Cold Brew Matcha: A Simple and Refreshing Way to Enjoy Matcha
Some people call it cold brew matcha. Others call it iced matcha. Regardless of the name, the idea is simple: matcha mixed with cold water.
The result is a clean, refreshing matcha tea that’s especially enjoyable on warm days. Light, energizing, and quick to prepare, cold brew matcha is one of the easiest ways to incorporate matcha into everyday routines.
What Is Cold Brew Matcha?
Unlike cold brew coffee, cold brew matcha requires no long extraction time.
Cold brew matcha is made by simply mixing matcha powder with cold water and shaking until smooth. That’s it. No steeping, no waiting—just a minute or less from start to finish.
Because there are no added ingredients, cold brew matcha allows you to experience matcha in its most straightforward form. When made with the right matcha, the result is crisp and refreshing, with a subtle natural sweetness rather than bitterness.
For those new to matcha, cold brew matcha is often one of the most approachable ways to begin.
Choosing the Right Matcha for Cold Brew
Because cold brew matcha is prepared with only water, matcha quality matters greatly.
The matcha should be:
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Low in astringency
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Clean and bright in flavor
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Naturally smooth without harsh bitterness
Lower-quality or strongly astringent matcha can taste vegetal or unpleasant when prepared cold.
We recommend:
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Using ceremonial grade matcha, typically priced around $20–25 per ounce
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A standard serving of 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams)
If cold brew matcha or iced matcha is your primary way of drinking matcha, a blend designed specifically for cold preparation works best. These blends emphasize brightness and gentle sweetness.
If you prefer versatility—making cold brew matcha as well as lattes or warm matcha tea—a balanced ceremonial blend is a good option.
Why We Avoid Certain Styles for Cold Brew
Not all matcha styles perform well in cold preparation.
Traditional Uji-style matcha often emphasizes deep umami and richness, qualities that shine in thicker preparations like usucha or koicha. When prepared cold, however, those heavier flavor profiles can feel dense rather than refreshing.
For cold brew matcha, lighter, brighter styles tend to offer a cleaner and more refreshing experience.
Tools You’ll Need
One of the best things about cold brew matcha is its simplicity.
All you need is a container that is:
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Transparent
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Wide-mouthed
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Sealable
A wide-mouth glass bottle works particularly well, but mason jars, shaker bottles, or even recycled glass jars are perfectly suitable. Transparent containers make it easy to see whether the matcha has fully mixed.
No whisk, frother, or special equipment required.
When We Drink Cold Brew Matcha
And How Much Caffeine It Contains
On warmer days, cold brew matcha is something we often reach for after lunch. It provides a steady energy lift without feeling heavy.
Using 1 teaspoon of matcha, a cup of cold brew matcha contains approximately 70 mg of caffeine—less than coffee, but enough to support focus and productivity for several hours.
Thanks to naturally occurring L-theanine, the energy feels calm and sustained, typically lasting around four hours, without sharp spikes or crashes.
Cold brew matcha contains the same antioxidants and L-theanine as matcha prepared with hot water.
How to Make Cold Brew Matcha
Makes: 1 cup
Ingredients
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1 tsp matcha powder
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8 oz / 235 ml cold water
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Ice cubes
Method
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Measure 1 teaspoon of matcha and 8 oz / 235 ml of cold water. This ratio works well for bright, low-astringency ceremonial matcha. Adjust as needed for other blends.
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Pour the cold water into your bottle or jar.
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Add the matcha powder and seal the lid.
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Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until smooth and clump-free.
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Pour over a glass filled with ice and enjoy.
If any clumps remain, continue shaking briefly until fully dissolved.
