This Strawberry Matcha Latte combines fresh strawberries and matcha into a refreshing fruity, milky drink!
Craving a refreshing, layered drink? Meet your next favorite: the famous Strawberry Matcha Latte. With real strawberries, matcha tea, and the distinct layers of strawberry milk and green tea powder, this latte offers a delightful fusion of flavors that dance on the tongue.
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 the combo of strawberries and matcha? Then dive into this easy recipe for the best Strawberry Matcha Latte! This recipe can be adapted as a vegan-friendly latte too.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Strawberry Layer
- Strawberries - Fresh strawberries are the key ingredient, transforming this drink into a delightful treat. Even if they're a tad overripe, their rich strawberry flavor will shine through. You can also use frozen strawberries, but make sure they're thawed properly.
- Sweetener - Maple syrup offers a natural, subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with strawberries. Alternatively, cane sugar or brown sugar can be used. Liquid syrups (such as liquid stevia) are a great option, especially if you're blending the strawberries. You can also use simple syrups or agave.
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 of Choice - While semi-skimmed dairy milk is wonderful, plant-based options like almond milk and oat milk are equally delightful. Oat milk, with its creamy consistency, is my personal preference!
- Ice Cubes - Perfect for a chilled, iced matcha latte during warm days.
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.
Matcha Layer
- Matcha Tea - Using ceremonial matcha is recommended for its vibrant green color and rich flavor. However, considering the different grades of matcha available, a good quality culinary grade can be a budget-friendly alternative.
- Sweetener - Here, both solid and liquid sweeteners can be used. The heat from the milk or water will help dissolve it to achieve a smooth matcha layer.
- 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.
How to Make the Delicious Strawberry Matcha Latte
This easy strawberry matcha latte recipe is divided into pretty layers, for a visual treat before the first sip.
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: This method releases a deep strawberry sauce that becomes the foundation of this pink drink. Dice the strawberries and simmer with the sweetener in a saucepan for 4-5 minutes. Use the back of a fork to mash them lightly, releasing their juices and flavor. This method is perfect for those who love a textured strawberry mixture.
Divide the strawberries and syrup between two serving glasses. This will make the bottom layer of the latte. - Blender Method: For those who love a smooth texture, pureed strawberries are the way to go. Blend strawberries with a liquid sweetener in a small bullet blender. This will leave you with a consistent strawberry purée that settles beautifully at the bottom of the glass.
Milk Layer
Place ice cubes in your serving glass and pour over your milk of choice, be it dairy or non-dairy milk. The ice will give a refreshing touch, perfect for a summer day.
Matcha Layer
In a small bowl, sift the matcha to avoid lumps. Add your sweetener and pour in hot milk or water. Using a matcha whisk or bamboo whisk, whip until frothy. If you don't have a whisk, an electric frother can also be used for a quick, frothy mix. Pour this over the back of a spoon gently atop the milk layer for clean layers.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Latte
- Quality Matcha: Use good quality matcha for the best flavour, colour, and taste.
- Strawberry Layer: 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.
- Clean Layers: Pour each layer slowly to achieve the layered look. Using the back of a spoon helps in maintaining the pretty layers in a tall glass.
- Vegan Version: This recipe can easily be made vegan. Ensure you pick vegan sweeteners and plant-based milk.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Latte
- Matcha Tools: A traditional bamboo whisk, or "chasen", is considered a treasure among matcha enthusiasts. Its fine prongs perfectly whisk matcha into a frothy consistency. If you're frequently indulging in matcha drinks, consider investing in one.
- Blending Tools: For the strawberry purée, a small bullet blender works wonders in achieving a smooth texture. If you're looking to make the drink in larger quantities, a bigger blender will suffice.
- Serving: Choose a tall glass for serving to accentuate the layered look of the latte. Make sure it's transparent to show off those distinct, pretty layers!
Flavour Variations
- Strawberry Matcha Boba Latte: Add some chewy boba pearls or tapioca balls at the bottom of the glass before pouring in the strawberry mixture.
- Creamy Delight: A splash of heavy cream on top can elevate the creaminess and richness of the latte, making it more dessert-like.
- Ice Cold: If you're making this often during summertime, you can make your own strawberry puree ice cubes and have them ready in your ice cube tray. They add flavor while chilling the drink!
Making Ahead and Storing
While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, the strawberry puree or homemade strawberry syrup can be stored in a mason jar in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
FAQs
Yes. Just make sure to thaw the strawberries for at least an hour before using or defrost them overnight.
Absolutely! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent twist.
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 4-6 medium-sized fresh strawberries hulled and diced
- sweetener of choice see notes
Milk Layer
- 240 mL milk semi-skimmed, whole, or plant-based (1 cup)
- ice optional
Matcha Layer
- 2 tsp. good-quality matcha
- 120 mL hot milk or hot water semi-skimmed, whole, or plant-based, or hot water (½ cup)
- sweetener of choice e.g., sugar, honey, maple syrup, stevia
Instructions
- Place diced strawberries and sweetener of choice in a small saucepan and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until strawberries are soft and syrup is released. Alternatively, place halved strawberries and sweetener of choice in a blender and pulse until pureed.Divide strawberries and syrup between 2 serving glasses, placing them at the bottom of each glass.
- Add ice (if using) and ½ cup of warm or cold milk to each serving glass.
- In a separate glass, whisk matcha and sweetener in hot milk or hot water until frothy (or use a milk frother). Divide the mixture and gently pour over the strawberry and milk layers.
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