes of matcha, giving the latte a more nuanced taste. Overall, brown sugar complements all the ingredients in this drink much better than the straightforward sweetness of white sugar.
Creaminess on Point
Okay, the secret to that dreamy creaminess? A hint of condensed milk and heavy cream. It might sound too much, but once you try it, there’s no going back. Trust me, that little heavy cream makes all the difference.
Feel free to add more milk or cream, I like my matcha a bit stronger which is why I use only 1/2 cup of milk and 1.5 teaspoon of matcha powder. It’s your drink, make it the way you love it.
Milk Options for Brown Sugar Matcha Latte
You can use any type of plant based milk if dairy is not your jam but removing the condensed milk or using a vegan condensed milk could alter the creaminess. I used whole milk in this recipe with regular sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream/ double cream, I stick to dairy because it tastes so MUCH richer with whole milk, but you do you!
Some plant based milk options:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Cashew milk
Finishing Touches
Once everything’s shaken and poured, the finishing touch of whipped cream with a sprinkle of matcha powder doesn’t just add aesthetic appeal, but also an extra layer of taste and texture. There you go, a drink that’s not just creamy & delicious but also Instagram worthy.
Equipment Needed
Shaken Brown Sugar Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1.5 teaspoon matcha tea powder
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon condensed milk sweetened
- 1/4 cup water warm
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 6 to 8 cubes ice
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
- In a mason jar, add matcha powder, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, water and condensed milk. Use an electric hand whisk to combine everything.
- Scrape the bottom and sides of the jar with a mixing spoon to make sure there are no clumps of matcha.
- Add milk, heavy cream, and 2-3 ice cubes. Then close the mason jar and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pure into a cup of ice cubes, add some whipped cream, dust some matcha powder on top and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The water you use should not be too hot or else the matcha will come out tasting bitter and totally ruin the flavor. The temperature of the water must be around 140F/ 60C.
- You may skip the heavy cream and just add more milk instead. However, there might be a slight difference in the creaminess of the drink.
- Adjust the sugar as per your taste but do not skip the condensed milk, it is another important ingredient to get a super creamy latte.
- Any type of milk works here, although I prefer to use whole milk.