Tired of the same old iced coffee? A matcha strawberry latte is a sweet, earthy, and refreshing change. This layered drink blends vibrant green matcha with a homemade strawberry base and your choice of milk, creating the perfect balance of flavor and color. Whether you’re a matcha fan or just looking for a new treat to sip on, this recipe hits the spot. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick to make with simple steps that take less than 10 minutes
• Uses basic ingredients that you probably already have at home
• Combines fruity and earthy flavors for a unique and satisfying drink
• Looks stunning with beautiful green and pink layers that impress anyone
• Can be customized with different milks or sweeteners to suit your taste
• Great for warm weather or when you need a natural energy boost
Ingredients Needed
For the strawberry layer
• 4 medium strawberries, stems removed
• 2 and a half tablespoons white granulated sugar (you can also use honey or maple syrup)
the matcha layer
• 1 and a half teaspoons matcha powder (preferably ceremonial grade for best flavor)
• 4 tablespoons boiling hot water
For the milk layer
• Three-fourths cup of milk or any plant-based milk such as oat or almond
Optional
• 8 ice cubes for a chilled version
How to Make Matcha Strawberry Latte
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry base
Place the strawberries and sugar into a tall glass. Use a muddler to mash them until they release their juices and turn into a thick purée. If you don’t have a muddler, you can finely chop the strawberries or blend them, then mix with the sugar directly in the glass. Let it sit for one to two minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 2: Add ice
Drop the ice cubes gently over the strawberry mixture. This keeps the layers distinct and chills the drink.
Step 3: Pour the milk
Slowly pour the milk over the ice. Doing it slowly helps create that signature layered look and prevents the milk from mixing too quickly with the strawberry base.
Step 4: Whisk the matcha
In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Add the boiling water and whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion for about 30 seconds until it becomes frothy and smooth. A traditional bamboo whisk works best, but a milk frother or small whisk will also do the job.
Step 5: Finish with matcha
Pour the whisked matcha slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the milk layer. This helps keep the vibrant green matcha on top, giving the drink its striking layered appearance.
Step 6: Stir and enjoy
You can enjoy it layered for the look or stir everything together for a delicious blend of creamy matcha and sweet strawberry.
Customization and Variations
Milk alternatives
Try oat milk for a naturally creamy texture or almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor. Soy milk also works well if you prefer a thicker, richer taste.
Sweetener options
You can swap the sugar with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a zero-calorie sweetener. Adjust the amount to your taste or skip sweeteners entirely if your strawberries are ripe enough.
Add-ins
For a fun twist, add boba pearls at the bottom before the strawberry layer. You can also mix in a few drops of vanilla extract for extra aroma or experiment with other fruit purées like raspberry or blueberry for a different fruity layer.
Hot version
To make a warm version, heat the milk before pouring it over the strawberry purée. Skip the ice and use slightly cooler water to whisk the matcha so it doesn’t become bitter. Layer as usual or stir everything together for a comforting hot drink.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your matcha strawberry latte in a clear glass to show off the layers. Add a reusable straw or a mint sprig on top for an extra touch. If you want to impress guests, serve it with a side of light snacks like mochi or shortbread cookies.
For storage, keep the strawberry purée in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. The whisked matcha should be used right away for best flavor and texture. Once fully assembled, the drink is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store it for up to six hours in the fridge if needed. Stir before drinking if the layers have blended.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 110 to 130
Carbohydrates: 20 to 24 grams
Sugar: 14 to 18 grams (depending on sweetener)
Fat: 2 to 4 grams
Protein: 2 to 3 grams
Caffeine: Around 30 to 40 milligrams
These numbers can vary based on your choice of milk and sweetener. Using plant-based milk may lower fat content, while using honey or maple syrup may slightly increase sugars.
Conclusion
This matcha strawberry latte is more than just a pretty drink. It blends the bold, earthy taste of matcha with the fresh sweetness of strawberries in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s a simple recipe that looks impressive and tastes even better.
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Matcha Strawberry Latte
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place strawberries and sugar in a tall glass. Mash with a muddler until juicy and puréed. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add ice cubes gently over the strawberry purée to chill and help keep layers separate.
- Slowly pour milk over the ice to form the middle layer without mixing too quickly.
- Sift matcha into a small bowl. Add boiling water and whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion for 30 seconds until frothy.
- Gently pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon onto the milk layer to preserve separation.
- Serve as is or stir before drinking for a creamy blend of matcha and strawberry. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This helps maintain the right consistency for the puree and prevents the drink from becoming too watery.
What’s the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha?
Ceremonial matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a vibrant green color with a smooth, slightly sweet taste. It’s best for drinking. Culinary matcha is more bitter and meant for cooking or blending into recipes like lattes. For this drink, ceremonial matcha gives the smoothest and most balanced flavor.
Can I make this strawberry matcha latte vegan?
Absolutely. Just use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and choose a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or agave. All other ingredients are already plant-based.
How long does strawberry matcha latte last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 24 hours. For best flavor and texture, enjoy it within a few hours of making. Stir well before drinking if it has separated.
Do I need a special whisk for matcha?
A bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) is traditional and helps create a smooth, frothy texture. However, you can also use a small electric frother or shake the matcha vigorously in a jar if you don’t have a whisk.
Why are my matcha layers not separating?
Layering depends on liquid density. Make sure your strawberry puree is thick and at the bottom, add ice, then pour milk slowly. Pour matcha over the back of a spoon to prevent it from mixing too quickly with the milk.
Can I make this without added sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener. Keep in mind the strawberries may still add natural sweetness on their own.
