Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing and visually stunning drink to brighten your day, the Strawberry Matcha Latte is about to become your new go-to treat. This delightful fusion pairs sweet strawberry puree with vibrant, grassy matcha and creamy milk, creating dreamy layers that taste just as fabulous as they look. Whether you’re looking for a way to welcome spring, impress a brunch crowd, or simply celebrate the flavors of matcha and strawberries, this drink brings the wow factor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Strawberry Matcha Latte so irresistible is its beautiful simplicity: everyday ingredients come together to deliver fresh flavor, bold color, and the perfect balance of sweet and earthy notes. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, hulled and quartered): The juicy star of the show! Use the ripest berries you can find for maximum sweetness and that vibrant pink hue.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to bring out the natural sweetness of the berries without overpowering them.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a little zing and balances the sweetness, giving the strawberry flavor a lift.
- High-quality matcha powder (2 teaspoons): Opt for ceremonial or at least high-grade matcha for that signature bright green color and clean, delicate taste.
- Hot water (2 ounces, about 175°F): Just hot enough to coax out the matcha’s flavor without bitterness—don’t boil!
- Milk of your choice (1 cup): Whether you love classic dairy or are a fan of almond, oat, or soy, each milk brings its own creaminess and subtle undertones.
- Simple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon, optional): Perfect for those who prefer their drinks a touch sweeter.
- Ice cubes: Essential for creating that cool, refreshing texture while helping the colorful layers stand out.
- Optional: Whipped cream, extra strawberries for garnish: These finishing touches turn your latte into a coffee shop-worthy treat.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte
Step 1: Cook the Strawberries
Start by adding your hulled and quartered strawberries to a medium saucepan, along with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Bring everything to medium heat and allow the strawberries to work their magic, releasing those wonderfully fragrant juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, as the sugar melts and everything melds together.
Step 2: Simmer and Soften
Let the strawberries come to a gentle simmer over the next 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then. As they soften, the mixture will thicken and break down, making your kitchen smell like summertime. You’ll know it’s ready when the berries are meltingly soft and saucy.
Step 3: Blend the Strawberry Puree
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully transfer the hot strawberry mixture into a blender, or use an immersion blender right in the pan. Blend until completely smooth. Remember to vent the blender lid a little to let steam escape—no pink kitchen explosions, please!
Step 4: Strain for Smoothness (Optional)
For the silkiest strawberry layer, press the puree through a fine-mesh sieve. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a luxuriously smooth drink without seeds or pulp.
Step 5: Cool the Puree
Transfer your puree to a jar or airtight container and let it cool completely before assembling your Strawberry Matcha Latte. You can even make this ahead and store it in the fridge for up to five days—a real time-saver!
Step 6: Sift and Prepare the Matcha
Sift your matcha powder into a small bowl—a quick step that pays off in preventing lumps. Pour the hot (not boiling) water over the powder, then whisk vigorously in a W or M motion until frothy and vivid green. Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) if you have one for the best texture!
Step 7: Assemble the Strawberry Matcha Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then spoon in 2–3 tablespoons of your cooled strawberry puree. Gently pour the milk of your choice over the ice and strawberry layer—watch as the pretty pink slowly peeks through. If you like a sweeter latte, swirl in simple syrup or honey at this stage and mix it in gently.
Step 8: Add the Matcha Concentrate
Here’s the magic: slowly pour the frothy matcha concentrate over the back of a spoon held above the glass. This helps create the gorgeous layered effect everyone loves in a Strawberry Matcha Latte. Admire your handiwork—don’t forget to snap a photo!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Top your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra matcha, or a fresh strawberry on the rim for a show-stopping finish. Sip immediately and enjoy the interplay of flavors with every swirl.
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Latte
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Matcha Latte truly special, finish it off with a swirl of whipped cream, a bright strawberry on the rim, or a dusting of matcha powder for an artistic touch. Edible flowers or a drizzle of strawberry syrup can also turn your drink into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece!
Side Dishes
Pair your latte with a light pastry like a lemon scone, almond biscotti, or a flaky almond croissant. The sweet and earthy flavors in the drink balance beautifully with buttery or nutty snacks, making the Strawberry Matcha Latte a fabulous centerpiece for brunch or teatime.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY Strawberry Matcha Latte bar and let friends customize their drink with different milks, sweeteners, and toppings. Serve in clear glasses or mason jars to showcase those gorgeous pink and green layers. For a special occasion, add festive straws or tiny cocktail umbrellas—it’s all about the details!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover strawberry puree or matcha concentrate, keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The strawberry puree will stay fresh for up to five days, while matcha is best used within a day for optimal flavor and color.
Freezing
Strawberry puree can be frozen in an ice cube tray and then stored in a bag for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before using. Freezing assembled Strawberry Matcha Latte isn’t recommended, since the different layers and textures won’t hold up.
Reheating
This Latte is meant to be an iced treat, but if you’d like a cozy, warm version, gently heat the strawberry puree and milk in a saucepan, whisk in the warm matcha, and skip the ice. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using them in the puree. You may need to simmer them a minute or two longer to reach the right thickness.
Is there a non-dairy option for Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Yes! The recipe is incredibly flexible. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work beautifully and bring their own subtle twists to the drink. Just choose your favorite.
How can I make the latte less sweet?
Simply reduce or omit the sugar in the strawberry puree, and skip the optional simple syrup or honey. Both strawberries and matcha have natural flavors that shine through—even with minimal added sweetness.
Can I prepare the matcha ahead of time?
You can whisk and chill matcha a few hours ahead, but it’s best made fresh for the brightest color and flavor. If stored a bit too long, matcha may lose its signature froth or take on a slightly muted hue.
Why isn’t my drink as layered as in pictures?
To achieve those eye-catching layers in your Strawberry Matcha Latte, make sure the strawberry puree and milk are cold and pour the matcha gently over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. Using plenty of ice and not rushing the pour both help keep those gorgeous layers distinct.
Final Thoughts
Give this vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Matcha Latte a try—you’ll fall in love with the colors, flavors, and the simple joy it brings to any day. It’s a drink that never fails to impress, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of fresh strawberries and creamy matcha with this Strawberry Matcha Latte recipe. Perfect for a refreshing drink on a warm day!
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Matcha Latte:
- 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder
- 2 ounces hot water (around 175°F)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, soy, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey (optional)
Additional:
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Whipped cream, extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook the Strawberries: Place the saucepan over medium heat. As the strawberries heat up, they will release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Soften: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries are very soft and have broken down. The mixture should thicken slightly.
- Blend the Puree: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully transfer the strawberry mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan. Blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; vent the blender lid to prevent pressure buildup.
- Strain (Optional): For a smoother puree, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. This step is optional but recommended for a more refined texture.
- Cool the Puree: Allow the strawberry puree to cool completely before using it in the latte. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Sift the Matcha: Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl. This helps to remove any clumps and ensures a smoother concentrate.
- Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water (around 175°F) over the sifted matcha powder. It’s important that the water isn’t boiling, as this can make the matcha taste bitter.
- Whisk the Matcha: Use a bamboo whisk or small whisk to vigorously whisk the matcha and water together until frothy.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the matcha concentrate is too strong, add a little more hot water to dilute it slightly.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Pour strawberry puree into the glass.
- Pour in the Milk: Gently pour milk over the strawberry puree and ice.
- Sweeten (Optional): Add simple syrup or honey to the milk if desired.
- Add Matcha Concentrate: Pour the matcha concentrate over the milk.
- Stir (Optional): Stir if desired.
- Garnish (Optional): Top with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Strawberry Matcha Latte!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing, Blending
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Strawberry Matcha Latte, Matcha Drink, Strawberry Drink, Refreshing Beverage
