Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced
Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Favorites
When I first tried a Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced, I was instantly captivated by the harmonious blend of creamy matcha and vibrant strawberry flavors. This refreshing drink is my go-to for warm afternoons or a cozy brunch with friends. I love how the sweetness of the strawberries balances out the earthy notes of matcha, creating a delightful experience with each sip. With its beautiful layers, this latte not only tastes divine but looks stunning as well, making it the perfect beverage for social media sharing or simply savoring at home.
Making the perfect Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced has become a delightful ritual for me. I discovered that whisking matcha with a bit of warm water before adding milk results in a smoother mix, eliminating any lumps. The real star, however, is the fresh strawberries. Mashing them just right creates a natural sweetness and flavor that complements the matcha beautifully.
I've experimented with various plant-based milks, and oat milk turned out to be my favorite. Its creaminess elevates the drink while enhancing the matcha flavor. Trust me, once you try this method, you'll want to make it part of your morning routine!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries
- Beautifully layered for a striking presentation
- Refreshing and perfect for hot weather
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The star of the Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced is undoubtedly the matcha powder, which brings a unique earthy flavor and vibrant green color to the drink. It’s important to use high-quality culinary matcha for the best taste and smooth texture. Culinary-grade matcha blends well with other ingredients, while ceremonial grade is typically reserved for drinking straight. Don’t forget that matcha can develop bitterness when exposed to too much heat, so avoid boiling water—stick to water that is around 175°F (80°C).
Fresh strawberries are essential for sweetness and flavor in this latte. Look for ripe, juicy strawberries that are bright red, as these will blend best with the matcha and create a delicious fruity base. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, but this might slightly alter the flavor profile. The addition of honey or maple syrup is optional; if your strawberries are particularly sweet, you might find that extra sweetness is unnecessary.
Techniques for Success
To achieve the perfect consistency for the mashed strawberries, aim for a chunky sauce rather than a smooth puree. I recommend mashing with a fork rather than a blender, as this keeps some texture, allowing the fruit to shine through in the finished drink. If you're concerned about oxidation, a squeeze of lemon juice can help preserve the bright color of the strawberries while also adding a hint of tartness that can complement the latte beautifully.
When whisking the matcha powder, use a bamboo whisk (chasen) if possible, as it creates a frothy texture and blends the matcha evenly. If you don’t have one, a small whisk or milk frother will work, too. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy with no clumps. This process helps to ensure that the matcha integrates well with the milk and highlights its vibrant color when layered in the glass.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Latte
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1/2 cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, mash the chopped strawberries with a fork until you achieve a chunky sauce. If desired, mix in honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
Make the Matcha
In a separate bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth and free of clumps.
Assemble the Latte
In two glasses, add ice cubes, followed by the mashed strawberry mixture. Pour in the milk and then add the matcha on top.
Serve
Gently stir to combine and enjoy immediately, or garnish with extra strawberries for a beautiful touch.
Pro Tips
- For an extra creamy texture, try using full-fat coconut milk. Additionally, blending the strawberries can create an even smoother consistency for the latte base.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning to serve this drink later, you can prepare the strawberry mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before using, as some liquid may separate. Avoid premixing with the matcha and milk until you're ready to serve, as the vibrant layers are part of the visual appeal of this drink.
For serving at a gathering, consider setting up a DIY bar where guests can assemble their own lattes. Prepare separate bowls of strawberry puree and matcha, with pre-measured portions of milk, which adds a fun interactive element. Just make sure to keep the ingredients chilled, especially if it’s a warm day!
Variations to Try
For a twist on the classic Strawberry Matcha Latte, experiment with flavored milks like almond or oat milk. These non-dairy options offer a subtly different taste and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the drink. Additionally, incorporating a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream when blending can create a creamier, dessert-like version, perfect for a treat on a hot summer day.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding other fruits or herbs. A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil can elevate the freshness of the strawberries, while a handful of blueberries can add a beautiful color contrast. Just remember, any additions should harmonize with the matcha's earthy notes, so keep flavor balance in mind when experimenting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work; just thaw them and mash them before using.
→ Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and maple syrup instead of honey.
→ How can I store leftovers?
It's best to enjoy this latte fresh, but you can store the components separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
→ Is matcha latte healthy?
Yes, matcha is known for its antioxidants and may provide benefits like increased energy and metabolism.
Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced
When I first tried a Strawberry Matcha Latte Iced, I was instantly captivated by the harmonious blend of creamy matcha and vibrant strawberry flavors. This refreshing drink is my go-to for warm afternoons or a cozy brunch with friends. I love how the sweetness of the strawberries balances out the earthy notes of matcha, creating a delightful experience with each sip. With its beautiful layers, this latte not only tastes divine but looks stunning as well, making it the perfect beverage for social media sharing or simply savoring at home.
Created by: Serena Whitaker
Recipe Type: Everyday World Food Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Latte
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1/2 cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mash the chopped strawberries with a fork until you achieve a chunky sauce. If desired, mix in honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
In a separate bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth and free of clumps.
In two glasses, add ice cubes, followed by the mashed strawberry mixture. Pour in the milk and then add the matcha on top.
Gently stir to combine and enjoy immediately, or garnish with extra strawberries for a beautiful touch.
Extra Tips
- For an extra creamy texture, try using full-fat coconut milk. Additionally, blending the strawberries can create an even smoother consistency for the latte base.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g