Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
Highlighted under: Light Wellness Dishes
I absolutely love creating refreshing beverages, and this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte has become one of my favorites. The vibrant green matcha pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of strawberries, making it a delightful treat on a hot day. I enjoy experimenting with different layers of flavor, and this drink not only looks appealing but also offers a unique combination of earthy and fruity notes. It’s the perfect way to elevate your afternoon pick-me-up or impress your guests at a brunch gathering.
Crafting the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte was a delightful experience. I started by infusing fresh strawberries with a touch of honey, which not only intensified the sweetness but also added a lovely color to the drink. The trick I discovered is to blend the strawberries just enough to maintain some texture while ensuring they mix seamlessly with the matcha. This balance creates a wonderfully vibrant and refreshing sip.
As I poured the creamy matcha over the strawberry base, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together. I learned that using cold milk helps maintain the drink’s aesthetic while simultaneously enhancing its creaminess. I highly recommend trying this recipe during brunch with friends for an impressive yet simple addition to your menu!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing mix of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries
- Beautiful layers that are sure to impress
- A delightful drink for warm weather sipping
Mastering the Strawberry Base
The strawberry mixture is the heart of this latte, adding both sweetness and a vibrant color. When blending, starting with fresh, ripe strawberries will yield the best flavor. If your strawberries are less than perfect, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten their taste. Blend until smooth but leave some small chunks for a delightful texture; this gives your drink a more rustic, homemade feel.
For a thicker strawberry base, you can also add a scoop of Greek yogurt. This will create a creamier layer that contrasts well with the milk and matcha. Adjust the sweetness by tasting as you blend; strawberries can vary in sweetness depending on their ripeness, so adding honey or maple syrup gradually will help you achieve the perfect balance.
Perfecting the Matcha
To achieve the ideal matcha consistency, use a whisk or a milk frother if you have one. Start with warm water, around 175°F (80°C), not boiling, as this can make the matcha taste bitter. Whisk vigorously until the powder is completely dissolved and you see a frothy surface with small bubbles. This will help integrate the matcha more smoothly with the other layers.
If you're looking to scale this recipe or make a stronger matcha flavor, simply increase the amount of matcha powder, using up to 2 teaspoons. Keep in mind that adjusting the matcha will also change the color and intensity, so find the balance that fits your taste!
Creative Serving Suggestions
Once your Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is assembled, consider topping it with a sprinkle of extra matcha powder or a few sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal. This makes the drink not only more flavorful but also aesthetically pleasing, perfect for impressing guests during a brunch or casual gathering.
For a fun twist, try adding a layer of vanilla or coconut whipped cream on top after you pour in the matcha. Not only does this add a luxurious creaminess but it also melds beautifully with the flavors of strawberries and matcha, creating a rich, indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your iced strawberry matcha latte:
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, or dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/2 cup water
- Ice cubes
Feel free to customize the milk and sweetness to your preference!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your iced strawberry matcha latte:
Prep the Strawberries
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries with honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky for added texture.
Prepare the Matcha
In a separate bowl, whisk the matcha powder with warm water until fully dissolved and frothy.
Assemble the Drink
In a glass, add a layer of the strawberry mixture followed by ice cubes. Gently pour the milk over the strawberries, and then top with the prepared matcha.
Serve and Enjoy
Stir gently to combine the layers before sipping, and enjoy your refreshing iced drink!
Enjoy your drink right away for the best flavor and texture!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the milk. You can also try topping your latte with whipped cream for a decadent twist.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk works wonderfully, but oat milk adds an extra creaminess that complements the matcha beautifully. For those who prefer a lower-calorie alternative, unsweetened almond or coconut milk can help cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor.
You can also switch out honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or agave syrup, adjusting based on your taste preferences. Just remember that stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so use it sparingly to avoid altering the overall flavor of the latte.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While the drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the strawberry base in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may separate during storage.
Matcha should be prepared shortly before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you're making this latte for a crowd, consider preparing each component individually and letting guests layer their own drinks for a fun, interactive experience!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your strawberry mixture appears too liquidy, try blending in a bit of chia seeds or reducing the blend time. This will help thicken the base without compromising on flavor or freshness. A longer blending time can break down the strawberries too much and create a smoothie consistency that may not layer well.
Should your matcha taste bitter or chalky, ensure you’re using the right water temperature and whisking it properly. If you miss the frothiness, a small hand whisk can work wonders; just be patient to make sure all the matcha is dissolved completely before combining with the other ingredients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work as well, but make sure to thaw them slightly for easier blending.
→ What kind of milk can I use?
You can use any milk you prefer, such as almond, soy, oat, or dairy milk. Each will give a different flavor profile.
→ Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
→ How can I sweeten this further?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or syrup according to your taste.
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
I absolutely love creating refreshing beverages, and this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte has become one of my favorites. The vibrant green matcha pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of strawberries, making it a delightful treat on a hot day. I enjoy experimenting with different layers of flavor, and this drink not only looks appealing but also offers a unique combination of earthy and fruity notes. It’s the perfect way to elevate your afternoon pick-me-up or impress your guests at a brunch gathering.
Created by: Ella Townsend
Recipe Type: Light Wellness Dishes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, or dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/2 cup water
- Ice cubes
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries with honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky for added texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk the matcha powder with warm water until fully dissolved and frothy.
In a glass, add a layer of the strawberry mixture followed by ice cubes. Gently pour the milk over the strawberries, and then top with the prepared matcha.
Stir gently to combine the layers before sipping, and enjoy your refreshing iced drink!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the milk. You can also try topping your latte with whipped cream for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 5g