This iced mango matcha latte brings together the best of both worlds – the antioxidant benefits of matcha green tea and the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes. The result is a visually stunning drink with distinct layers that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Creating the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and earthy matcha notes, this beverage offers a unique twist on traditional matcha lattes while providing a gentle energy boost without the crash often associated with coffee.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The tropical sweetness of mango complements the earthy depth of matcha beautifully
- Visually stunning: The layered effect creates an Instagram-worthy beverage every time
- Nutritional powerhouse: Combines antioxidant-rich matcha with vitamin-packed mango
- Customizable: Easily adapt to vegan, dairy-free, or sugar-free dietary preferences
- Quick preparation: Comes together in under 5 minutes for a fast but impressive treat
- Gentle energy: Provides sustained energy through matcha’s slow-release caffeine and L-theanine
Ingredients
- Mango: Fresh, ripe mangoes yield the best flavor and vibrant color. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma at the stem.
- Matcha powder: Invest in ceremonial grade matcha for the smoothest taste and most vibrant green color. Culinary grade can work in a pinch but may have a more bitter profile.
- Hot water: Essential for properly dissolving and activating the matcha powder.
- Sweetener: Use your preferred liquid sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. The amount can be adjusted based on the natural sweetness of your mango.
- Milk: Any variety works wonderfully – oat milk provides creaminess, almond milk offers lightness, and dairy milk adds richness. Choose based on your dietary preferences.
- Ice: Essential for achieving that perfect refreshing quality and helping to maintain the beautiful layers.
- Optional protein powder: Add a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder for added nutrition and subtle sweetness.
How to make a mango matcha latte
- Prepare the mango puree: Peel and dice your fresh mango, then blend until completely smooth. Set aside. If using frozen mango, allow it to thaw first for the best results.
- Whisk the matcha: Sift your ceremonial grade matcha powder into a small bowl to remove any clumps. Add hot (not boiling) water and whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk or small regular whisk for 30-45 seconds until frothy with no remaining powder clumps. Stir in your chosen sweetener.
- Assemble your latte: In a tall glass, add the mango puree first, filling approximately 1/4 of the glass. Carefully add ice cubes. Pour in your milk of choice until the glass is about 3/4 full. Finally, gently pour the prepared matcha mixture over the back of a spoon so it creates a beautiful layered effect.
- Serve and enjoy: Provide a straw and stir before drinking to combine all the flavors. Alternatively, enjoy the distinct layers separately for a changing flavor experience.
Storage
This mango matcha latte is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the layers are pristine and the matcha is at its freshest. The vibrant green color of quality matcha will begin to fade after preparation, and the layered effect will naturally blend over time.
If you need to prepare components ahead of time, you can:
- Store mango puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Pre-measure your matcha powder, but only mix with water immediately before serving
A fully assembled latte will keep its visual appeal for about 30 minutes before the layers begin to blend naturally.
Tips & tricks
- Quality matters: High-quality ceremonial grade matcha will have a naturally sweet, smooth flavor without bitterness. The color should be vibrant jade green, not dull or yellowish.
- Temperature control: Use hot but not boiling water (about 175°F/80°C) for whisking matcha to prevent bitterness.
- Achieve perfect layers: Pour each component slowly and gently. Using the back of a spoon to pour the matcha helps create distinct layers.
- Mango selection: Choose mangoes that are fragrant at the stem and yield slightly to gentle pressure. The Alphonso, Ataulfo, or Honey mango varieties are particularly excellent for their sweet flavor and minimal fiber.
- Sweetness balance: Adjust sweetener based on your mango’s natural sweetness. Very ripe mangoes may require less added sweetener.
- Milk temperature: Using chilled milk helps maintain the distinct layers and keeps the drink refreshing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen mango? Yes, but for best results, thaw frozen mango completely before blending. Frozen mango is often less sweet than fresh, so you may need to adjust your sweetener accordingly.
What’s the best milk to use for this latte? Any milk works well! Oat milk provides wonderful creaminess, coconut milk adds complementary tropical notes, while almond milk keeps it light. Regular dairy milk creates a rich, traditional latte experience.
Can I make this without caffeine? Traditional matcha contains caffeine, but you can find decaffeinated matcha options online. Alternatively, you could create a similar drink using herbal green tea powder, though it won’t have the same distinctive matcha flavor.
Why does my matcha taste bitter? Bitterness usually comes from using water that’s too hot, lower-quality matcha powder, or whisking incorrectly. Try using water around 175°F (80°C), invest in ceremonial grade matcha, and whisk thoroughly to eliminate clumps.
How can I make this drink more filling? Add a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder to your milk or matcha mixture. This adds protein while enhancing the creaminess and subtle sweetness of the drink.
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Mango Matcha Latte
Description
This vibrant mango matcha latte combines earthy matcha green tea with sweet tropical mango for a refreshing, nutrient-packed beverage that’s perfect for warm days or morning pick-me-ups.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mango chunks (about 1 small mango)
- 1–2 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water (175°F/80°C)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1–2 teaspoons liquid sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Peel and dice the mango, then place chunks in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Set aside.
- Sift matcha powder into a small bowl to remove any clumps. Add hot water and whisk vigorously for 30-45 seconds until frothy with no visible powder clumps.
- Stir your chosen sweetener into the matcha mixture until dissolved.
- In a tall glass, add the mango puree first, filling approximately ¼ of the glass.
- Carefully add ice cubes on top of the mango layer.
- If using protein powder, mix it with your milk until completely dissolved.
- Pour the milk over the ice until the glass is about ¾ full.
- Finally, gently pour the prepared matcha mixture over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect.
- Serve with a straw and stir before drinking to combine all flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, fresh mango for optimal sweetness and color.
- The quality of your matcha significantly impacts flavor – choose ceremonial grade when possible.
- Adjust sweetener to taste based on the natural sweetness of your mango.
- For a more tropical variation, try using coconut milk.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 serving