Orange Cream Matcha: The Starbucks Recipe, Homemade

Sweet, creamy, and orange-flavored, orange cream matcha is the drink that turned heads this summer. Here’s how to recreate this Starbucks-inspired version at home, with real quality matcha and much less sugar.

Orange cream matcha is like an iced dessert in drink form. It features the vibrant green of matcha, a vanilla-orange foam, and that orange creamsicle sensation reminiscent of childhood ice cream. The result is as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for a refreshing break.

The good news is that this drink is very easy to prepare at home. All you need are three elements: well-whisked matcha, your choice of milk, and a cold cream flavored with orange and vanilla.

What is Orange Cream Matcha?

Orange cream matcha is an iced matcha latte topped with a cold cream flavored with orange and vanilla. The inspiration comes from orange creamsicle drinks, those sorbets coated in vanilla cream that we all know.

In the glass, the base remains a classic matcha latte. What changes is the top layer: a light, barely sweetened cold foam, flavored with orange zest. When you drink it, the two blend together and give that fresh, tangy note that softens matcha's natural bitterness.

For a successful result, the choice of powder matters. A ceremonial-grade matcha retains a clean taste under the cream, whereas a low-grade matcha would become bland or too vegetal. The same logic applies to all versions of homemade matcha latte, hot or iced.

Ingredients for Homemade Orange Cream Matcha

This recipe makes one large glass. It takes five minutes to prepare, with no complicated equipment.

Oat milk and whole milk create the creamiest foam. For a lighter version, almond milk works very well. If you're still undecided, choosing the right milk for your iced matcha latte truly changes the final texture.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prepare the Matcha Base

Sift the matcha into a bowl to prevent lumps. Add hot water and whisk in a zigzag motion until a fine foam forms. Fill a large glass with ice cubes, pour in the milk, then add the matcha on top. The green layer should remain clearly visible.

Whip the Orange Cream

In a small container, pour the cold cream, orange zest, vanilla, and a dash of juice. Whisk for about thirty seconds until you get a soft but still pourable texture. The cream should coat the back of a spoon without being firm.

Assemble the Drink

Gently pour the orange cream over the iced matcha. It will form a creamy layer on the surface. Add a little zest on top for the final touch, then mix before drinking to combine the flavors.

Our Tips for Success Every Time

A fragrant orange makes all the difference. Choose a ripe juice orange and zest it just before whisking to retain all the aromas. Avoid the bitter white pith.

For a more stable foam, add a spoon of thick milk or cream to the whipped part. This base holds better and stays creamy longer, just like a real homemade cold foam whipped in three minutes.

Finally, sweeten to taste at the end. Matcha, orange, and vanilla already provide a lot of flavor. A lightly sweetened version better highlights the freshness of the citrus, in the same spirit as a lightly sweetened and fresh fruit latte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can orange cream matcha be made without cream?

Yes. Replace the cream with a thick plant-based milk, like barista oat milk, frothed with a whisk. The foam will be slightly lighter but just as flavorful.

Which matcha should I choose for this recipe?

Ceremonial grade matcha is ideal. Its color remains vibrant under the cream, and its taste holds up against the orange. Culinary matcha also works but will give a more vegetal note.

Can orange cream be prepared in advance?

Yes, it can be stored for a few hours in the refrigerator. Whisk it again just before serving to restore its volume.

Is this drink very sweet?

Not necessarily. In the homemade version, you control the sugar. With just a dash of maple syrup, it remains indulgent without being cloying, unlike many versions sold in stores.

Can it be served hot?

Orange cream matcha is mainly enjoyed iced, for the contrast between the cold and the cream. A hot version is possible but loses the freshness that makes it so charming.

Want to try this recipe with high-quality matcha? Discover our selection of premium Japanese origin matchas and start making your homemade orange cream matcha.