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.
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⭐ 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!
🥘 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.
📖 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!
🔪 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.
🥡 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.
🥗 Other Recipes
Enjoyed this easy Starbucks Copycat Strawberry Green Tea Latte Recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below! If you REALLY liked this summer latte, please consider supporting it by buying me a coffee! 🙂 (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.
- ¾ 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: 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. (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
Nutrition
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