Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe

Name: Strawberry Matcha Latte
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 to 5 finely chopped fresh strawberries (about 1/3 cup); 1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste; 1/4 cup boiling water; 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder; handful of ice as needed; 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or your choice

Ingredients:

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (about 4 to 5 strawberries)
1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste
1/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
Ice, as needed
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or milk of your choice

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with the sugar. Use a fork to lightly crush and mix the strawberries (you can also use a muddler), then spoon the mixture into a glass.
In a separate bowl or cup, whisk the boiling water and matcha powder together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Place a handful of ice on top of the crushed strawberries in the glass.
Slowly pour the milk over the strawberry-ice mixture, followed by the matcha mixture.
Stir everything together and serve with a wide straw for the best sipping experience.

Cooks Note:

The amount of sugar you use depends on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference. If you'd like a stronger matcha flavor, feel free to add more matcha powder.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 87
Fat: 2g
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 98mg
Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 15g
Vitamin C: 34mg
Calcium: 271mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 176mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins and Story of Strawberry Matcha Latte

The Strawberry Matcha Latte is a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese matcha tea, blending the vibrant, earthy flavors of powdered green tea with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Matcha itself has a centuries-old history, dating back to the Tang dynasty in China and later flourishing in Japan, where it became an integral part of tea ceremonies. The latte version, combining milk and fruit, emerged in modern cafes as a creative fusion drink, catering to global tastes and the increasing popularity of matcha as both a beverage and health ingredient.

Regional Variations and Influences

While originally inspired by Japanese tea culture, the Strawberry Matcha Latte has been adapted in many regions worldwide. In Japan, matcha is traditionally consumed in a ceremonial style, but contemporary cafes in Tokyo often experiment with cold or iced versions incorporating fruit syrups or dairy alternatives. In Western countries, almond, oat, or soy milk is frequently used instead of cow's milk, and strawberries may be replaced with other berries or tropical fruits. This flexibility has made the drink popular in both urban coffee shops and online recipe communities.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Drinks

Unlike a standard strawberry smoothie or a classic iced latte, the Strawberry Matcha Latte balances the slightly bitter, umami flavor of matcha with the sweet, tart notes of strawberries. Traditional lattes rely on coffee as the base, whereas this beverage is caffeine-rich through matcha but avoids the roasted taste of espresso. This subtle yet complex flavor profile distinguishes it from fruit teas, frappes, or flavored milk drinks, creating a refreshing and visually appealing layered presentation.

Where Its Commonly Served

Strawberry Matcha Lattes are typically featured in specialty cafes, bubble tea shops, and modern tea bars. They are popular during spring and summer for their chilled and visually appealing presentation, often served in clear glasses to highlight the green and red layers. Some establishments even add decorative elements like whipped cream, edible flowers, or matcha dusting to enhance both taste and aesthetics. At home, it is enjoyed as a light, energizing beverage for breakfast or an afternoon refreshment.

Interesting Facts and Cultural Notes

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are linked to numerous health benefits including improved metabolism and mental alertness.
The combination of fruit and matcha is a modern innovation, influenced by the growing trend of visually striking drinks for social media sharing.
Some cafes layer strawberry puree, milk, and matcha in a rainbow effect, which requires careful pouring to maintain the visual separation of ingredients.
Strawberries, often considered a Western fruit, complement the Eastern matcha flavor, creating a harmonious East-meets-West beverage.
While it can be served hot, the iced version is more popular because it preserves the freshness of strawberries and the vibrant green color of matcha.

FAQ about Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe

It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the strawberry mixture and matcha tea separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers and assemble the latte right before serving to preserve freshness and color.

If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Shake well before drinking, as the layers may separate. For best taste and texture, avoid storing with ice inside, as it will dilute the drink.

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing with sugar to prevent the drink from becoming too watery.

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is recommended, but you can use oat milk, soy milk, dairy milk, or coconut milk depending on your preference. Creamier options like whole milk or oat milk create a richer latte.

You can reduce or skip the sugar in the strawberry mixture, especially if your berries are very sweet. Alternatively, use a natural sweetener like honey, agave, or a sugar substitute.

Yes, you can make a hot version. Warm the milk gently and skip the ice. Pour the warm milk over the strawberry mixture and then add whisked hot matcha. Stir well before serving.

For the smoothest result, sift the matcha powder before whisking. Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small electric frother in hot water until no clumps remain. This ensures even flavor and a silky texture.

Yes, the recipe can be scaled up easily. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Prepare the strawberry mixture and matcha in larger bowls, then assemble each drink individually for best presentation.

Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine, typically around 60–70 mg per teaspoon. If you prefer less caffeine, use half the amount of matcha powder or choose a decaffeinated green tea alternative.

Cook Time: 40 minutes