Iced Brown Sugar Matcha is a rich yet refreshing drink combining earthy matcha green tea with caramel-like brown sugar, sweet milk, and ice. It’s a beautifully layered treat, perfect for cooling off with a hint of cozy dessert flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smooth & subtly sweet – brown sugar adds warmth without overpowering the matcha
Vibrant & refreshing – served iced with creamy milk for balance
Simple to prepare – easy to layer and customize
Aesthetic presentation – stunning color contrast for a café-worthy vibe

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant‑based like oat, almond, or soy)
1 teaspoon matcha powder (culinary or ceremonial grade)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons hot water (approx. 175 °F)
Ice cubes (about 1 cup)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or pinch of sea salt

directions

Make the brown sugar syrup
In a small cup or glass, whisk together brown sugar and hot water until fully dissolved. For richer flavor, briefly heat the mixture before stirring.
Dissolve the matcha
In another small bowl or cup, sift matcha powder. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water and whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion until completely smooth, vibrant, and frothy.
Assemble the drink
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Drizzle brown sugar syrup over the ice. Gently pour milk on top, then slowly pour the matcha over the milk to create a layered effect.
(Optional) Add flavor boost
Stir in vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for extra depth.
Serve & enjoy
Present with a straw so the layers can be swirled before sipping, or whisk together for a beautifully creamy blend.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 large or 2 small glasses
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: ~5 minutes

Variations

Classic iced version: Skip layering—whisk all ingredients with milk and ice for a uniform drink
Brown sugar bubble tea: Add tapioca pearls and serve with a bubble tea straw
Dairy-free creamy: Use coconut milk or oat milk for extra richness
Extra sweet: Stir in an additional teaspoon of brown sugar or drizzle more syrup
Spiced matcha: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or ground cardamom into the syrup before using

storage/reheating

Brown sugar syrup: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Prepared drink: Best enjoyed fresh; if made ahead, stir well before drinking and consume within 4 hours
No reheating needed —serve chilled

Iced Brown Sugar Matcha

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes—but it won’t have the same caramel depth. You can add a pinch of molasses or a dash of vanilla to mimic brown sugar flavor.

What matcha should I use?

Ceremonial-grade provides a smoother flavor, but culinary-grade also works well in this iced drink.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely—use oat, almond, soy, or other plant-based milk and enjoy it vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent clumping?

Whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of hot water until fully dissolved before adding milk.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes—scale ingredients proportionally and prepare layers in a pitcher for multiple servings.

Should the syrup be hot?

It dissolves better when warm, but cool syrup still works—just stir a bit more.

Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead?

Yes—stir honey or maple syrup into warm water first before adding to the drink.

How strong is the matcha flavor?

Moderate. Increase matcha to 1½ teaspoons for a bolder green tea taste.

What milk makes it creamier?

Oat or canned coconut milk offer the richest creamy texture, but whole dairy milk is classic and smooth.

Can I turn it into a latte?

Yes—add more milk and gently steam or froth it for a warm, comforting matcha latte.

Conclusion

Iced Brown Sugar Matcha is a gorgeous and delicious fusion of earthy green tea and sweet, caramel-tinged syrup, layered with creamy milk over ice. Easy to make, visually appealing, and endlessly customizable—it’s a perfect iced drink to elevate your day. Enjoy every velvety, refreshing sip!