Best Iced Matcha Drinks in Nashville

Nashville's matcha scene is heating up (or cooling down, rather) with creative iced matcha drinks perfect for Tennessee summers. We tested 20+ cafes to bring you the definitive ranking.

The Top 5

1. Steadfast Coffee - The Green Machine

Location: The Gulch Price: $6.50 Why it wins: Perfectly balanced house-made oat milk, high-quality ceremonial matcha, just the right amount of sweetness

Steadfast's matcha program is serious business. They source directly from Uji, Japan, and train baristas specifically on matcha preparation. The Green Machine is their signature iced latte, and it sets the gold standard.

What makes it special: They sift the matcha fresh for each drink and use a unique blending technique that prevents separation.

2. Barista Parlor - Strawberry Matcha Latte

Location: Golden Sound (multiple locations) Price: $7.00 Why it ranks: Instagram-worthy presentation, house-made strawberry purée, organic matcha

The layered pink and green is stunning, but this drink is more than looks. The strawberry purée is made from local berries (when in season), adding a fruity sweetness that complements rather than overpowers the matcha.

3. Crema Coffee - Classic Iced Matcha

Location: Multiple locations Price: $5.50 Why it's great: Consistent quality, best value, reliable across all locations

Crema keeps it simple and does it well. Their classic iced matcha is what you want when you just need a solid matcha fix without the fuss. The best bang for your buck in Nashville.

4. Stay Golden - Lavender Matcha Latte

Location: Sylvan Park Price: $6.75 Why try it: Unique flavor profile, locally-sourced lavender, cozy neighborhood spot

This one divides people - you'll either love it or prefer classic. The lavender is subtle, adding a floral note that makes it perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Skip if you're not into floral flavors.

5. The Cafe at Thistle Farms - Mint Matcha Lemonade

Location: 12 South Price: $6.00 Why it matters: Social impact, refreshing twist, supports women's employment

Thistle Farms employs women survivors of trafficking and addiction. Their mint matcha lemonade is refreshingly tart and herbaceous - perfect for hot days. Plus, your purchase supports their mission.

Honorable Mentions

Frothy Monkey - Good for matcha soft serve Bongo Java - Solid classic matcha latte Portland Brew - Best matcha cold brew hybrid Headquarters Coffee - Try their seasonal matcha specials

How We Tested

Each drink was evaluated on:

1. Matcha Quality (1-10) - Color, aroma, flavor
2. Preparation (1-10) - Technique, consistency, temperature
3. Taste (1-10) - Balance, sweetness, enjoyability
4. Value (1-10) - Price relative to quality
5. Presentation (1-5) - Appearance and care

Nashville Matcha Tips

• Best time to go: Early morning (8-10 AM) for freshest matcha
• Ask for light ice: More drink, less dilution
• Specify sweetness: Most places will adjust to your preference
• Try seasonal specials: Many shops rotate unique flavors
• Oat milk is king: Nashville cafes typically use oat milk as default non-dairy option

The Matcha Scene

Nashville's specialty coffee culture has fully embraced matcha in the past two years. What started with a handful of cafes offering basic matcha lattes has evolved into a competitive scene with shops sourcing premium Japanese matcha and developing signature recipes.

"Five years ago, maybe one customer per day ordered matcha," says Drew Hicks, owner of Steadfast Coffee. "Now it's our third most popular drink after lattes and cold brew."

What's Next

Several Nashville cafes are planning to add matcha-specific menu items this summer, including matcha soft serve, matcha cocktails, and even matcha savory dishes.

Keep an eye on @nashvillematcha for updates on new openings and seasonal specials.

Have a favorite matcha spot we missed? Let us know at hello@matchamaps.com!