Here at Smith Teamaker, we’re taking advantage of the warmer weather by serving our favorite beverages over ice, starting with matcha. Made from tender green leaves known as Tencha, this rich and vibrant green powder has a slightly sweet vegetal flavor and aroma that tastes fresh like summer at its finest.  

We asked our Tea Department to share their top five iced matcha beverages, each complete with a book pairing for the ultimate relaxing afternoon.   

Book suggestion: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

• ¾ teaspoon of matcha
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder
• 5.1 oz. filtered water 

Sift matcha into matcha bowl. Add ginger powder and slowly pour 2.5 oz. of room temperature water into matcha bowl. Whisk to create a paste, slowly adding the remaining concentrate and whisking in a W formation until dissolved and slightly frothy. Pour into an ice-filled glass and enjoy.  

Book suggestion: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

• ½ teaspoon matcha
• 2 Nancy and Beth sachets
• 5.1 oz. filtered boiling water  

Steep 2 sachets of Nancy & Beth in 5.1 oz. of boiling water for 5 minutes. Discard sachets and let cool. Sift matcha into matcha bowl, then add 1 oz. of Nancy & Beth concentrate. Whisk to create a paste, slowly adding the remaining concentrate and whisking in a W formation until dissolved and slightly frothy. Pour into an ice-filled glass and enjoy.  

Book suggestion: The Stranger In The Woods by Michael Finkel

• 17 grams matcha
• 8.5 grams sencha
• 4 cups filtered water 

Place everything in a vessel (glass preferred) and let sit covered in the fridge overnight then strain and serve. 

Book suggestion: The North Water by Ian McGuire

• ½ teaspoon matcha 
• 2 Peppermint Leaves  
• 5.1 oz. filtered water 

Steep 2 sachets of Peppermint Leaves in 5.1 oz. of boiling water for 5 minutes. Discard sachets and let cool. Sift matcha into matcha bowl, then add 1 oz. of concentrate. Whisk to create a paste, slowly adding the remaining concentrate and whisking in a W formation until dissolved and slightly frothy. Pour into an ice-filled glass and enjoy. 

Book suggestion:  Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder 
• 2 tablespoons filtered water  
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup 
• 8 – 9 oz. milk  

Measure 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and sift into 12 oz. latte cup. Add room temp filtered water to create a concentrate. Mix with electric frother or matcha whisk to remove any clumps. Add simple syrup to taste. Pour 8-9 oz. of cold milk over matcha concentrate. Pour mixture over ice and enjoy.