Strawberry Matcha Latte

This Strawberry Matcha Latte combines fresh strawberries and matcha into a refreshing fruity, milky drink!

Want to meet your next favourite latte? Fruity fresh strawberries combined with earthy matcha flavours in one simple delicious latte!

This strawberry matcha latte is quick and easy to make and requires just 4 ingredients: fresh strawberries, milk, sweetener of your choice, and matcha. It's divided in 3 layers, which makes this latte distinctive and colorful!

Love strawberries and matcha? Then this latte recipe is for you!

This recipe can be adapted as a vegan-friendly latte too.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Strawberry Layer

Strawberries - ideally use fresh strawberries - it's fine if they're a bit overripe or ugly, they will be mashed and mixed in the latte anyway.

You can make this latte using frozen strawberries too, just make sure to defrost them or thaw them at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Sweetener - you can use any sweetener of your choice. For the strawberry layer, I used brown sugar as it blends nicely with strawberry flavours.

Other good choices are granulated sugar, agave syrup, liquid stevia or simple syrup.

Note: liquid syrups work best if you will be blending the strawberries in a blender instead of heating them in a saucepan.

Milk Layer

Milk - you can use various types of milk here. I made this recipe using semi-skimmed dairy milk, but other options such as whole milk and plant-based milk work well too.

Note: If using plant-based milk, go for a neutral-flavored milk which will not overpower the matcha and strawberry flavours. My personal choice would be oat milk since it's thick, creamy, slightly sweet, has a mild flavor, and is perfect for lattes!

Other good plant-based milk options are soy milk and rice milk.

Ice - this is optional but ideal if you're serving a cold latte in summer!

Matcha Layer

Matcha - my recommendation here is to use ceremonial grade matcha for the best quality and taste.

That being said, ceremonial grade matcha can be quite expensive to buy, so I would suggest using good quality (or premium) culinary grade matcha.

Milk or Water - the matcha layer can be made using milk or water. If you prefer a creamy, milky latte like me, then milk would be the best option.

If using milk, you can use your preferred type, similar to the milk layer options mentioned above.

Otherwise, use hot water for whisking in the matcha.

Sweetener - you can use any sweetener of choice here and add your desired amount.

It doesn't matter if the sweetener is solid or liquid based for this layer, since it will dissolve in hot milk/water.

How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte

This latte is simple to make and the process is divided in 3 layers:

Strawberry Layer

Make sure the strawberries are washed and hulled before using. There are two ways for preparing the strawberry layer. Choose the most feasible method out of the two.

The saucepan method is my preferred choice since simmering the strawberries in sugar releases strawberry syrup which will burst this latte with strawberry flavour!

Saucepan Method

For this method, use diced strawberries.

Place diced strawberries and sweetener of choice in a small saucepan on medium heat.
Note: you can use a solid sweetener here such as granulated or brown sugar.

Simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until strawberries are soft and syrup is released.

Tip: Use a fork or masher to lightly "mash" the strawberries to release more syrup!

Divide the strawberries and syrup between two serving glasses. This will make the bottom layer of the latte.

Blender Method

Alternatively, you can place halved strawberries and a liquid-based sweetener in a blender and pulse until strawberries are pureed.

Milk Layer

Add ice (if using) on top of the strawberry layer.

Pour half a cup of warm or cold milk over the strawberry layer.

Matcha Layer

Place matcha and sweetener of choice in a separate bowl.

Add hot milk or hot water and whisk the matcha until frothy.

Tip: You can also use a milk frother for this step.

Slowly and gently, pour the matcha layer on top of the milk layer of your serving glasses.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Latte

• Use good quality matcha for the best flavour, colour, and taste.
  
• If you don't mind strawberry bits in your latte, I recommend using the saucepan method. If you prefer a "smoother" strawberry layer, then you can either strain the strawberries or use the blender method and blend until smooth.
  
• Use a liquid-based sweetener if blending the strawberry layer in a blender (or food processor) to make sure it dissolves. If using the saucepan method, you can use a solid-sweetener such as sugar.
  
• For the matcha layer, you can use a solid sweetener (such as sugar). This will dissolve since you will be using hot milk or water and whisking in the matcha.
  
• If making the strawberry layer using the saucepan method, use a fork or masher and lightly mash the strawberries to release more syrup and flavour!
  
• For a creamier latte, use milk for the matcha layer. For a lighter, less creamy latte, use hot water.
  
• Use a milk frother for whisking the matcha layer for frothiness and texture.
  
• Add ice for a cold latte.
  
• Add boba pearls or tapioca balls for a bubble tea version!
  
• This recipe is suitable for vegans. Make sure to use plant-based milk and vegan-friendly sweeteners. Matcha powder is vegan-friendly. It is made from tea-leaves, so it's completely plant-based.

Making Ahead and Storing

This matcha strawberry latte is best served fresh so I recommend making it and serving it straight away!

The strawberry layer can be made ahead and store in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs

Other Strawberry Matcha Recipes

No-bake Strawberry Matcha Cheesecake

Strawberry Matcha Smoothie