This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte layers sweet strawberry milk with earthy, vibrant matcha for a drink that's both pretty and refreshing. I first tried something like this at a little café last spring, and I've been making my own version ever since. The homemade strawberry syrup is simple to whip up, and the whole thing comes together in about 25 minutes. You get that beautiful pink-and-green layered look without any fancy equipment, just a whisk and a little patience.
If you're into refreshing iced drinks, you might also love this Strawberry Banana Smoothie or this Cortadito Recipe. And for something a bit more indulgent, try this Mango Smoothie.
Why You will Love This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte !
Easy to customize. You can swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if that's what you have on hand. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully if you want a non-dairy version.
Naturally energizing. The ceremonial grade matcha powder gives you a calm, focused energy that lasts longer than a regular cup of coffee. It's packed with antioxidants, too.
Café-quality at home. That layered latte drink look? You're getting it without leaving your kitchen. It's a fun one to make when you want something that feels special but doesn't require a ton of effort.
Not overly sweet. The strawberry syrup is sweet, sure, but the matcha balances it out with its earthy, grassy notes. You're not drinking a sugar bomb.
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Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Ingredients
Here's what goes into this homemade strawberry matcha latte.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- Strawberries: Fresh, chopped strawberries form the base of the syrup and give it that bright, fruity flavor. You can swap them for raspberries or blueberries if you like.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and helps draw out the strawberry juices. The sugar dissolves into the liquid as it simmers.
- Water: Thins the syrup to a pourable consistency and helps the sugar dissolve evenly.
For the Iced Matcha Latte:
- Room temperature water: Whisking matcha in room temp water (not hot, not cold) helps it dissolve smoothly without clumping.
- Ceremonial grade matcha powder: This is the good stuff—bright green, smooth, and less bitter than culinary-grade matcha. It's worth seeking out for drinks like this.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and body to the drink. Oat milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy alternative works just as well.
- Strawberry syrup: The homemade syrup you just made. It sweetens the milk and gives the drink that beautiful pink color.
How to Make Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Making this drink is easier than you'd think, and the homemade syrup is totally worth the extra few minutes.
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- Macerate the strawberries: Add the chopped strawberries to a small saucepan with the sugar. Stir to combine, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This helps the berries release their juices.
- Simmer the syrup: Add the water and bring the strawberry mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Strain and store: Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently on the solids. Save those strawberry bits for toast or oatmeal. Cover the syrup and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
For the Iced Matcha Latte:
- Whisk the matcha: In a small mixing bowl, combine the room temperature water and matcha powder. Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the mixture is frothy and smooth, with no clumps.
- Mix the strawberry milk: In another small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and strawberry syrup until well combined.
- Assemble the drink: Fill a glass with ice. Pour the strawberry milk over the ice, then slowly pour the whisked matcha over the top. The matcha will settle on top, creating that pretty layered effect. Serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
Use a different berry. Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all work in place of strawberries. The flavor will shift slightly, but the method stays the same.
Try non-dairy milk. Oat milk gives a creamy, slightly sweet base. Almond milk is lighter, and coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note.
Add vanilla. A drop of vanilla extract in the strawberry milk adds warmth and depth.
Make it a cold foam version. Froth the strawberry milk with a handheld frother before pouring it over the matcha for an iced matcha latte with strawberry cold foam effect.
Skip the homemade syrup. If you're short on time, use store-bought strawberry syrup, but the homemade version really does taste better.
Equipment
Small saucepan: For simmering the strawberry syrup.
Fine mesh strainer: Catches the seeds and pulp, leaving you with smooth syrup.
Small mixing bowls (2): One for whisking the matcha, one for mixing the strawberry milk.
Whisk: A matcha whisk (called a chasen) is ideal, but a small balloon whisk works just fine.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy, especially with the matcha powder.
Glass for serving: A clear glass shows off those gorgeous layers.
Storage Tips
Strawberry syrup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. It thickens slightly when cold, but it'll loosen up again at room temperature.
Whisked matcha: Drink it right away. Matcha doesn't store well once it's been whisked with water. It'll start to separate and lose its frothy texture.
Strawberry solids: Keep them in a small jar in the fridge for up to a week. They're great on yogurt, oatmeal, or toast.
Serving Suggestions
This cold matcha latte is pretty satisfying on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better.
Pair it with breakfast. Serve alongside a buttery croissant, a slice of banana bread, or a simple bowl of granola and yogurt.
Afternoon treat. Enjoy it with a handful of almond biscotti or a few dark chocolate squares.
Brunch vibes. This drink fits right in with a spread of fresh fruit, avocado toast, and scrambled eggs.
Poolside refreshment. Make a big batch of the strawberry syrup and set up a little drink station with ice, milk, and whisked matcha so everyone can build their own.
Expert Tips
Use room temperature water for the matcha. Hot water can make matcha taste bitter, and cold water makes it harder to whisk smoothly. Room temp is the sweet spot.
Whisk vigorously. You want the matcha to be frothy and fully dissolved. A quick, zigzag motion works best.
Don't skip the straining step. Strawberry seeds in your syrup aren't a dealbreaker, but they can make the drink gritty. Straining keeps it smooth.
Let the syrup cool before using. Warm syrup will melt your ice too quickly and water down the drink.
Pour the matcha slowly. If you pour it too fast, it'll mix right into the strawberry milk instead of layering on top. A slow, steady pour keeps the gradient intact.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup and add more if you want it sweeter.
FAQ
It's a layered cold drink made with sweetened strawberry milk and whisked matcha green tea. The strawberry syrup adds fruity sweetness, and the matcha brings earthy, slightly bitter notes. It's lightly caffeinated and has a beautiful pink-and-green gradient.
They do, actually. The sweetness and fruitiness of strawberries balance out the earthy, grassy flavor of matcha. It's a combination that sounds a little odd at first, but once you taste it, it makes total sense. My friend Alex was skeptical until she tried it, and now she asks me to make it every time she visits.
It's healthier than a lot of sugary coffee drinks, thanks to the antioxidants in matcha. The strawberry syrup does add sugar, but you can control how much you use. If you use unsweetened non-dairy milk and go light on the syrup, it's a pretty balanced drink. It won't replace a green smoothie, but it's not a milkshake either.
Starbucks has offered strawberry-flavored matcha drinks in the past, though availability varies by location and season. Making your own Starbucks strawberry matcha latte copycat at home gives you more control over the sweetness and quality of ingredients, and honestly, it tastes fresher.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chopped strawberries in a small saucepan, add the sugar, stir them together, and let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to draw out the juices.
- Pour in the water and gently simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring now and then, until the sugar is fully dissolved, then take it off the heat and allow it to cool.
- Strain the liquid into a container, saving the solids for another use, then cover and chill the syrup until you’re ready to use it.
- In a small bowl, combine the room-temperature water with the matcha powder and whisk quickly until the mixture looks smooth and foamy.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the milk and strawberry syrup until evenly blended.
- Fill a glass with ice, pour in the strawberry milk, gently layer the matcha over the top, and serve right away.
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