Homemade Strawberry Matcha Latte (Sweet, Creamy & So Easy)

Meet the strawberry matcha latte. It’s where earthy matcha meets sweet, juicy strawberries. Calm and bold in the same glass.

This drink didn’t go viral by accident. It’s pretty, refreshing, and feels like a coffee-shop treat without the coffee-shop price. One sip, and you get it.

If you love matcha, avoid coffee, or live for iced drinks, this one’s calling your name. Think of it as sunshine in a glass with no barista apron required!

What Does a Strawberry Matcha Latte Taste Like?

A strawberry matcha latte tastes like a gentle tug-of-war that somehow ends in a hug.

The matcha brings that earthy, green, slightly grassy note that feels calm and grounding, while the strawberry adds a bright, juicy sweetness that lifts everything up. Neither flavor shouts.

They take turns. The texture is smooth and creamy from the milk, with the strawberry giving a soft, fruity body that makes each sip feel full but not heavy. Sweetness stays in check when done right.

It’s not candy-sweet or bitter. It lands right in the middle, like a well-balanced playlist.

And here’s why the combo works so well: matcha loves sweetness, and strawberries bring it naturally, without masking the tea’s character. One softens the other.

Think yin and yang in a glass, where earthy meets fresh, and somehow they both shine without stepping on each other’s toes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Matcha powder (culinary vs ceremonial grade)
  Ceremonial grade is smoother and less bitter, perfect for sipping. Culinary-grade works too and is more budget-friendly, especially when paired with fruit and milk.
• Strawberries (fresh vs frozen)
  Fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor. Frozen ones are just as good, blend easily, and save you time when strawberries aren’t in season.
• Milk options (dairy, oat, almond, coconut)
  Dairy milk makes it rich and creamy. Oat milk adds natural sweetness. Almond milk keeps it light. Coconut milk brings a subtle tropical twist.
• Sweeteners (sugar, honey, maple syrup, simple syrup)
  Use what you love. Strawberries already add sweetness, so a little goes a long way.
• Water or ice (for iced version)
  Hot water helps dissolve the matcha smoothly. Ice keeps everything cool, crisp, and extra refreshing.

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
  Used to turn strawberries into a smooth, pourable purée. No chunks, no drama.
• Matcha whisk or milk frother
  This keeps the matcha silky and lump-free. A small step that makes a big difference.
• Small saucepan (optional)
  Handy if you want to gently heat strawberries or dissolve sweetener more evenly.
• Glass or mug
  A clear glass shows off those pretty layers. A mug works just fine if you’re going cozy.

How to Make a Strawberry Matcha Latte (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Strawberry Purée

Start with the strawberries. Add them to a blender and blend until smooth and glossy. If they’re a little tart, add a touch of sweetener.

Taste as you go. You want bright and fruity, not jammy. Think fresh-picked, not candy store.

2. Prepare the Matcha Properly (No Clumps)

Matcha hates being rushed. Sift it if you can. Then whisk it with hot, not boiling, water. About the temperature of a hot bath.

Whisk in a quick zigzag until it looks smooth and lightly foamy. No lumps allowed. This step sets the tone for the whole drink.

3. Assemble the Layers

Pour the strawberry purée into your glass first. Add ice if you’re making it cold. Slowly pour in the milk so the layers stay pretty.

Finish with the matcha on top. Take your time here. Half the joy is watching it come together.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Give it a gentle stir, or don’t. Both ways are valid. Take a sip. Earthy meets sweet. Calm meets bright. It’s the kind of drink that makes you pause and think, Yeah… this was worth it.

Iced vs Hot Strawberry Matcha Latte

Best Method for the Iced Version

The iced version is the crowd favorite, and for good reason. Start with cold strawberry purée at the bottom of the glass. Add plenty of ice. Then pour in cold milk.

Finish with freshly whisked matcha on top. Cold keeps the flavors sharp and refreshing.

Each sip feels crisp, like a deep breath on a warm day. If you love clean layers and café-style vibes, iced is the way to go.

How to Adapt It for Hot Drinks

Hot takes a softer approach. Warm the strawberry purée gently so it blends smoothly with the milk. Heat the milk, but don’t boil it. Whisk the matcha with hot water separately, just like before.

Then layer or mix everything together. The heat mellows the matcha and turns the drink cozy and round.

When Each Version Works Best

Go for iced when it’s hot outside, or you want something light and energizing. It’s perfect for mornings, afternoons, and scroll breaks. Choose hot when you’re craving comfort or winding down.

Rainy days love it. Cold days do too. There’s no wrong choice. Just different moods in the same cup.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Matcha Latte

How to Keep Layers Clean and Vibrant

Layers love patience. Always start with cold strawberry purée. Add ice next if you’re going iced. Then pour the milk slowly, right over the ice or the back of a spoon.

Finish with the matcha, gently. Rushing this step turns pretty layers into a pink-green puddle. Still tasty, just less wow.

Avoiding Bitter Matcha

Bitter matcha is usually a temperature problem. Never use boiling water. Warm, not screaming hot, is the goal. Use good-quality matcha and whisk it well.

Clumps hold bitterness like grudges. Smooth matcha equals smoother flavor.

Getting the Right Sweetness Level

Start small. Strawberries already bring natural sugar to the party. Taste the purée first, then the matcha, then adjust.

Sweetness should feel balanced, not loud. If it makes you squint, you’ve gone too far.

Milk Choice Tips for Creaminess

Milk changes everything. Whole milk gives the richest body. Oat milk adds creaminess with a soft sweetness. Almond milk keeps it light but thinner.

Coconut milk makes it lush and bold. Choose based on mood. This drink is flexible like that.

Variations & Flavor Twists

Vegan Strawberry Matcha Latte

Good news. This drink is vegan-friendly by nature. Use plant-based milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave if needed. The flavors stay bright and clean. No swaps that taste like compromises.

Strawberry Vanilla Matcha Latte

Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup to the strawberry purée or milk. It rounds out the drink and softens the matcha’s edge. Think strawberry ice cream vibes, but lighter and grown-up.

Strawberry Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk

Coconut milk brings a creamy, slightly tropical twist. It pairs beautifully with strawberries and tames matcha’s earthiness. One sip and you’re mentally on vacation, even if you’re still in your kitchen.

Sugar-Free or Low-Calorie Option

Skip added sugar and let the strawberries do the work. For extra sweetness, use a sugar-free sweetener or a small splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup.

The drink stays refreshing without tipping into dessert territory.

Protein Strawberry Matcha Latte

Blend unflavored or vanilla protein powder into the milk or strawberry layer. Keep it light so the flavors still shine.

It turns your latte into a sip-and-go breakfast. Coffee shops wish they had thought of this first.

Health Benefits of Matcha & Strawberries

Matcha and strawberries don’t just look good together; they quietly pull their weight.

Matcha is packed with antioxidants and delivers a calm, steady caffeine boost that wakes you up without the jitters or crash. It’s more slow-burning than fireworks.

Strawberries bring vitamin C, natural sweetness, and a bit of fiber, which helps keep the drink feeling fresh instead of sugary. Together, they balance energy and refreshment in one glass.

So, is this drink “healthy”? It can be. When you control the sweetener and milk, it’s closer to a feel-good daily treat than a dessert. Not a miracle drink.

Just a smart, satisfying choice that loves your body back.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grainy Matcha

Grainy matcha can ruin the vibe fast. It usually happens when the powder isn’t whisked well or goes straight into milk.

Always mix matcha with hot water first and whisk until smooth and lightly foamy. If you rush this step, the drink lets you know.

Over-Sweetened Strawberry Base

Too much sugar turns fresh strawberries into candy. Start with the fruit alone, then add the sweetener a little at a time. Taste as you go.

You want bright and juicy, not syrupy and heavy. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.

Poor Layering

Messy layers usually come from pouring too fast or skipping ice. Pour slowly and give each layer a moment to settle. Think gentle, not splash zone.

Even if it mixes, it’ll still taste good, but the magic is in the look.

Wrong Water Temperature

Boiling water is matcha’s worst enemy. It burns the tea and brings out bitterness.

Use hot water that’s warm and steamy, not raging. Treat matcha kindly, and it rewards you.

Final Words

This strawberry matcha latte is simple, pretty, and surprisingly easy to make at home. No lines. No fancy tools. Just good flavors doing their thing.

Play with it. Adjust the sweetness. Swap the milk. Make it yours. That’s half the fun!

FAQs

Can I use strawberry syrup instead of real fruit?

Yes, you can. It’s quicker and still tasty. Just know it will be sweeter and less fresh than real strawberries. If you go this route, use a little less sweetener elsewhere.

Is matcha stronger than coffee?

Not exactly. Matcha usually has less caffeine than coffee, but it feels different. The energy is smoother and more steady, without the sudden crash.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

You can prep parts of it. Make the strawberry purée in advance and store it in the fridge. Whisk the matcha fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Is a strawberry matcha latte good without milk?

It can be. Water or coconut water keeps it light and refreshing, though it won’t be as creamy. It’s a different vibe, but still enjoyable.

Can I make it caffeine-free?

Yes. Swap the matcha for a caffeine-free green tea powder or skip it altogether and enjoy a strawberry milk instead. Different drink, same joy.