Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte

There's something magical about a drink that looks as good as it tastes. The Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is a vibrant celebration of contrasts—sweet strawberry puree meeting earthy matcha green tea, all layered beautifully over creamy milk and ice. This refreshing beverage is not only Instagram-worthy but incredibly easy to make at home. With just 10 minutes of prep and no cooking required, you can recreate your favorite café-style drink right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking for a midday pick-me-up or a colorful treat to impress guests, this latte delivers on flavor, freshness, and visual appeal.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Fresh strawberries are blended into a smooth, sweet puree that forms the base layer, while matcha powder whisked with hot water creates a frothy, vibrant green top. The milk layer in between ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend when stirred. Each component can be adjusted to suit your taste—add more honey for extra sweetness, use your favorite plant-based milk for a vegan version, or even experiment with different fruit purees. This latte is a canvas for your creativity while remaining utterly delicious in its classic form.

Ingredients

• Strawberry Puree: 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Matcha Layer: 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder, 1/4 cup hot water (about 175°F / 80°C), 2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup
• Milk Layer: 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, e.g., oat, almond, soy), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Assembly: 1 cup ice cubes, sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Puree

In a blender, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth texture, if desired.

Prepare the Matcha

In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with hot water until fully dissolved and frothy. Stir in honey or agave syrup.

Assemble the Latte

Divide the strawberry puree between two tall glasses. Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour the milk evenly over the ice and strawberry puree. Slowly pour the matcha mixture over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers.

Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced strawberries if desired. Stir before drinking to blend the flavors.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the most vibrant layers, work slowly and deliberately when pouring each component. The key to beautiful layering is pouring the matcha over the back of a spoon so it gently cascades onto the milk without breaking through. Use cold milk straight from the refrigerator to maintain temperature contrast and prevent the layers from mixing too quickly. If you prefer a smoother strawberry base, take the extra step to strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve—this removes seeds and creates a silky texture. For the best matcha flavor, use high-quality culinary-grade matcha powder and ensure your water is at the right temperature (around 175°F) to avoid bitterness. A traditional bamboo matcha whisk works wonderfully, but a small regular whisk or even a milk frother will do the job.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a vegan version, simply use your favorite plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or soy, and swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the strawberry puree or omit the honey from the matcha layer entirely—the natural sweetness of strawberries often provides enough flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits: try raspberry or mango puree for a different flavor profile while maintaining the beautiful layered effect. For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of coconut cream to the milk layer. If you want a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder to 1 tablespoon per serving. During colder months, this recipe can be transformed into a warm latte by heating the milk and skipping the ice, though you'll lose the dramatic layered presentation.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte in tall, clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers—the visual presentation is half the appeal. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices on the rim or floating on top for an extra touch of elegance. For a special occasion or brunch gathering, set up a DIY latte bar where guests can assemble their own drinks with various milk options and sweetness levels. This beverage pairs wonderfully with light breakfast items like croissants, avocado toast, or fruit salads. It also makes an excellent afternoon refreshment alongside cookies, scones, or Japanese-inspired treats like mochi. While the drink is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the layered effect, you can prepare the strawberry puree and matcha mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then simply assemble when ready to serve.

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The Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is more than just a beverage—it's an experience. From the moment you layer the vibrant colors to the first refreshing sip, this drink delivers joy and satisfaction. The combination of sweet strawberries, earthy matcha, and creamy milk creates a perfectly balanced flavor that's both energizing and indulgent. Whether you're treating yourself on a busy morning or serving it to friends at a gathering, this latte never fails to impress. With simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and just 10 minutes of your time, you can enjoy a café-quality drink without leaving home. So grab your blender, whisk up some matcha, and get ready to sip on something truly special.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I make the strawberry puree smooth?

Blend fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and achieve a silky texture.

→ Can I use plant-based milk for this drink?

Yes, plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy work well and create a creamy base while keeping it dairy-free.

→ What temperature should the water be for dissolving matcha?

Use hot water around 175°F (80°C) to whisk matcha powder effectively without burning it, ensuring a smooth, frothy texture.

→ How do I create the layered effect in the drink?

Pour the strawberry puree first, add ice, then slowly pour milk. Finally, pour the matcha mixture over the back of a spoon to maintain distinct layers.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Absolutely, you can modify the sugar in the puree and the honey or agave syrup in the matcha layer according to your taste preferences.

→ Is it better to serve this drink immediately or chilled?

Serving immediately preserves the layered appearance and freshness, but chilling briefly is also an option if preferred.