We’ve discovered the perfect fusion of East meets West in this stunning iced strawberry matcha latte. This vibrant drink combines the earthy richness of premium matcha powder with sweet strawberry flavors and creamy milk, creating a refreshing beverage that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
The beautiful layered pink and green colors make this latte a showstopper that’ll impress your friends and satisfy your caffeine cravings. Unlike traditional coffee drinks, matcha provides sustained energy without the jitters, while fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and antioxidants.
We’ll show you how to create this café-quality drink at home using simple ingredients and easy techniques. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or strawberry lover, this iced latte delivers the perfect balance of flavors that’ll become your new favorite summer refresher.
Ingredients
Creating this stunning iced strawberry matcha latte requires just a handful of fresh ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and color. We’ve organized the ingredients by preparation stage to make your brewing process seamless.
For the Strawberry Syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Matcha Layer
- 2 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (175°F)
- 1 cup whole milk or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
For Assembly
- 2 tall glasses (12-16 oz capacity)
- Additional ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
- Matcha powder for dusting
- Whipped cream (optional)
Equipment Needed
Creating the perfect iced strawberry matcha latte requires exact tools that ensure smooth preparation and professional results. We recommend gathering all equipment before starting to streamline your brewing process.
Essential Whisking Tools
A matcha whisk or electric frothing whisk stands as our most critical tool for achieving that signature smooth matcha texture. Traditional bamboo whisks work beautifully for ceremonial preparation while electric frothers offer convenience for daily brewing.
Water Heating Equipment
Your tea kettle becomes essential for heating water to the optimal temperature for matcha preparation. We need precise heat control to avoid bitter flavors that result from overheated water.
Preparation Tools
A sift transforms lumpy matcha powder into silky smooth perfection by removing any clumps before whisking. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy in our ratios while a kitchen scale provides even more precision for consistent results.
Strawberry Processing Equipment
Fresh strawberry preparation requires either a muddler for simple mashing or a blender and food processor for creating smooth purees. We find that proper strawberry preparation significantly impacts the final drink’s texture and flavor distribution.
Serving Essentials
Tall glasses or 16oz glasses showcase the beautiful layered appearance of our finished latte. Wide drinking straws make sipping easier while allowing you to enjoy all flavor components with each drink.
Optional Enhancement Tools
A Boston shaker provides professional mixing capabilities for those wanting to elevate their preparation technique. An ice cube tray ensures you have plenty of fresh ice ready for serving this refreshing beverage.
Garnishing Equipment
Freeze dried strawberries create stunning visual appeal when sprinkled on top of the finished latte. We recommend having these decorative elements prepared in advance for seamless presentation.
Directions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s create this beautiful layered iced strawberry matcha latte. We’ll work through each component step by step to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
We begin by creating our vibrant strawberry syrup base. Add 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries and 1 cup granulated sugar to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth with no visible fruit chunks remaining.
Pour the blended strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup water to the strained mixture and place the pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. This process typically takes 2 to 3 hours for optimal temperature.
Make the Matcha Mixture
We prepare our matcha base by combining 1 teaspoon matcha powder with 2 tablespoons hot water in a small bowl. The water temperature should reach approximately 175°F for best results.
Whisk the matcha and water together using either a traditional bamboo whisk or electric frothing whisk. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and no powder clumps remain visible. The consistency should appear creamy and well incorporated.
Adjust the water amount based on your preferred matcha intensity. Add more hot water for a milder flavor or reduce slightly for a stronger matcha taste.
Assemble the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
We start assembly by filling a tall glass with ice cubes to create the perfect chilled base. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of our prepared strawberry syrup to the bottom of the glass.
Pour the prepared matcha mixture slowly over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers. This technique helps maintain separation between the strawberry and matcha components for visual appeal.
Add 4 oz (120 ml) of your chosen milk by pouring it gently over the matcha layer. We can use whole milk for richness or substitute with oat milk or other non-dairy alternatives for dietary preferences.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices placed on the rim or floating on top. Dust lightly with additional matcha powder for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately with a wide straw for the best drinking experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Master the Strawberry Preparation
We recommend macerating your strawberries properly for maximum flavor extraction. Use a fork to mix 5-7 strawberries with ¼ cup granulated white sugar and lightly mash them to release their natural juices. This technique creates a more concentrated strawberry flavor that won’t get diluted by ice.
Finely chopping your strawberries ensures easy drinking and evenly distributed flavor throughout the latte. We’ve found that storing strawberry puree in the refrigerator for up to five days allows you to prepare multiple drinks with convenience.
Perfect Your Matcha Technique
Sifting your matcha powder into a bowl prevents clumps from forming in your final drink. We always use 2 teaspoons of high-quality matcha green tea powder for the best flavor profile. Mix the sifted matcha with ½ cup hot water using boiling water to ensure smooth whisking and a clump-free tea.
The water temperature matters significantly for matcha preparation. Using boiling water guarantees that your matcha dissolves completely and creates that signature smooth texture we all love.
Elevate with Strawberry Variations
Creating a strawberry syrup offers another flavor dimension to your latte. Cook strawberries with sugar and water to make this concentrated syrup and strain it before letting it cool completely. This syrup option provides more intense strawberry flavor than fresh fruit alone.
We suggest trying strawberry whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with strawberry syrup for an indulgent topping. This addition transforms your latte into a dessert-like experience.
Optimize Your Milk Selection
Experimenting with different milk types creates unique textures and taste profiles for your latte. Almond milk provides a nutty undertone while oat milk offers natural sweetness. Coconut milk adds tropical richness and dairy milk delivers classic creaminess.
Each milk option interacts differently with the matcha and strawberry flavors. We recommend testing various combinations to discover your personal preference.
Assembly and Presentation Tips
Adding ice to your glass first creates the foundation for proper layering. Pour your chosen milk over the ice before topping with the prepared matcha and strawberry mixture for the most visually appealing presentation.
Temperature control throughout the process maintains the drink’s refreshing quality. We ensure all components except the matcha are chilled before assembly to prevent premature melting and flavor dilution.
Variations and Customizations
We love how versatile this iced strawberry matcha latte recipe can be to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences. Let us explore the exciting ways we can customize this delightful beverage.
Dairy-Free Options
Plant-based milk alternatives work beautifully in our strawberry matcha latte without compromising taste or texture. Almond milk provides a nutty undertone that complements the earthy matcha flavors perfectly. Oat milk creates an incredibly creamy consistency that rivals traditional dairy milk while adding subtle sweetness.
For those seeking stronger strawberry notes we recommend using strawberry-flavored non-dairy milk as your base. This option amplifies the berry flavors while maintaining the dairy-free integrity of your latte. Coconut milk offers richness and tropical hints that pair surprisingly well with both matcha and strawberry elements.
Sweetness Adjustments
Controlling sweetness levels allows us to create the perfect balance for individual palates. Granulated sugar dissolves easily in cold preparations and provides clean sweetness without altering flavors. Honey brings floral notes that enhance the natural strawberry essence while maple syrup contributes caramel undertones.
Vanilla extract serves dual purposes by adding subtle sweetness alongside flavor depth that bridges the gap between matcha and strawberry components. We suggest starting with smaller amounts of any sweetener and adjusting upward to avoid overpowering the delicate matcha character.
Flavor Variations
Macerated strawberries at the bottom of our glass create stunning visual layers while intensifying berry flavors throughout each sip. This technique involves letting diced strawberries sit with sugar to release their natural juices and create a concentrated flavor base.
Strawberry cold foam transforms the drinking experience by blending fresh strawberries with heavy cream or non-dairy alternatives to create a luxurious topping. This foam adds textural interest and delivers bursts of strawberry flavor with every sip. Strawberry jam offers a simpler alternative when fresh berries are unavailable while providing consistent sweetness and rich berry taste.
We can enhance the matcha experience by using a bamboo whisk to create perfectly frothy texture that elevates the entire drink presentation and mouthfeel.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead transforms this iced strawberry matcha latte from a time-consuming treat into a quick refreshing beverage. We can prepare several components in advance to streamline the assembly process and ensure consistent flavor every time.
Strawberry Syrup Preparation
Our strawberry syrup stores beautifully for multiple servings throughout the week. We recommend preparing a double or triple batch of the strawberry puree and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The concentrated flavors actually intensify over time, creating an even more vibrant strawberry base for our lattes.
Matcha Concentrate Storage
Fresh matcha delivers the best flavor, but we can prepare a matcha concentrate ahead of time for convenience. We whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth and store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Natural separation may occur during storage, so we simply stir the concentrate before use to restore its smooth consistency.
Milk Preparation
We can chill our chosen milk ahead of assembly time. Cold milk creates better layering and maintains the refreshing temperature we want in our finished drink. Store the milk in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Assembly Timeline
The following table shows optimal make-ahead storage for each component:
| Component | Make-Ahead Option | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry puree | Yes | Up to 5 days |
| Matcha concentrate | Yes (partial) | Up to 24 hours |
| Milk | Yes | Refrigerate |
Best Practices for Storage
We combine the chilled strawberry puree, milk, and fresh matcha just before serving over ice for the freshest taste and optimal texture. This approach preserves the distinct layers while ensuring each component maintains its intended flavor profile. The vibrant colors and smooth textures we worked to create remain intact when we follow these make-ahead guidelines.
Storage and Serving Tips
Strawberry Syrup Storage
We recommend storing your homemade strawberry syrup in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage we can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This method allows us to thaw individual portions as needed for single servings without waste.
Prepared Latte Storage
Our iced strawberry matcha latte tastes best when enjoyed immediately or within the same day. We can store leftover lattes in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will remain vibrant though the layers may blend together during storage.
Matcha Base Storage
We can prepare our matcha base ahead of time by whisking the matcha powder with hot water and sweetener. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a brief whisk before using to restore its smooth consistency.
Perfect Layering Technique
For the most stunning presentation we serve our latte in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. Start by adding ice to the glass first then pour milk to fill about two-thirds of the container. Finally pour the prepared matcha mixture on top to create distinct visible layers that will impress your guests.
DIY Serving Station
When entertaining we set up a self-serve station with matcha concentrate ice milk options and strawberry puree. This interactive approach lets guests customize their own lattes while creating a fun social experience around our signature drink.
Quick Assembly Method
For faster preparation we combine strawberry puree and ice directly in the serving glass. Add your preferred milk then pour the prepared matcha mixture over the top for instant layering without complicated techniques.
Milk Variety Options
| Milk Type | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy milk | Rich and creamy | Traditional taste |
| Almond milk | Light and nutty | Lower calories |
| Oat milk | Creamy and sweet | Best frothing |
| Coconut milk | Tropical notes | Exotic variation |
Strawberry Preparation Tips
We recommend finely chopping or pureeing fresh strawberries for the smoothest sipping experience. This preparation method ensures even flavor distribution throughout each sip and prevents chunks from clogging wide straws during consumption.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how to transform simple ingredients into a café-worthy iced strawberry matcha latte that’s both stunning and delicious. With our detailed guide you’ll master the art of layering flavors and creating Instagram-worthy beverages right in your kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – whether you’re following our classic version or experimenting with dairy-free alternatives and custom sweetness levels you’ll discover your perfect combination. Our make-ahead tips ensure you can enjoy this refreshing treat whenever cravings strike.
Now it’s time to grab your whisk gather those strawberries and start crafting your own masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you for this perfect fusion of East meets West in every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an iced strawberry matcha latte special?
This drink combines the earthy, rich flavor of ceremonial grade matcha with sweet, fresh strawberries and creamy milk. It offers a natural caffeine boost without coffee jitters, while strawberries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness. The layered presentation creates a visually stunning beverage that’s both refreshing and energizing.
What ingredients do I need to make this latte at home?
You’ll need fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the syrup. For the matcha layer, gather ceremonial grade matcha powder, hot water, milk (dairy or plant-based), honey or maple syrup, and ice cubes. Optional garnishes include whipped cream and extra strawberry slices.
What equipment is essential for making this drink?
A matcha whisk or electric frothing whisk is crucial for smooth texture. You’ll also need a tea kettle for proper water temperature, measuring tools, tall glasses for layering, and wide straws. A sift helps prevent matcha clumps, while a muddler or blender processes strawberries effectively.
How do I create the perfect layers in my latte?
Start with ice in a tall glass, add strawberry syrup at the bottom, then slowly pour the matcha mixture over a spoon to create distinct layers. Use chilled milk and pour gently to maintain separation. Temperature control is key – keep ingredients cold for better layering results.
Can I make this latte dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Each option provides different textures and flavors. Oat milk creates the creamiest consistency, while coconut milk adds tropical notes. Some brands even offer strawberry-flavored non-dairy milk for enhanced berry flavor.
How long can I store the strawberry syrup?
Homemade strawberry syrup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Make double or triple batches to have syrup ready for multiple drinks throughout the week.
What are some flavor variations I can try?
Experiment with macerated strawberries for intense flavor, create strawberry cold foam as a luxurious topping, or try different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. You can also adjust the matcha strength, add vanilla extract, or incorporate other berries like raspberries for unique flavor combinations.
How far in advance can I prepare this drink?
Prepare strawberry syrup up to 5 days ahead and matcha concentrate up to 24 hours in advance. Chill your milk beforehand for better layering. The complete drink is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though layers may blend together.
