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Quick Recipe Info
This is a quick single-serving drink that feels special enough for a weekend treat but is simple enough for a weekday morning. I usually make it in a tall glass so you can see all those pretty strawberry, milk, and matcha layers before stirring everything together.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 210
- Protein: Approximately 5 g
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes, when made with plant-based milk
- Vegan: Yes, when made with plant-based milk
- Meal Prep Friendly: Yes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this drink because it gives you the fun layered look of a coffee-shop latte without needing complicated equipment or a long list of ingredients. The strawberry mixture takes only a minute to prepare, and the matcha is easy to whisk while the drink is coming together.
- Quick and beginner-friendly: You can make it in about five minutes.
- Naturally gluten-free: The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Easy to make dairy-free and vegan: Use oat, almond, or another favorite plant-based milk.
- Fresh and refreshing: It is especially delicious served ice-cold on a warm day.
- Beautiful enough for entertaining: The colorful layers make it perfect for brunch or a pretty afternoon drink.
- Easy to customize: You can adjust the sweetness, matcha strength, and milk to suit your taste.
- Less expensive than a café drink: A handful of simple ingredients can make a delicious homemade version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe. The biggest difference in flavor comes from using ripe strawberries and a matcha powder that you actually enjoy drinking.
Fresh Strawberries – 4 medium strawberries
I like using ripe, fragrant strawberries because they create the sweetest and most flavorful fruit layer. Remove the green tops and chop the berries into small pieces so they are easy to mash into a juicy purée.
Granulated Sugar – 1 to 2 teaspoons
A small amount of sugar helps bring out the strawberries’ natural juices and balances the earthy flavor of the matcha. Start with 1 teaspoon if your berries are very sweet, then add more if needed.
Oat Milk – ¾ cup
Plain oat milk gives the latte a smooth, creamy texture and a naturally mild flavor. It also pairs especially well with strawberries and matcha without overpowering either one.
Matcha Powder – 1 to 1½ teaspoons
Use a good-quality ceremonial or everyday drinking matcha for the best flavor. Ceremonial matcha tends to have a smoother, brighter taste, while everyday-grade matcha can be a more affordable option for regular homemade lattes.
Hot Water – 2 tablespoons
The water is used to dissolve the matcha into a smooth concentrate. It should be hot but not boiling, since extremely hot water can make matcha taste harsh or bitter.
Ice Cubes – 4 to 6
Ice chills the drink and helps create the refreshing iced latte texture. I prefer using enough ice to keep the drink cold without completely filling the glass.
Optional Add-Ins
Vanilla Extract – ¼ teaspoon
A tiny splash of vanilla makes the latte taste a little softer and more dessert-like. It works particularly well if your strawberries are slightly tart.
Maple Syrup – 1 teaspoon
You can replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup if you prefer its deeper sweetness. Add it to the strawberry mixture or stir it into the milk before assembling the drink.
Cooked Tapioca Pearls – ¼ cup
For a boba-inspired version, add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of the glass before layering in the strawberry mixture. This turns the latte into a fun café-style treat.
Tools For This Recipe
You do not need a fancy coffee setup to make this drink. A small bowl, a spoon or muddler, and a matcha whisk are enough to get a smooth result.
Tall 16-ounce Glass
A tall clear glass is ideal because it lets you see the strawberry, milk, and matcha layers. The drink will taste the same in any glass, but the layered presentation is part of the fun.
Small Bowl
Use a small bowl to whisk the matcha with hot water. A shallow bowl gives you enough room to whisk comfortably without splashing.
Matcha Whisk
A traditional bamboo matcha whisk works beautifully for breaking up clumps and creating a smooth, lightly frothy matcha concentrate.
Muddler or Small Spoon
A muddler makes it easy to crush the strawberries directly in the glass. If you do not have one, the back of a sturdy spoon works well, or you can mash the berries in a small bowl.
How to Make It
This strawberry matcha latte comes together in a simple order: make the strawberry base, add the cold milk and ice, then prepare the matcha separately before pouring it over the top. Keeping the matcha separate until the end helps create those pretty layers.
Step 1: Mash the Strawberries with Sugar
Add 4 chopped strawberries and 1 to 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to the bottom of a tall glass. Mash them with a muddler or the back of a spoon until they become juicy and mostly smooth, with a few small pieces of strawberry remaining.
Step 2: Add the Ice and Milk
Add 4 to 6 ice cubes directly over the strawberry mixture, then pour in ¾ cup of cold oat milk. Pour slowly if you want to preserve the distinct layers, or give it a gentle stir if you prefer the strawberry flavor to spread through the milk.
Step 3: Sift and Whisk the Matcha
Add 1 to 1½ teaspoons of matcha powder to a small bowl and sift it if you have a fine mesh strainer. Pour in 2 tablespoons of hot, non-boiling water and whisk briskly until the matcha is smooth and lightly frothy.
Step 4: Pour the Matcha Over the Latte
Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk and ice. The green matcha should sit beautifully on top, creating the classic layered appearance of a strawberry matcha latte.
Step 5: Stir Before Drinking
Take a moment to admire the layers, then stir the drink before enjoying it. Mixing everything together gives you the best balance of sweet strawberry, creamy milk, and earthy matcha in every sip.rather than a full meal.
Substitutions and Variations
The basic recipe is very flexible, so you can easily adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen. I recommend changing one ingredient at a time so you can see how each swap affects the flavor and texture.
Instead of Oat Milk
Use unsweetened almond milk for a lighter texture and a slightly more neutral flavor. Soy milk is another good option if you want a creamier drink with more protein.
Instead of Granulated Sugar
Maple syrup, agave syrup, or a little honey can work well. Honey will not make the drink vegan, and liquid sweeteners may blend more easily if stirred into the milk rather than mashed with the strawberries.
Instead of Fresh Strawberries
Thawed frozen strawberries can work when fresh berries are unavailable. Drain any excess liquid first, then mash them with the sweetener until juicy.
Instead of Ceremonial Matcha
Everyday drinking-grade matcha is perfectly fine for a homemade latte. Just avoid very low-quality matcha if possible, since the flavor can become noticeably bitter or overly grassy.
Easy Variations
Once you have made the basic version, it is easy to turn this into several different drinks without changing the basic method. These are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up.
Higher Protein Version
Use a high-protein dairy or soy milk instead of oat milk. You can also serve the latte alongside Greek yogurt or another protein-rich breakfast if you want a more filling morning combination.
Lower Sugar Version
Use very ripe strawberries and reduce the added sugar to ½ teaspoon or leave it out completely. The matcha will taste more prominent, but the drink can still be delicious if your berries are naturally sweet.
Creamier Version
Use a richer milk or add a small splash of cream for a more indulgent texture. This version tastes especially good when served as an afternoon treat.
Strawberry Boba Version
Add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of the glass before adding the mashed strawberries. The chewy texture makes the drink feel like a homemade bubble tea-shop order.
Serving Ideas
I usually serve this strawberry matcha latte cold and freshly assembled, especially on warm mornings or relaxed afternoons. Because the drink is lightly sweet and fruity, it pairs especially well with breakfast foods that are not overly sweet.
For breakfast, enjoy it with scrambled eggs and toast, a bowl of oatmeal, or a simple yogurt bowl. The creamy latte also works beautifully alongside pancakes, waffles, or a lightly sweet pastry for a weekend brunch.
If you are serving it as an afternoon snack, pair it with fresh fruit, a small handful of nuts, or a simple baked treat like Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls or these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The strawberry and matcha flavors are already bold enough, so I prefer serving it with something that does not compete with the drink.
Storage and Leftovers
I recommend making the full latte fresh whenever possible because the ice eventually melts and the layers lose their texture. If you have leftovers, separate the components rather than storing the finished drink.
Refrigerator Storage
Store the mashed strawberry mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Keep the milk cold and prepare the matcha fresh when you are ready to make another latte.
For the best flavor and texture, use the strawberry mixture within a few days. Give it a quick stir before using because the fruit juices may separate slightly.
Freezer Storage
I do not recommend freezing the assembled latte. The milk and strawberry mixture can change texture after thawing, and the drink will not have the same fresh, creamy consistency.
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
A refreshing homemade strawberry matcha latte made with juicy strawberries, creamy milk, and earthy matcha. This easy layered drink comes together in just a few minutes and makes a beautiful café-style treat at home.
Ingredients
- 4 medium fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar, to taste
- ¾ cup oat milk, cold
- 1–1½ teaspoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water, not boiling
- 4–6 ice cubes
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links*) – Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
- Tall 16-Ounce Glass – A clear glass lets you see the beautiful strawberry, milk, and matcha layers.
- Bamboo Matcha Whisk – Helps whisk the matcha smoothly and create a light, slightly frothy texture.
- Fine-Mesh Sifter – Helps remove matcha clumps before whisking for a smoother drink.
- Cocktail Muddler – Makes it easy to crush the strawberries and release their fresh juices.
Instructions
- Add the chopped strawberries and granulated sugar to a tall glass. Mash them with a muddler or the back of a spoon until juicy and mostly smooth.
- Add the ice cubes and pour in the cold oat milk. Pour slowly to keep the strawberry and milk layers visible.
- Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl, then add the hot water. Whisk until smooth and lightly frothy.
- Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk and ice to create the layered latte effect.
- Stir everything together before drinking and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. The water for the matcha should be hot but not boiling, as boiling water can make the matcha taste bitter.
- You can use dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or another milk of your choice.
Make Ahead Method:
- Prepare the mashed strawberry mixture up to 2–3 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Whisk the matcha fresh when assembling the latte.
Storage:
- The assembled latte is best enjoyed immediately, but the strawberry mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. This recipe makes 1 servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 95mg, Potassium: 250mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 150IU, Vitamin C: 35mg, Calcium: 300mg, Iron: 1mg
Common Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, but I recommend preparing the strawberry mixture ahead and assembling the latte when you are ready to drink it. This keeps the ice from melting into the milk and allows the matcha to taste fresher.
Can I Freeze It?
I would not freeze the finished strawberry matcha latte. The fruit and milk can lose their smooth texture after thawing, so refrigeration is the better option for leftovers.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing them with the sugar. The texture may be a little softer than fresh strawberries, but the flavor can still be delicious.
Why Does My Matcha Taste Bitter?
The water may be too hot, or the matcha itself may be very strong or lower quality. Use hot but not boiling water and adjust the amount of matcha to your taste.
Do I Need a Bamboo Matcha Whisk?
No. A small regular whisk can work in a pinch. The important thing is to mix the powder thoroughly so there are no dry clumps floating in the drink.
Can I Use Dairy Milk?
Yes. Very cold dairy milk can work well in this latte. If you notice the fruit causing the milk to separate, try using a plant-based milk or assemble and drink the latte immediately.
How Do I Make It Less Sweet?
Start with only ½ to 1 teaspoon of sugar, or leave it out entirely if your strawberries are very ripe. You can always add more sweetness, but you cannot easily remove it once it is mixed in.
Can I Make This Without Ice?
You can, but the drink will be less refreshing and the layers may not look quite the same. For the best iced latte experience, I recommend using several ice cubes and very cold milk.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry matcha latte is one of those recipes that looks much more complicated than it really is. With fresh strawberries, cold milk, a little ice, and whisked matcha, you can make a colorful café-style drink in just a few minutes.
