Matcha Frappé: The Perfect Iced Recipe for Summer
A matcha frappé is the most refreshing version of matcha. Lighter than an iced latte, more indulgent than a smoothie. Here's the perfect recipe to make at home in 3 minutes, along with signature variations to explore.
The matcha frappé combines two pleasures: the freshness of an iced drink and the creamy sweetness of a frappé. Prepared with real, high-quality matcha, it's one of the most delicious ways to enjoy matcha when temperatures rise. And the good news is that it's as easy to make at home as in a café, in just a few minutes, without complex equipment. Here's the standard recipe, its variations, and the tips that make all the difference.
The Classic Matcha Frappé Recipe
For two creamy, frothy matcha frappés, here are the proportions to remember.
Ingredients
- 4 g of quality matcha (ceremonial for fineness, premium culinary for everyday)
- 60 ml of filtered water at 75 °C (never boiling)
- 200 ml of oat milk, or other milk of your choice
- 10-15 ice cubes (large and solid)
- 1 teaspoon of agave syrup, honey, or vanilla sugar (optional)
Preparation in 3 minutes
- Sift the matcha into a bowl to remove clumps.
- Pour hot water over the matcha and whisk with a chasen or electric frother for 15-20 seconds until a fine foam forms.
- Cool the matcha shot for 30 seconds.
- Blend the ice cubes, milk, cooled matcha shot, and optional sweetener in a blender for 30-40 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately in a tall glass, with a straw.
The ideal texture is creamy but not too thick. If the frappé is too liquid, add a few more ice cubes. If it's too thick, add a little more milk. To master the basic technique common to all these recipes, the complete method for a perfect hot and iced homemade matcha latte provides all the keys.
Signature Variations to Try
Three variations of the matcha frappé that transform the basic recipe into a signature drink.
Vanilla Matcha Frappé
Add 10 ml of vanilla syrup or one teaspoon of vanilla extract before blending. The most universal version, perfect for first attempts. To explore other flavorings, the guide to flavored matchas (vanilla, strawberry, coconut, rose) details winning combinations.
Strawberry Matcha Frappé
Add 5-6 fresh strawberries or 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree to the blender. The result is creamy, slightly pinkish at the edges, and green in the center. Very Instagram-friendly, very summery.
Coconut Matcha Frappé
Replace the milk with coconut milk and add 1 teaspoon of shredded coconut. Tropical profile, sweet and exotic. Ideal for lovers of sweet flavors.
Tips for an Exceptional Matcha Frappé
A few technical details that transform a good matcha frappé into a memorable one.
Always prepare the matcha shot with hot water first
The classic mistake is to put matcha powder directly into the blender with ice cubes. Result: clumps, uneven dispersion, dull color.
Matcha must always be hydrated with hot water (75 °C) and whisked before being blended into the frappé. This simple step radically changes the result.
Prioritize matcha with a vibrant color
The color of matcha is the first indicator of quality. A brilliant jade green matcha will produce a beautifully deep green frappé.
A khaki or yellowish matcha will result in a dull and bland frappé. Choose Japanese origin matcha with an intense color for a visual and taste experience that delivers.
The right milk makes all the difference
Oat milk is the perfect companion for matcha frappés: its natural sweetness balances the umami of matcha without masking it, and its texture gives body to the frappé. Almond milk is lighter, whole milk is creamier. To choose the best milk according to your preferences, the guide which milk to choose for your matcha lattes compares all options.
Serve immediately
A matcha frappé is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. After 5 minutes, the foam collapses, the ice melts, and the texture degrades. Prepare to order, serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matcha Frappé
What is the difference between matcha frappé and iced matcha latte?
A matcha frappé is blended with ice cubes, resulting in a frothy, slightly creamy, and homogeneous texture. An iced matcha latte is simply poured over ice cubes, with a more liquid texture and two visible layers (milk and matcha). The frappé is more indulgent, the iced latte is more refreshing and lighter.
What kind of matcha should be used for a matcha frappé?
A premium culinary matcha of Japanese origin is ideal for a frappé, especially flavored ones. Ceremonial matcha remains relevant if you want a pure tasting experience with maximum finesse. In any case, prioritize a vibrant jade green matcha, a sign of quality, rather than a dull one.
Can you make a matcha frappé without a blender?
It's possible by using a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice and shaking vigorously, but the texture will be less creamy and more liquid. For a true frothy frappé, a blender is essential.
How to prevent matcha frappé from being bitter?
Bitterness mainly comes from two sources: water that is too hot (never above 80 °C) or poor quality matcha. By preparing the shot with water at 75 °C and using Japanese origin matcha, you get a smooth, slightly umami frappé, without unpleasant bitterness.
Summer in a Glass
The matcha frappé is where Japanese tradition meets the coolness of summer afternoons. A simple, quick, indulgent recipe that can be endlessly varied. For home or for guests, it's one of the most delicious ways to discover or rediscover matcha when it's hot. The secret remains the same as for all matcha preparations: a good product, at the right temperature, well whisked.
To prepare your homemade matcha frappés with quality Japanese origin matcha (Yabukita cultivar, traditional stone-ground), explore our selection of premium matcha.
Share
