HOW TO MAKE A
STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE
AT HOME
Learn how to make a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Matcha Latte: the perfect balance of creamy matcha and sweet berry flavor.
Matcha meets strawberry in this pretty-in-pink matcha latte. With its earthy, grassy notes and a burst of fruity sweetness, this drink is a dreamy pick-me-up, great for spring or summer sipping (hot or iced!).
STRAWBERRY MATCHA INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz strawberry syrup (store-bought or homemade; recipe below)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 oz hot water (around 175°F)
- 6-8 oz milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice (for iced version only)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cold foam (see below), freeze-dried strawberries)
OPTIONAL MATCHA SET
- Mini strainer
- Bamboo matcha stick
- Matcha ceramic bowl
- Bamboo whisk
- Cooking thermometer or temperature-regulated hot plate
- Electronic frother
STRAWBERRY MATCHA INSTRUCTIONS
BRING YOUR WATER TO A BOIL
Using a traditional burner and kettle, heat your water to an almost boil.* If you have a bamboo whisk, pour some water into a cup and let the bristles of your whisk soak to soften.
*Use a temperature-regulated hot plate set to 175°F or a cooking thermometer to bring water to temperature. Too hot of boiling water will affect your matcha’s flavor.
SIFT YOUR MATCHA POWDER
Using a mini strainer and a bamboo stick, sift two heaping stick scoops of matcha powder into a bowl. If you do not have a traditional matcha-making kit, simply scoop a teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl.
PREPARE THE STRAWBERRY SYRUP BASE
Add 1 oz of store-bought strawberry syrup into a separate serving glass. Or, see homemade recipe instructions below.
HEAT OR CHILL THE MILK
If drinking hot, steam your milk on stove top until hot or microwave for 1 minute. Mix with a handheld frother until foamy. Pour over the strawberry base.
*For an iced matcha instead, leave the milk chilled. Add ice to serving cup before pouring milk.
WHISK THE MATCHA
Pour 175°F boiling water over the separate matcha powder in your bowl, using just enough to cover the powder and turn it into a paste. Using your bamboo whisk, whisk in a “Z” or “W” shape until you see small bubbles form and it becomes frothy. If you do not have a bamboo whisk, you can mix it with a spoon.
ASSEMBLE THE LATTE
Pour the matcha mixture over the strawberry syrup and milk combination.
GARNISH & ENJOY
Top your strawberry matcha latte with whipped cream, cold foam (see below), or freeze-dried strawberries.
MAKING A HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY SYRUP
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, pressing down to extract the syrup.
- Stir in lemon juice if using, let cool, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.
FAQ
What’s the difference between strawberry syrup and strawberry sauce? Strawberry syrup is thin and pourable, ideal for mixing into drinks. Strawberry sauce is thicker and chunkier, often used as a topping for desserts.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY COLD FOAM
INGREDIENTS
- ¼ cup cold milk (nonfat works best)
- 1 tsp strawberry syrup (strained works best)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add cold milk and syrup to a frothing device or jar.
- Froth until thick and foamy.
- Spoon over your iced or hot strawberry matcha for a cloud-like topping.
STRAWBERRY MATCHA VARIATIONS
- For a fruitier drink, blend fresh strawberries into the milk.
- For a sugar-free version, use monk fruit or stevia in your syrup instead of cane sugar.
- Make a strawberry oat matcha by swapping out for oat milk — it froths beautifully and adds natural sweetness.
- Add vanilla cold foam instead of strawberry for a dreamy twist.
- Use white chocolate sauce with the strawberry syrup for a dessert-like variation.
SHOP DRINKWARE
STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE FAQS
DOES A STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE HAVE CAFFEINE?
Yes. Matcha contains caffeine — about 60–70 mg per teaspoon. It provides a gentle energy lift. For a caffeine-free version, you can use a caffeine-free green tea powder.
HOW CAN I MAKE A STRAWBERRY OAT MATCHA LATTE?
Use oat milk in place of regular milk. Follow the standard recipe using 1 oz strawberry syrup, 1 tsp matcha, and 6-8 oz of oat milk. It’s naturally sweet and froths very well.
HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE?
Depending on your ingredients, it can range from 120-180 calories. Using whole milk or toppings like whipped cream and cold foam can increase it to 220-250 calories. To cut calories, opt for unsweetened plant-based milk and a sugar-free syrup.
WHAT KIND OF MATCHA IS BEST FOR LATTES?
Culinary-grade matcha works well for lattes, especially when mixed with sweet flavors like strawberry. Ceremonial-grade is higher quality and more delicate, but it's more expensive and typically reserved for traditional tea preparation.
IS LIGHTER OR DARKER MATCHA POWDER BETTER FOR A LATTE?
A good quality matcha is usually a bright green thanks to the high chlorophyll levels in the leaves. It’s also less bitter due to the low tannin levels in the leaves.
CAN I MAKE A LARGE BATCH IN ADVANCE?
Yes, you can prepare a batch of strawberry syrup and pre-whisked matcha to store in the fridge (though the matcha often tastes better freshly expressed). When ready, just add your milk of choice and serve cold or reheat as needed within 1-2 days.