This easy Strawberry Matcha Latte is the perfect delicious drink for summer! (Starbucks copycat) I also show you how to create a layered effect in the drink and how to make matcha if you don't have a bamboo whisk.
Jump to:
โญ Why This Recipe is a Star
- Strawberry Matcha Latte is the perfect way to use sweet summer strawberries: the natural sweetness of the strawberries goes amazingly well with the earthy notes of matcha. This drink is also super easy to make: you basically make strawberry puree, and pour the matcha tea over it!
- Budget-friendly: so much cheaper than going to Starbucks!
- Healthier: the Starbucks version is so sugar-laden, even the matcha powder is mixed with sugar. When you make your own green tea latte, you can control the amount you add.
Note: because strawberries are a summer fruit, I figure a refreshing drink is the way to go. Thus, I'm making this with a cold matcha base.
However, you can also use hot matcha latte if you prefer! Or check out these best latte flavors if you crave something different!
๐ฅ Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients:
- strawberries: Both frozen and fresh strawberries work. (Thaw the frozen ones in the fridge overnight before using.) Choose the ripest possible to reduce the amount of sugar you'll need. Keep a few (that you don't blend) so that you can garnish the drink with real strawberries.
- white sugar: You can use also use honey, matcha syrup, homemade strawberry syrup, maple syrup or even brown sugar. However, I prefer the "cleaner" taste of white sugar as it allows the strawberry flavor to shine through.
- matcha powder: There are different grades of matcha. Ceremonial matcha gives you the best flavor but is more expensive than culinary grade matcha. Things are getting more and more costly so, in a pinch, you can even use green tea powder instead. (It's not the same as matcha though. For one, the color will be totally different (a dull and not a vibrant green color.))
- milk: Starbucks uses 2% milk. I prefer whole milk but you can also use a vegan milk of choice, such as almond milk, coconut milk or even strawberry milk! Click here for more info on what is the best milk for a matcha latte.
๐ Variations & Substitutes
- Iced matcha latte: just add ice cubes!
- Blueberry matcha: substitute the strawberries with blueberries!
- Pineapple matcha drink: replace the berries with pineapples and, preferably, use a coconut milk base.
- Vanilla matcha: leave out the strawberry layer and add vanilla extract
- Vegan: substitute the cows milk with a plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk. Remember to use bone-char free sugar!
- Smoothie: top with vanilla, green tea or strawberry ice cream!
๐ช Step-by-Step Instructions
1a. MAKE FRESH STRAWBERRY PUREE
You can use a fork, a potato masher or even a blender/ food processor (makes sense if you're doing a large batch.) to combine the sugar and strawberries.
1b. Scoop the strawberries into a cup.
Note: you can blend the berries finely into a smooth puree but I prefer a more chunky texture in mine so I leave bits of fruit in. (You'll need a spoon or thick straw to eat them!)
2. MAKE MATCHA
For 2 layers (green and pink)/ Easy way/ combing matcha and milk directly: If you don't have a matcha whisk, you can shake the matcha powder with the milk in an airtight container (or use an electric frother.)
For 3 layers (green, pink, white)/ Traditional way/ matcha and milk are added to the latte separately: whisk the matcha and hot water in a small bowl.
Note: Do not use boiling water or the matcha tea will be bitter.
3. ASSEMBLE THE DRINK
2 layers: Pour or scoop the matcha milk over the pureed strawberries till the cup is filled.
3 layers: Pour milk or heavy cream on top of the strawberries, followed by the matcha. (Pour the matcha over a the back of a spoon for more distinct pretty layers.)
Optional: garnish with freeze dried strawberry bits on top.
Tip: use a tall glass if you want to see distinct layers.
๐ฅก How to Store
You can make a huge batch of mashed strawberries and plain matcha latte. Store both separately in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container, then combine right before serving.
(Do not store assembled strawberry matcha lattes, as the color and taste will both change, for the worse!)
Note: you will need to re whisk/re-shake the matcha drink before serving as the fine powder will settle at the bottom of the container.
๐ฅ Other Recipes
Enjoyed this easy Starbucks Copycat Strawberry Green Tea Latte Recipe? Please leave a 5-star ๐๐๐๐๐rating in the recipe card below! If you REALLY liked this summer latte, please consider supporting it by buying me a coffee! ๐ (No obligation though!) Thank you and have a great day!
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Equipment
- Bowl and fork/ potato masher Substitute: blender or food processor
- Matcha whisk and small bowl Substitute: mason jar or milk frother
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Strawberries About 4-5 strawberries, depending on size. Fresh and frozen work. (Thaw the frozen ones before using.) In a pinch, you can use strawberry jam but, for best results, mix with fresh strawberries. (If you use jam, you'll need to reduce the sugar.) Save 1-2 strawberries as garnish (i.e. don't puree them.)
- 2 teaspoon White sugar Or to taste. The amount will really depend on how ripe the strawberries are! Substitute: honey, maple syrup, matcha syrup
- 2 teaspoon Matcha powder Optional: dissolved in 3 Tablespoons of hot water IF making the 3-layered version. For the 2-layered version, you do not need the water. Ceremonial tastes best but culinary is cheaper. If really on a budget, go for green tea powder but the green layer will be duller.
- ยพ Cup Whole fat milk Starbucks uses 2%. You can also choose a vegan milk of choice like coconut milk.
- 1 teaspoon Freeze-fried strawberries Optional Garnish
- Ice Optional, for iced strawberry matcha latte
Instructions
Make strawberry puree
- You can use a fork, a potato masher or even a blender/ food processor (makes sense if you're doing a large batch.)Note: you can blend the berries finely into a smooth puree but I prefer a more chunky texture in mine so I leave bits of fruit in. (You'll need a spoon or thick straw to eat them!)
- Scoop the mashed strawberries into a cup.
Make Matcha Tea
- For 2 layers (green and pink)/ Easy way:ย For 2 layers, we combine the matcha and milk directly. If you don't have a matcha whisk, you can shake the matcha powder with the milk in an airtight container.Alternatively, use a milk frother.
- For 3 layers (green, pink, white)/ Traditional way: For 3 layers, we combine the matcha with water and add the milk toe the strawberries separately.Whisk the matcha and hot water in a small bowl.ย (Or use a frother.)Note: Do not use boiling water or the matcha tea will be bitter.
ASSEMBLE THE DRINK
- For 2 layers: Pour or scoop the matcha milk over the pureed strawberries till the cup is filled.
- For 3 layers: Pour milk or heavy cream on top of the strawberries, followed by the matcha. (Pour the matcha over a the back of a spoon for more distinct pretty layers.)Optional: garnish with freeze dried strawberry bits on top.Tip: use a tall glass if you want to see distinct layers.
Notes
Note: the nutritional information is an estimate automatically calculated using the WPRM recipe maker and I am not responsible for its veracity.
Nutrition
If this summer strawberry drink recipe was helpful, maybe you'd like to sign up for my newsletter in which I send you more tips and tricks to make authentic Asian food?
Comments
No Comments