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Beat the heat fast with this cool and zesty iced matcha green tea. The punchy green tea powder blends with crisp apple, lime, and a splash of maple for a drink that perks you up on a warm afternoon. Fresh mint leaves on top make each sip extra bright and lively.
I first made this after coming home from a sweaty walk—I was hooked right away and now my crew begs for a pitcher anytime they stop by. The cool fruit and mint combo really wakes you up.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Ice: piles it high and keeps the drink freezing cold
- Cold water: the base for mixing, go with filtered for the best fresh taste
- Natural maple syrup: brings a mellow sweetness that feels wholesome, grab the real stuff if you can
- Fresh mint leaves: makes the drink extra refreshing, choose ones that look deep green and perky
- Apple slices: add crispness and gentle fruity notes, Fuji or Gala never go wrong
- Fresh lime slices: gives a punchy citrus lift, look for limes that feel slightly soft
- Matcha powder: bold green and packed with feel-good energy, go for the brightest green you can find
Inviting Instructions
- Chill and Pour:
- Stack a bunch of ice cubes in a big pitcher so it’s nice and cold. Leave space at the top for everything else.
- Add Mint, Lime, and Apple:
- Toss in your sliced apples, lime, and a handful of mint. Press the mint leaves with your fingers a little to let their scent come out as you throw them in.
- Blend Your Matcha:
- In a separate cup, whip together your matcha powder with a third of a cup of steamy (almost hot) water. Stir like crazy until it looks silky with no clumps.
- Sweeten It Up:
- Mix in your maple syrup until it’s glossy and smooth. Take a quick taste—it should be just a little sweet and go easy on your tongue.
- Combine Everything:
- Pour the matcha-syrup mix into the big pitcher over your water. Swirl everything together so the color is even and looks lively.
- Final Touch and Serve:
- Give everything one last stir. Pour it into glasses—make sure you fish out some fruit and mint for each one.
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The electric green shade always makes my niece giggle. She asks for more lime slices in her glass every time and says it’s her special green magic drink.
Storage Hacks
Keep your iced matcha tea fresh by stashing extra in a closed pitcher in the fridge for a full day. If you plan on saving some for later, hold off on the ice—add it when pouring so you don’t water down the punchy taste.
Swap Your Way
Feel free to swap the apples for berries if you’re in the mood—blueberries or strawberries are awesome here. If you want to keep things no sugar, use monk fruit or stevia instead of maple. Don’t have matcha? A good green tea powder like sencha or jasmine steps in just fine.
Serve It Up
Pour into tall see-through glasses, then pop in more mint sprigs and lime on top. It’ll look gorgeous for brunch or backyard hangs. Kids will want extra apple in their glass for nibbling. Want to get bubbly? Top it off with a splash of lemon or berry seltzer just before serving.
Background and Origins
Matcha’s been sipped in Japanese ceremonies for ages where it’s all about calm and taste together. Iced versions take this classic and give it a playful, modern update—now anyone can enjoy it anywhere. Tossing in fruit and mint opens up all kinds of fresh new flavors everyone loves.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I mix up the fruits?
You sure can—swap out the apple for berries, or try tossing in some melon or other citrus for a twist.
- → What's the trick for smooth matcha?
Just whisk the green tea powder really well with a bit of hot water before blending everything together.
- → What are some other ways to sweeten it besides maple syrup?
Monk fruit and stevia both work great if you want something that won’t spike your carbs but still adds sweetness.
- → Is everything plant-based in this drink?
For sure—it's all from plants, so vegans can enjoy every cool sip without worry.
- → How do I make it super chilled?
Use lots of ice, or chill both the glasses and your pitcher before you pour the matcha in to keep it extra frosty.