Strawberry Matcha Latte is quickly becoming a go-to drink for those who love refreshing flavors with a healthy twist. This article dives into how the earthy taste of matcha and the sweetness of strawberries come together perfectly in one glass. You’ll discover our personal connection to this drink, the ingredients that make it shine, how to layer it at home like a pro, and easy customizations for your taste. Whether you’re new to matcha or already a fan, this guide will help you create a delicious Strawberry Matcha Latte that’s easy to make and beautiful to serve.
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Strawberry Matcha Latte – The Perfect Flavor Pairing
Why strawberry and matcha work so well together
We first stumbled upon this magical drink during a hot July in Austin. It was Andre’s birthday, and instead of the usual cake, I surprised him with a tall iced Strawberry Matcha Latte I’d seen online. The drink had layers of soft pink, creamy white, and vibrant green. It wasn’t just pretty, it tasted amazing. The fresh strawberry purée brought a bright, fruity punch that balanced the matcha’s bold earthiness. That very first sip convinced us this wasn’t just a trend. It was a flavor match made in kitchen heaven.
Strawberry Matcha Latte brings together two natural opposites. Matcha is grassy, slightly bitter, and smooth. Strawberries are sweet, tangy, and full of summer. Together, they create a well-balanced drink that’s both energizing and indulgent. Andre, with his Southern taste for bold flavors, loved how the matcha’s punch paired with Mary’s smooth and sweet strawberry blend. It became an instant family favorite.
This drink is not just about flavor. It’s about texture, contrast, and visual delight. Each sip offers layers that evolve on your tongue from sweet to creamy to crisp. That’s why the Strawberry Matcha Latte is more than a drink. It’s an experience. And if you’re anything like us, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.
How we discovered our first homemade version
When we moved to Santa Fe, store-bought versions became rare. So we had to recreate it ourselves in our kitchen. One Saturday morning, while Liam and Coco ran wild across the living room, we decided to try our own version. With a few fresh strawberries, a good whisk, and oat milk, we made our first homemade Strawberry Matcha Latte.
It took us a few tries to get it just right. The first version turned out too bitter, and the next one was overly sweet. But the third time? Pure magic. What made the difference? A hint of maple syrup, fresh strawberry purée, and perfectly whisked matcha.
Even Liam chimed in with a request for a “baby latte” — just the strawberry and milk — and Coco couldn’t stop barking at the sound of the frother. That’s when Recipes Yumz was truly born. Every recipe here gets put through the chaos of our own kitchen. If it works for our family, it’ll work for yours too.
Ingredients & Substitutions for Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
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Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Matcha Latte is a refreshing, naturally layered drink with sweet fruit, creamy milk, and earthy matcha. A perfect summer treat or energizing afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or sugar
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water (160–175°F)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Blend strawberries and sweetener into a smooth purée
- Optional: strain the purée to remove seeds
- Add strawberry purée to bottom of tall glass
- Fill glass with ice over the purée
- Slowly pour in the milk
- Sift matcha into a small bowl and add hot water
- Whisk matcha until frothy using bamboo whisk
- Pour matcha gently over milk to layer
- Stir before drinking or enjoy layered
Notes
- For best layering, chill all ingredients before assembling
- Use oat milk for a creamier texture and better layer separation
- Adjust sweetener based on how ripe your strawberries are
- Store leftover strawberry purée in fridge up to 5 days
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Key ingredients for a great latte
A great strawberry matcha latte begins with top-notch ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, but each element matters. Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious balance of flavor, color, and texture:
Ingredient | Purpose | Tips |
---|---|---|
Matcha powder | Earthy, energizing green tea base | Use ceremonial-grade for vibrant color and smooth taste |
Strawberries | Sweet, fruity flavor and color | Fresh or frozen work—just be sure to blend well |
Milk or milk alternative | Creaminess and texture | Oat, almond, or dairy all work—go unsweetened for control |
Sweetener (optional) | Enhances strawberry and balances bitterness | Maple syrup, honey, or cane sugar—adjust to taste |
Hot water | Needed to whisk matcha into a smooth tea | Use just enough—about 2 tablespoons |
Here’s the matcha secret: ceremonial-grade delivers a mellow, grassy flavor and bold color, making it perfect for lattes. Culinary-grade, by contrast, is better suited for baking and recipes that need a stronger punch. It may cost more, but it makes a big difference in flavor. Culinary matcha works if you’re on a budget, but expect a slightly more bitter finish. For strawberries, fresh is ideal in summer, but frozen berries are just as good when blended.
When it comes to milk, we’re big fans of oat milk. It’s creamy, mild, and creates the cleanest layers, according to Andre. For dairy-free options, almond or coconut milk each bring their own flavor twist. Just be sure to choose unsweetened milk so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Substitutions and vegan options
This drink is flexible, which makes it even better for busy families or different diets. For vegan versions, just stick with plant-based milk and skip honey if you use it as a sweetener. Maple syrup blends smoothly into both the purée and the matcha.
Want to cut back on sugar? You can make the strawberry base without added sweetener if your berries are naturally sweet. Or use a sugar-free syrup like monk fruit or stevia-based blends. Just be careful, some substitutes might change the texture.
Need to make it nut-free? Oat milk is your best bet. It creates a creamy texture without the allergens. If your matcha is strong or grassy, a touch of vanilla extract in the milk adds balance without overpowering the strawberry.
In short, the Strawberry Matcha Latte is easy to customize. That’s what makes it a staple in our kitchen, it works with whatever we have on hand. Whether you want it vegan, sugar-free, or extra creamy, there’s a version that’s perfect for your taste.
A Simple Homemade Strawberry Matcha Latte Tutorial
Preparing the strawberry purée or syrup
The foundation of a good Strawberry Matcha Latte is the fruit layer. It’s sweet, thick, and naturally colorful. To make it, start by blending ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or sugar. You can also add a small splash of water if needed to help the blender work smoothly.
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. We usually skip that step, our son Liam doesn’t mind the pulp, and we love the extra fiber. But for a layered look, smooth puree creates a cleaner separation in the glass.
For a cooked version that lasts longer, simmer the strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice for 5–10 minutes until thickened. Let it cool fully before using. This syrup version is a great option if you plan to make several drinks throughout the week. Just keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought strawberry purée or even strawberry jam thinned with a bit of water can work in a pinch. We’ve done this on busy mornings, and while the flavor isn’t as bright, it still makes for a beautiful drink.
Whisking matcha and assembling the layers
Matcha is delicate. Failing to sift or whisk the matcha thoroughly can leave you with gritty bits and a harsh aftertaste. To prepare, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl. Add about 2 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling—aim for 160–175°F) and whisk quickly in a zig-zag motion using a bamboo whisk or milk frother until frothy.
Now for the layering. Add a spoonful of strawberry purée to the base of a tall glass to start building your latte.Add a generous amount of ice to help the layers stay separate. Then pour in ¾ cup of milk slowly over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the purée.
Finally, pour the matcha gently over the milk using the same spoon technique. This step is key to getting the stunning green layer on top. If your matcha sinks, try chilling it longer next time or reduce the milk slightly.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Add strawberry purée to glass
- Fill glass with ice
- Slowly pour in milk
- Gently pour matcha on top
- Serve immediately, stir before sipping
Stir before drinking or leave it layered for that wow-factor photo. Either way, it’s beautiful, refreshing, and perfect for a mid-afternoon break.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Layering tricks and customization ideas
The beautiful look of a Strawberry Matcha Latte isn’t just luck—it’s all about technique. If your drink always turns out mixed or cloudy, don’t worry. These simple tips will help you get that stunning three-layer look every time.
Start by chilling every ingredient, cold milk and matcha are heavier and less likely to blend too early. Once the strawberry purée is in the glass, add a generous amount of ice. The ice helps create a natural barrier between the fruit layer and the milk.
Next, slowly pour the milk over the back of a spoon to gently layer it above the strawberry base. Use the same slow-pour method for the matcha, allowing it to gently float atop the milk without blending in. Using a clear glass lets you fully appreciate the beautiful, distinct layers before giving it a stir.
Looking to make your latte your own? Here are some easy ways to customize it:
- Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla or strawberry syrup for extra sweetness.
- Use flavored plant milks like vanilla almond or coconut for a twist.
- Freeze strawberry purée into ice cubes for a slow-melting upgrade.
- Add collagen powder or protein powder to the milk for a boost.
These tricks help you match the drink to your mood or dietary needs. Some days, we like it light and fruity. Others, we go full dessert mode with strawberry sweet cream on top.
Creative twists and perfect pairings
This latte goes beyond your average drink, it’s a full-on sensory experience. Pair it with a soft treat like a matcha muffin or a tender strawberry scone. It’s also the perfect sweet finish to a light midday meal.
Want to turn it into a bubble tea? Add ¼ cup of cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of your glass before layering. You can also turn it into a frozen drink by blending all three components with ice for a slushy-style treat.
Another fun twist: strawberry whipped cream. Blend cold heavy cream, strawberry syrup, and a pinch of sugar until whipped. Top your drink with it and a sprinkle of matcha powder.
For something extra on special days, try matcha-coated strawberries. Melt white chocolate, stir in matcha powder, and dip chilled strawberries. Let them set in the fridge before serving them alongside your latte.
These fun upgrades make your Strawberry Matcha Latte feel like a homemade specialty drink without the café price. Around here, it’s become a beloved weekend tradition. Even Liam joins in with his kid-friendly version (no matcha, just the fruity layers).
Discover great ideas like Baja Shrimp Tacos that pair surprisingly well with sweet drinks like this.
Check out Grapefruit Soda Recipes if you’re in the mood for a citrusy twist after your matcha treat.
Conclusion
Strawberry Matcha Latte is more than a trend, it’s a flavor-forward, feel-good drink that fits right into a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up or want to impress guests with a stunning layered creation, this latte delivers. From our first attempts in Austin to our weekend rituals in Santa Fe, it’s become a family favorite that checks every box: beautiful, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
Grab your whisk, fresh berries, and favorite milk, no coffee shop required. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a Strawberry Matcha Latte that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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FAQs about Strawberry Matcha Latte
Is strawberry good with matcha?
Absolutely. The sweet, bright flavor of strawberries perfectly balances the earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha. It’s a refreshing combination that feels both indulgent and clean. The fruit cuts through the grassy notes, making matcha more approachable, especially for beginners. That’s why the Strawberry Matcha Latte has become such a popular drink, especially during spring and summer.
Can you get a strawberry matcha latte at Starbucks?
Yes, but not always as a standard item. Some Starbucks locations offer it as a custom order, combining iced matcha with strawberry purée or strawberry cold foam. You can also create your own version by ordering an iced matcha latte with a scoop of strawberry purée. While not officially on the menu nationwide, many customers have shared versions that baristas can build upon request.
How do you make matcha strawberry latte?
Start by making a strawberry purée by blending strawberries with a sweetener of your choice. In a glass, add the purée and fill with ice. Pour in your preferred milk slowly. Separately, whisk matcha with hot water until frothy and smooth. Pour it gently over the milk to create visible layers. Stir before drinking or enjoy the aesthetic. For added texture, you can use boba pearls or top with cream.
Why is Gen Z obsessed with matcha?
Gen Z loves matcha for its clean energy boost, bold color, and health benefits. It contains antioxidants, provides a calmer caffeine effect than coffee, and looks great in layered drinks on social media. Platforms like TikTok have turned matcha drinks—including the Strawberry Matcha Latte—into visual trends, blending wellness and creativity. It’s tasty, functional, and camera-ready, all of which appeal to this generation’s values and aesthetics.