Strawberry Matcha Latte is a refreshing and beautifully layered drink made with homemade strawberry syrup. Matcha is whisked in the Japanese traditional method and poured over oat milk and strawberry syrup to create a lovely swirl. The sweet strawberries complement the earthy matcha. The strawberry syrup is made with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, adding natural sweetness and rich depth to the taste.
This recipe is a classic-style iced strawberry matcha latte made with maple syrup for natural sweetness. If you're looking for a Starbucks-style strawberry matcha latte, try my Starbucks Copycat Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte with Oat Milk, which is sweetened with honey!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Strawberry Matcha Latte
- What is a Strawberry Matcha Latte?
- Why Strawberry and Matcha Work So Well Together
- Ingredients
- How to Make Maple Strawberry Syrup
- How to Prepare Matcha (Traditional Japanese Method)
- How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Best Matcha Powder for Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Tips for the Best Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Storage and Make Ahead
- Serving Suggestions
- More Matcha Drinks to Try
- FAQ
- Strawberry Matcha Latte
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Refreshing iced matcha latte capturing peak summer harvest.
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Beautiful cafe shop style drink at home.
- Easy homemade strawberry syrup.
- Refined sugar-free and dairy-free friendly.
What is a Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Strawberry matcha latte is a layered drink made with homemade strawberry syrup, milk, and Japanese matcha. Sweet strawberry and earthy matcha is a golden flavor combination. Matcha is prepared with a traditional Japanese whisking method and poured over milk and homemade strawberry syrup.
In this recipe, I used maple syrup to naturally sweeten the strawberry syrup. Its caramel-y flavor pairs beautifully with matcha, making this strawberry matcha extra rich-tasting. Then it is layered with oat milk and creamy matcha to create a dairy-free cafe-quality strawberry matcha latte that you can easily make at home.
If you want something more satiating, I also have a Strawberry Matcha Latte Smoothie recipe! Same flavor combo in smoothie form.
Why Strawberry and Matcha Work So Well Together
Strawberry and matcha are "matcha" made in culinary heaven! The bright sweetness and a little tartness from strawberries perfectly balance the earthy, vegetal flavor of matcha.
When combined with milk, they create a creamy, fruity, and refreshing latte. The strawberry syrup adds refreshing sweetness and vibrant pink color, while the matcha adds a smooth, rich aroma.
That's why strawberry matcha lattes are so popular in coffee shops and on social media. And it beautifully captures a refreshing summer flavor in a glass.
If you love a refreshing matcha latte, I recommend my Blueberry Matcha Latte, Sparkling Matcha Soda, and Lychee Matcha Soda!
Ingredients
For the Maple Strawberry Syrup
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Use fresh ones when they're in season. Frozen strawberries are also a great choice. They release juice easily and are affordable. No need to
- Maple syrup: Deep, caramel-like flavor makes this drink extra cozy and flavorful! Substitution: glanulated sugar, honey, and agave syrup.
- Lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
For the Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Matcha: Ceremonial-grade matcha makes delicious and vibrant green matcha. But you don't need the highest quality ones. I recommend affordable ceremonial-grade matcha for this recipe.
- Hot water: Boiling water can make matcha taste bitter. Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best flavor. If your kettle has Pour it in a cup to cool down to 158-176°F (70-80°C)
- Oat milk: I love oat milk in my latte. Substitutions: almond, cashew, soy, and whole milk.
- Ice cubes: For an iced latte.
If you're new to matcha, I dive deep into matcha in my matcha guide for beginners post!
How to Make Hot Water Perfect Temperature for Matcha: The temperature of the water is key for the best-tasting matcha. If your kettle has temperature control, that's perfect. If not, try the traditional method: bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup. This cools down the water slightly. Then pour it into matcha.
How to Make Maple Strawberry Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until soft. Use a potato masher or wooden spatula to smash the strawberries. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer it to a jar, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge.
How to Prepare Matcha (Traditional Japanese Method)
- In a small bowl, sift in matcha powder. I like 3g (about 1.5 teaspoons) of my matcha for my latte. If you like bold flavor, use 4g (about 2 teaspoons).
- Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best flavor. Use a kettle with temperature control, or slightly let the boiling water cool. Traditional Method: Bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup. This cools down the water slightly. Then pour it into matcha.
- Add hot water and use a bamboo whisk to whisk vigorously until smooth and foamy on the surface. Use "M" or "W" motion.
- Once froth forms, brush the surface with the tip of the bamboo whisk, keep using "M" or "W" motion. This step reduces large bubbles and makes the froth extra creamy.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour ¼ cup of strawberry syrup over it. Pour oat milk.
- Slowly add the prepared matcha. Mix well and enjoy! Adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup to your taste.
For a hot matcha latte, steam or warm the milk before adding it to a mug.
Layering Tip: For beautiful green-white-pink layers, I like pouring the strawberry syrup over the ice. When the syrup is added first at the bottom of the glass, it sinks into a thin layer. It's really hard to see its pretty color. Instead, by pouring the syrup over the ice, it spreads along the sides of the glass, creating a pretty marbled pink swirl. Then slowly pour the milk and matcha over the ice to create beautiful layered colors!
Best Matcha Powder for Strawberry Matcha Latte
When making a fruity latte, you don't need the highest-quality ceremonial-grade matcha. Instead, I recommend using an affordable ceremonial-grade matcha!
High-quality matcha usually have umami-forward and delicate flavor profile. That's the beauty of precious, high-quality matcha, but those subtle flavors can easily be overpowered by rich milk and fruit flavors.
However, I don't recommend culinary-grade matcha or anything below. It usually tastes too grassy, and the color tends to be so dull.
Affordable ceremonial-grade matcha has the best balance. It creates a smooth, vibrant green matcha, while the strong flavor holds up well in a strawberry matcha latte.
The price of matcha is rising due to worldwide high demand, which hits us so hard as matcha lovers! So save your precious matcha for sipping and use everyday ceremonial-grade matcha for lattes.
If you're new to matcha, I have the matcha guide for you! I explain more about the different grades of matcha, how it's made, and how to choose the best matcha powder for drinks and desserts.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Matcha Latte
Use fresh or frozen strawberries: Use farm fresh strawberreis while peak strawberry season when you can find them at the farmer's market. It's the best way to capture the refreshing summer flavor in a glass! Frozen strawberries are also great year-round.
Blend the strawberry syrup: You don't want any chunks stuck in a straw. Blend the syrup until smooth for a smooth texture.
Sift the matcha powder: Matcha is a fine-ground powder that clumps easily. Sifting the powder before whisking helps create a smooth, lump-free matcha.
Do not use boiling water: Boiling hot water can make matcha taste bitter. Use for around 158-175°F (70-80°C) for the best flavor.
Storage and Make Ahead
The strawberry syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Batch made the syrup and stocked up! Other than a matcha latte, you can use homemade syrup in lattes, over pancakes, and yogurt bowls!
I highly recommend preparing the matcha fresh just before you make the matcha latte. Freshly whisked matcha has the best flavor and smooth texture. And matcha powder tends to sink bottom.
Once assembled, the strawberry matcha latte is best enjoyed immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry matcha latte is perfect for an afternoon tea time or as a refreshing summer drink! For a coffee shop experience at home, serve it with fun Japanese desserts or simple breakfast pastries. Both aesthetic and delicious!
It pairs especially well with:
- Anmitsu (Japanese traditional dessert)
- Hanami Dango(tri-colored dumplings on skewers)
- Matcha cookies and cakes
- Hojicha purin
The sweet and fruity flavor of the drink complements delicate Japanese desserts beautifully.
More Matcha Drinks to Try
If you love matcha drinks, make sure to try these refreshing recipes!
These drinks are easy to make at home and are a fun twist on the unique flavor of Japanese matcha!
FAQ
Yes! It tastes better when strawberries are not in season. And it's also much more affordable.
Yes absolutely! If you have an espresso machine, steam the milk. Or you can simply warm up the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop. Then, assemble with strawberry syrup and matcha in a mug.
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients
For the Maple Strawberry Syrup (makes enough for 2 glasses)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries chopped
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Matcha Latte
- ¼ cup maple strawberry syrup
- 1½ teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha about 3 grams
- ¼ cup hot water boil water and pour it in a cup to cool down to 158-176°F (70-80°C)
- ½ cup oat milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Make the Maple Strawberry Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Bring it to boil over medium heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until soft. Use a potato masher or wooden spatula to smash the strawberries. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer it to a jar, let cool completely, and store in the fridge.
Assemble Strawberry Matcha Latte
- In a small bowl, sift in matcha powder. Add hot water and use a bamboo whisk to whisk vigorously until smooth and foamy on the surface. Set aside.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour ¼ cup strawberry syrup over it. Pour oat milk and matcha. Mix well and enjoy! Adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup to your taste.
- For a hot matcha latte, steam or warm the milk before adding to a mug.
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