Summer at home calls for this: the viral “special iced matcha latte” golden-ratio recipe revealed

The weather has been getting hotter, and every afternoon it’s hard to resist ordering a cup of bubble tea to satisfy a craving. Yet all that sugar and those calories can really make you feel guilty. This summer, though, a new social media trend has quietly taken over Instagram and Xiaohongshu: Gen Z women who favor healthy eating are trading their afternoon drinks for homemade beverages. This custom drink that’s gone viral on social media is not only beautiful to look at, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Today, we’re sharing this go-to recipe and a list of recommendations all in one place, so even those who aren’t handy in the kitchen can get it right on the first try.

• Extended Reading: Pistachio and matcha need to step aside! Korea’s hottest desserts are getting a dreamy touch of purple. What exactly is ube, and why is it trending?

 

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The key to an iced matcha latte

To make a drink at home that rivals one from a specialty coffee shop, getting the proportions right is essential. After repeated testing, the editor landed on the ideal ratio: “3 g of matcha powder, 30 ml of water, and 150 ml of plant-based milk.” It retains the matcha’s rich aroma without letting the milk overpower it.

One common issue with making matcha at home is that the powder clumps easily. Be sure to whisk it with 80°C warm water: cold water will cause clumps that won’t dissolve, while overly hot water will make the tea bitter. Don’t worry if you don’t have a traditional bamboo whisk at home. An electric milk frother or mini whisk can create a fine foam just as well.

Creating the perfect layers

When you order this drink at a café, seeing its beautiful green-and-white layers is part of the appeal. To recreate the look at home, the order is crucial. First, fill a glass with ice; this is the foundation for the layered effect.

Next, pour in 150 ml of plant-based milk. Then comes the main event: slowly pour the warm, whisked concentrated matcha along the ice and into the glass. Since the matcha differs from the chilled milk in density and temperature, pouring slowly will bring out that soothing layered effect in an instant. If you prefer it slightly sweet, add 10 ml of agave syrup or natural honey to the bottom of the glass and stir well before adding the ice.

A guide to pairing plant-based milks

 

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If you’re looking for a healthy, guilt-free option, plant-based milk is the standard choice these days. But with so many options available, which one should you choose? For anyone who wants a creamy texture and loves the smooth, rich feel of a latte, oat milk is the top choice. Its naturally subtle grain sweetness blends perfectly with matcha’s slight bitterness.

For women strictly watching their calorie intake, almond milk is the lowest-calorie option: a 150 ml serving has only about 25 calories. Its texture is lighter, though it lets the tea’s original aroma shine through most clearly. Feel free to switch based on your calorie budget for the day.

This summer, consider saving the money you’d spend on afternoon bubble tea and treating yourself to a good tin of matcha. Just 3 minutes a day lets you enjoy the calming process of making it while getting through the sweltering summer without the guilt.

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