Imagine the delightful burst of sweet, juicy strawberries meeting the smooth, earthy notes of premium matcha, all enveloped in a cloud of creamy frothed milk. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant celebration in a glass! What makes this Strawberry Matcha Latte so enchanting is the beautiful balance it strikes – the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberries perfectly complement the complex, umami-rich matcha, creating a refreshingly indulgent experience. It’s the perfect treat to brighten your afternoon, impress your friends at a brunch, or simply when you crave a unique, delicious, and visually stunning beverage. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful fusion!
Time & Serving:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assemble Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 large latte
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Strawberry Base:
▢ 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
▢ 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon water
▢ 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
For the Matcha Latte:
▢ 1 - 1.5 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder, sifted
▢ 2 tablespoons hot water, (around 175°F/80°C)
▢ 3/4 - 1 cup milk
Optional Garnishes:
▢ Fresh strawberry slices
▢ A light dusting of matcha powder
▢ A dollop of whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Base: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar/maple syrup, and water (if using). Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the strawberries with a spoon or fork as they soften. The goal is a slightly chunky or smooth puree, depending on your preference. If using, stir in the lemon juice during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. For a smoother base, you can blend it once cooled.
- Prepare the Matcha: In a separate small bowl or your serving mug, sift the matcha powder. Add the hot water. Whisk vigorously (using a bamboo whisk “chasen,” a small regular whisk, or an electric milk frother) in a “W” or “M” motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a fine layer of foam appears on top.
- Warm and Froth Milk (for Latte): Gently heat your milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm, or microwave for 45-60 seconds. Be careful not to boil. Froth the warm milk using a milk frother, French press (by rapidly pumping the plunger), or by shaking vigorously in a sealed heatproof jar until light and foamy.
- Assemble the Latte: Spoon or pour the prepared strawberry base into the bottom of your favorite latte mug or a clear heatproof glass (to show off the layers!). If making an iced version, add ice cubes now over the strawberry base.
- Combine and Serve: Gently pour the prepared matcha over the strawberry base. If you want distinct layers, pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon. Then, top with the frothed milk, holding back the thicker foam with a spoon initially and then spooning it generously on top.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice, a light dusting of matcha powder, or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Admire your beautiful creation, then stir gently to combine the flavors before taking your first delightful sip!
Recipe Notes:
- Strawberry Selection: Both fresh and frozen strawberries (Instruction #1) work well. If using frozen, you might not need the added water, and they may cook down a bit faster. Taste your strawberries and adjust sweetener accordingly.
- Matcha Quality is Key: Using ceremonial grade matcha (Instruction #2) will give you the best flavor – smooth, slightly sweet, and umami-rich, with a vibrant green color. Culinary grade can be used but might be more bitter. Always sift to avoid clumps!
- Sweetness Control: The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the sweetness (Instruction #1) to your liking. Start with less sweetener in the strawberry base, taste, and add more if needed.
- Milk Matters: Your choice of milk (Instruction #3) will affect the creaminess and froth. Oat milk is a popular choice for lattes as it froths exceptionally well and has a lovely creamy texture. Almond, soy, and dairy milk also work great.
- Hot or Iced Delight: This latte is fantastic both hot and iced! For an iced strawberry matcha latte (Instruction #4), simply use cold milk (froth it cold or just pour it in) and add plenty of ice over your strawberry base before adding the matcha and milk.
- Achieving Pretty Layers: For those beautiful distinct layers (Instruction #5), pour the matcha and then the milk very slowly, ideally over the back of a spoon, onto the layer below. The differing densities of the liquids help create the separation.
- Strawberry Base Texture: You can make your strawberry base (Instruction #1) as smooth or as chunky as you like. For a super smooth base, blend it after cooking. For a more rustic feel, just mash with a fork.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The strawberry base can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes assembling your latte even quicker!
There you have it – a stunning and delicious Vibrant Strawberry Matcha Latte that’s sure to become a new favorite. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the unique flavors of matcha paired with the summery sweetness of strawberries. We hope you enjoy crafting this refreshing and creamy fusion!
