How to Make a Viral Strawberry Matcha Latte in 5 Minutes

There is something mesmerizing about the swirling layers of pink and green in a fresh strawberry matcha latte. The first time I saw this drink in a trendy boutique cafe, I was skeptical about the flavor combination. But one sip changed everything. The earthy, grassy notes of the tea perfectly ground the bright, acidic sweetness of the fruit.

This recipe fits perfectly into your life as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a visually stunning festive dish for a brunch gathering. It is far healthier than a milkshake but feels just as indulgent. By making this strawberry matcha latte at home, you control the sweetness and skip the artificial syrups found in most coffee shops. It is a healthy comfort food option that looks as good as it tastes.

Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe Card

Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DrinksCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

This refreshing strawberry matcha latte features a layer of homemade sweet strawberry puree, creamy milk, and premium earthy matcha tea over ice.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• The Strawberry Layer

• 0.5 cup Fresh Strawberries (chopped)

• 1.0 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (or maple syrup)

• 1.0 tablespoon Water

• The Matcha Layer

• 1.5 teaspoons Matcha Powder (ceremonial grade preferred)

• 2.0 tablespoons Hot Water (175°F / 80°C)

• 1.0 teaspoon Honey (optional)

• Assembly

• 0.75 cup Milk (Oat, Almond, or Dairy)

• 1.0 cup Ice Cubes

Directions

• Start by making the strawberry puree. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and the tablespoon of water. If using a saucepan, simmer over medium heat for about 5.0 minutes, mashing the fruit with a fork until it becomes a jam-like consistency. If using a microwave, heat for 60.0 seconds, then mash. Let this cool slightly.
• While the fruit cools, prepare the matcha. Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl to remove lumps. Add the hot water and honey. Using a bamboo whisk or an electric frother, whisk vigorously in a “W” motion until the tea is frothy and fully suspended in the water.
• Now, assemble the drink. Spoon the strawberry puree into the bottom of a tall glass.
• Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. The ice helps separate the layers.
• Pour your milk of choice over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
• Finally, slowly pour the whisked matcha over the ice. For best results, pour it over the back of a spoon to prevent it from mixing immediately with the milk.
• Stir with a straw before drinking to combine the flavors. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the strawberries based on how sweet the fruit is naturally.
• Milk Choice: Oat milk provides the creamiest texture for non-dairy options, while almond milk is lighter.
• Frozen Fruit: You can use frozen strawberries; just microwave them slightly longer to break them down.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g

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Prep the Strawberry Matcha Latte Like a Barista

While this strawberry matcha latte is quick to assemble, a little prep makes it instant. Here is how to organize your workflow:

• Pre-Sift the Matcha: Matcha powder loves to clump. Sift a few tablespoons into a small airtight jar so it is ready to whisk immediately without getting lumps in your drink.
• Batch the Puree: You can make the strawberry sauce in a larger batch. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Having this ready means you can assemble your latte in under two minutes.
• Make Matcha Ice Cubes: If you hate watered-down drinks, brew a little extra matcha and freeze it in an ice tray. This keeps your latte strong until the last sip.

Fresh vs. Syrup

This strawberry matcha latte stands out because it relies on fresh fruit puree rather than sugary, store-bought syrups. Many recipes use artificial flavoring that overpowers the delicate tea. My version uses a quick homemade strawberry reduction that preserves the tartness of the berry, which cuts through the creamy milk.

Additionally, the textural contrast is delightful. You get tiny bits of macerated strawberry at the bottom of the glass, adding a “boba-like” experience without the tapioca. This recipe is also highly customizable. You can easily make it vegan by using oat milk or almond milk. The nuttiness of oat milk, in particular, pairs beautifully with matcha. To understand why this green tea is such a powerhouse ingredient, read about the health benefits of matcha. This combination works because it balances fat, acid, and earthiness in every sip.

Chef Secrets for Perfect Layers

I have made hundreds of these drinks, and here are my top tips to ensure your strawberry matcha latte looks and tastes professional:

1. Water Temperature Matters: Never use boiling water for matcha. It burns the delicate leaves and makes the tea bitter. Use water around 175°F (80°C).
2. The Whisk Technique: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) and use a “W” motion rather than a circular stirring motion. This creates that signature frothy layer that sits beautifully on top of the milk.
3. Layering Logic: To get that Instagram-worthy separation, add the strawberry puree first, then ice, then milk. Finally, pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon. This disperses the liquid gently so it floats.
4. Sweeten the Tea: Matcha can be bitter. I recommend adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup directly to the warm matcha whisking bowl, not just the milk.

For more on the tools needed for the perfect brew, check out this guide on essential tea tools.

Variants of the Matcha Drink

The Creamy Coconut Cloud

For a tropical twist on this strawberry matcha latte, swap regular dairy for full-fat canned coconut milk mixed with a little water. The richness of the coconut fat mimics heavy cream. Add a drop of vanilla extract to the strawberry puree. This version is incredibly decadent and completely vegan.

The “Dirty” Strawberry Matcha

If you need a serious caffeine kick that tea alone cannot provide, try the “dirty” version. Prepare the recipe as usual, but add a single shot of espresso between the milk and the matcha layer. The roasted coffee flavor adds a deep, complex bitterness that contrasts surprisingly well with the sweet berries.

The Spicy Ginger Kick

Winterize this drink by adding a pinch of dried ginger or a slice of fresh ginger to your strawberry reduction while it simmers. The heat from the ginger warms up the palate and aids digestion. It turns a summer refresher into a cozy, immune-boosting tonic.

If you love fruity tea drinks, you must try my Iced Pink Lemonade for another refreshing option.

Common Questions

Your New Favorite Drink

I hope this strawberry matcha latte brightens your day as much as it does mine. It is a wonderful example of how two distinct flavors, Japanese tea and summer fruit, can come together to create something harmonious. It is cheaper than the coffee shop and tastes significantly fresher.