Strawberry matcha is exactly what it sounds like: sweet strawberries paired with earthy matcha. It’s a colourful combo that’s gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, and most of the buzz is around one drink in particular: the iced strawberry matcha latte.
If you’ve seen those gorgeous layered videos, you’ll know the look. A strawberry base on the bottom, a creamy layer of milk in the middle, then bright green matcha poured over the top. It’s pretty, it’s refreshing, and it tastes like a treat.
How Do You Make a Strawberry Matcha Latte at Home?
You make a strawberry matcha latte by layering three simple components: a mashed or pureed strawberry base at the bottom of the glass, cold milk poured over ice in the middle, and whisked matcha poured slowly on top. Use 3-4 fresh strawberries, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water, and 150-200ml of milk of your choice. The whole thing takes about five minutes. No espresso machine needed, just a bowl, a whisk or frother, and a tall glass! Simple!!
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What is strawberry matcha?
Strawberry matcha is a mix of strawberry flavour (usually strawberry puree, strawberry syrup, or even strawberry milk) with matcha tea. Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder, and the taste is often described as earthy, slightly bitter, and smooth.
When you combine the two, you get a drink that’s sweet and creamy, with that distinct matcha flavour still coming through.
Why is strawberry matcha everywhere right now?
This drink fits perfectly into the “matcha everywhere” trend. Matcha posts get millions of views, and influencers keep finding new ways to make it look even more tempting.
Strawberry matcha lattes are especially popular because:
- The layered effect looks amazing on camera
- It feels like a coffee shop drink you can make at home
- You can customise it easily with different milks and sweeteners
It’s even made its way onto Starbucks’ menu, which usually means a trend has properly hit the mainstream!
And it’s not just lattes. Strawberry matcha is also a trending flavour of the viral Yerba Magic tea powder!
How to make an iced strawberry matcha latte at home
You don’t need fancy equipment, but a milk frother (or electric frother) does make it easier to get a smooth matcha.
What you’ll need
- Fresh strawberries
- Matcha tea (ceremonial grade matcha if you want a brighter green colour)
- Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, whole milk, or dairy milk of choice
- Maple syrup, vanilla syrup, or a little white sugar (optional)
- Cold water
- Hot water
- Ice
Helpful tools:
Step-by-step method
- Make the strawberry base: Mash fresh strawberries in a small bowl (a potato masher works well). If you want it smoother, blend into a strawberry puree. You can sweeten with a little maple syrup if needed. If you’re short on time, you can use homemade strawberry syrup or strawberry jam. But I find real strawberries better for the perfect drink.
- Add ice and milk: Spoon the strawberry mixture into the bottom of your glass. Add ice, then pour in your milk of choice. Strawberry milk works too if you want extra strawberry flavour.
- Whisk the matcha: Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl. Add a small amount of hot water and whisk with a bamboo whisk until smooth and foamy. You can also use a milk frother. If you prefer a lighter taste, use a little more water.
- Pour and layer: Slowly pour the matcha over the milk to create that beautiful layered effect.
- Stir and enjoy: Stir before drinking, or sip it as it blends naturally.
I hope you have enjoyed my strawberry matcha latte recipe!
To Sum up: Strawberry Matcha Latte Ingredients and Quantities
Here’s what you need for one serving:
● Fresh strawberries: 3-4 medium strawberries (about 60-70g)
● Matcha powder: 1 teaspoon (2g), ceremonial grade for the best colour
● Hot water: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) to dissolve the matcha
● Milk of choice: 150-200ml (oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or whole milk)
● Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, vanilla syrup, or white sugar (optional)
● Ice: a generous handful
Ceremonial grade matcha gives you a brighter green and a smoother flavour. Culinary-grade works fine if that’s what you have, but the colour will be a little more muted.
Tips for the best flavour (and the prettiest layers)
- Use cold foam if you want a coffee shop feel. A splash of heavy cream or sweet cream frothed on top is lovely.
- Choose your matcha wisely. Higher quality matcha tends to taste smoother and gives a more vibrant green colour.
- Try different plant-based milks. Oat milk is popular because it’s creamy, but almond milk and coconut milk work too.
- Adjust the amount of sugar. Some people love it sweet, others prefer a sugar-free version.
- Store strawberry puree properly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 1 to 2 days.
How to Make a Starbucks-Style Strawberry Matcha Latte at Home
Starbucks uses a strawberry acai base and their own matcha blend, but you can get very close at home. Here’s what to do differently:
● Swap plain strawberry puree for strawberry syrup (equal parts sugar and water simmered with sliced strawberries, then strained). This gives you that glossy, vibrant Starbucks-style base.
● Use oat milk for a creamy texture that mirrors their standard build.
● Add a splash of vanilla syrup (half a teaspoon) to the milk layer.
● Pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon to get sharp, distinct layers.
The result is a sweeter, more polished drink than the fresh-strawberry version. Both are great. It just depends on whether you want fresh or Starbucks-style.
Can You Make a Hot Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Yes, and it’s a lovely warming version for cooler days. The method is slightly different because you want the strawberry flavour to come through without the ice to balance it.
1. Warm 150-200ml of milk in a small saucepan or with a milk frother until steamed but not boiling.
2. Stir 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam or strawberry syrup into the bottom of your mug.
3. Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 2-3 tablespoons of hot water until smooth.
4. Pour the steamed milk over the strawberry base, then slowly add the matcha on top.
5. Give it a gentle stir and drink straight away.
Oat milk works especially well here because it froths up nicely and has a natural sweetness that pairs well with both strawberry and matcha.
Is Strawberry Matcha Latte Good for Diabetics?
It can be if you keep an eye on the sugar. Matcha itself contains no sugar and is low in carbohydrates. The issue is usually the sweetener and the strawberry base.
To make a diabetic-friendly version:
● Use unsweetened almond milk (very low in carbs) instead of oat milk.
● Skip added sugar entirely. Ripe strawberries are naturally sweet enough.
● Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you need extra sweetness.
● Avoid strawberry jam as the base, as it’s high in sugar. Stick with mashed fresh strawberries.
Matcha also contains L-theanine, which is known to support steady energy without blood sugar spikes. It’s not a medical claim, but it’s one of the reasons matcha is often discussed as a gentler option than coffee for people managing blood sugar. Always check with your doctor if you have specific dietary needs.
Roundup Comparison Table
| Version | Base | Milk | Sweetener | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Fresh | Mashed fresh strawberries | Any milk of choice | Optional maple syrup | Clean, natural flavour |
| Starbucks-Style | Strawberry syrup (strained) | Oat milk | Vanilla syrup | Sweeter, glossy layers |
| Hot Version | Strawberry jam or syrup | Steamed oat milk | Optional | Cooler days |
| Diabetic-Friendly | Mashed fresh strawberries | Unsweetened almond milk | None or stevia | Low sugar, low carb |
FAQs
Q: Can you use strawberry syrup instead of fresh strawberries?
A: Yes. Strawberry syrup, strawberry jam, or store-bought strawberry puree all work as a shortcut. Fresh strawberries, mashed or blended, give the cleanest flavour, but a good strawberry syrup (especially homemade) produces a glossier, sweeter base that works brilliantly for a Starbucks-style version.
Q: What grade of matcha is best for a strawberry matcha latte?
A: Ceremonial grade matcha is best for drinks. It has a brighter green colour, a smoother flavour, and less bitterness than culinary grade. Culinary grade will work in a pinch, but the colour will be more muted and the taste slightly more astringent.
Q: How long does strawberry puree last in the fridge?
A: Strawberry puree keeps for 1-2 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make a small batch fresh rather than a large one, as the flavour and colour are best when it’s freshly made. If you want something with a longer shelf life, homemade strawberry syrup will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
What’s next after strawberry matcha?
Strawberry matcha is part of a bigger wave, and it doesn’t look like matcha is going anywhere.
Once each year, matcha tea leaves are cultivated and processed by roughly 12,000 small family farms in Japan. Even with fears of a shortage, demand keeps growing.
Some people drink matcha because they see it as a healthier alternative to coffee. It contains caffeine and is known for its antioxidants. Others are simply drawn in by the social media hype.
And now we’re seeing matcha drinks in every colour:
- Orange matcha: orange juice and matcha tea
- Pink matcha: matcha with dragon fruit or strawberry flavours
- Blue matcha: made with butterfly pea flower tea for that bright blue colour
If you love trying new drinks, this is a fun trend to play with at home.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been curious about the iced strawberry matcha latte, it’s one of the easiest viral drinks to recreate. With a handful of ingredients and a quick whisk, you can make a layered iced drink that looks like it came straight from a coffee shop and is perfect for a hot day!
If you try it, let me know what milk you used and whether you went for strawberry puree, strawberry syrup, or strawberry jam at the bottom.
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