Strawberry Matcha Latte

Strawberry Matcha Latte is the kind of drink that instantly makes you smile. With its eye-catching layers of fresh strawberry puree, creamy milk, and vibrant green matcha, it’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Sweet, earthy, and smooth — this iced latte brings together unexpected flavors in perfect harmony.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I made a Strawberry Matcha Latte, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would blend. But one sip in, I was hooked. The sweet, jammy strawberry at the bottom. The rich, creamy milk in the middle. And the slightly bitter, grassy matcha floating on top. It felt like sipping through a mini flavor adventure. It’s now one of my favorite go-to drinks when I want something that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While this drink has gained serious popularity in cafes around the world, it actually takes cues from traditional Japanese matcha and Korean fruit milk drinks. The visual layering is inspired by the café culture boom, where drinks are as much about presentation as flavor. It’s a modern mash-up with roots in centuries-old tea rituals and beloved fruit flavors — and now it’s a TikTok favorite too.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Matcha Latte

This drink isn’t just beautiful, it’s packed with flavor and flexibility.

Versatile: Enjoy it with any milk, sweetener, or fruit base you like.

Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than your favorite café version — and just as good.

Quick and Easy: Only takes about 10 minutes to prep and assemble.

Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, milk type, or matcha strength to taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a stunner at brunch, parties, or your afternoon pick-me-up.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the strawberry base and matcha in advance.

Great for Leftovers: Leftover strawberry puree is amazing on toast or in yogurt.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that café-quality look and taste, keep these tips in mind:

• Use ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Sift the matcha before whisking to avoid clumps.
• Let the strawberry puree cool before layering or it’ll melt your ice and mix too fast.
• Add ice to help hold the layers as you pour.
• Use a wide glass to show off those striking colors.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy barista tools needed — just some simple kitchen basics.

Tall Glass: To showcase the beautiful layers.

Blender or Fork: To mash or puree the strawberries.

Small Bowl and Whisk: For dissolving the matcha.

Spoon: To help layer the drink without mixing.

Measuring Cups: For accurate portions.

Ingredients in Strawberry Matcha Latte

These ingredients come together to create a drink that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful.

1. Fresh Strawberries: 1/2 cup (hulled and chopped). Sweet and juicy, they create the fruity base.
2. Sugar or Honey: 1 to 2 tablespoons. Sweetens the strawberries to taste.
3. Milk of Choice: 3/4 cup (chilled). Balances the earthy matcha and fruit flavors.
4. Matcha Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds grassy, umami richness and bright green color.
5. Hot Water: 1/4 cup. Used to dissolve and activate the matcha.
6. Ice Cubes: As needed. Keeps the drink cold and helps maintain the layers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to make this drink your own with a few swaps.

Strawberries: Use raspberries or a strawberry jam diluted with water.

Sugar or Honey: Try maple syrup or agave for different sweetness notes.

Milk of Choice: Use oat, almond, soy, or dairy — whatever suits your taste.

Matcha Powder: There’s no real substitute, but you can skip it for a fruity latte.

Ingredient Spotlight

Matcha Powder: Made from finely ground green tea leaves, it adds a rich earthiness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Strawberries: Their natural sweetness and bright acidity add a vibrant pop of flavor and color, making this drink feel like dessert in a glass.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Matcha Latte

Get ready to layer up some flavor. Here’s how to build your perfect Strawberry Matcha Latte.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   No heating required, but make sure your glass is clean and dry.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Mash strawberries with sugar in a small bowl until juicy and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In another bowl, whisk matcha with hot water until fully dissolved and frothy.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spoon the strawberry mixture into the bottom of a tall glass. Add ice cubes.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Pour the chilled milk over the ice slowly. Then gently pour the matcha over the back of a spoon to float it on top.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Garnish with a strawberry slice on the rim or a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve with a straw and stir just before sipping to blend all the beautiful layers.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This latte is all about the balance of creamy, juicy, and earthy. The strawberry layer is slightly thick and sweet. The milk gives smoothness and softens the tang. And the matcha? It cuts through with a touch of bitter green tea complexity. Every sip delivers a new wave of texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your latte truly café-worthy with these tricks:

• Use cold milk for better layering.
• Pour each layer slowly to prevent mixing.
• For a smoothie version, blend everything together with ice!
• Add vanilla extract to the milk for extra flavor depth.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to get that perfect sip:

• Don’t pour matcha too fast. It will sink instead of floating.
• Avoid hot strawberry puree. It melts ice and muddles the look.
• Don’t skip straining matcha. Clumps ruin the smooth finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1
Calories per serving: 140

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the strawberry puree and matcha mixture a day ahead. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, just layer with fresh ice and milk. Avoid storing fully assembled drinks as the layers will blend and the ice will dilute the flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Latte

Serve in a tall clear glass to showcase the colors. Add a reusable straw and pair it with a light breakfast like a fruit parfait or avocado toast. It’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon recharge.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use any leftover ingredients for these fun ideas:

• Mix strawberry puree into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Freeze extra matcha in ice cube trays for quick iced lattes.
• Blend all layers together for a smoothie-style version.

Additional Tips

• Use ceremonial matcha for vibrant green and smooth taste.
• Sweeten to taste — some like it barely sweet, others love a dessert vibe.
• Try layering with flavored milk like vanilla or coconut for variety.

Make It a Showstopper

To impress, top with whipped cream and a dusting of matcha powder. Serve with a dessert spoon so guests can scoop the strawberry layer. Or layer in a mason jar with a twine bow for that Instagram-ready look.

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Matcha Latte: Use blueberry compote for a blue twist.
• Mango Matcha Latte: Try mango puree instead of strawberries.
• Strawberry Coconut Latte: Use coconut milk for tropical vibes.
• Vanilla Strawberry Matcha: Add vanilla syrup to the milk layer.
• Iced Blended Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frappé-style drink.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this without matcha?

A1: Yes! Just enjoy the strawberry milk version — it’s still delicious.

Q2: Is this drink vegan?

A2: It can be — just use plant-based milk and sweeteners.

Q3: What’s the best milk to use?

A3: Oat milk is creamy and neutral, but almond and dairy work well too.

Q4: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A4: Yes, thaw them first and mash or blend into puree.

Q5: How do I keep the layers separate?

A5: Pour slowly over ice and use a spoon to help float the matcha.

Q6: Can I sweeten the matcha too?

A6: Definitely — stir in honey or syrup after whisking.

Q7: How long does it last in the fridge?

A7: Prep components can last 1–2 days, but serve fresh for best layering.

Q8: What kind of matcha should I buy?

A8: Look for ceremonial grade for the best taste and vibrant green.

Q9: Can I make this hot?

A9: Yes, skip the ice and warm the milk — though it won’t layer the same.

Q10: Is this kid-friendly?

A10: Yes, but keep in mind matcha contains caffeine — use decaf or skip it.

Conclusion

Strawberry Matcha Latte is a dreamy, creamy, and utterly delightful drink that combines the best of sweet berries and earthy matcha. It looks fancy, tastes amazing, and takes just minutes to make. Trust me, it’s worth every swirl and sip.

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