Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte
Highlighted under: Wellness Table Creations
I love the vibrant combination of matcha and strawberry in this Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte! It's refreshing, energizing, and offers a delightful twist to the usual iced lattes. The creaminess from the milk enhances the earthy flavor of matcha, while the sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness. I often prepare this when I need a pick-me-up in the warmer months, as it's easy to whip up and feels like a specialty drink from my favorite café. Trust me, this latte is a game changer for hot days!
When I first experimented with this latte, I was amazed at how well matcha pairs with the sweetness of strawberries. The deep green of the matcha contrasts beautifully with the bright red of the strawberries, making it not just delicious but visually stunning too. I often take my time to blend the strawberries until smooth, which really elevates the presentation.
Another tip I have is to use high-quality matcha powder. It makes a world of difference in both flavor and color, resulting in a beautiful latte that feels indulgent but is still refreshing. Enjoying this drink while relaxing on my patio is one of my simple pleasures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Exquisite blend of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries
- Cool and refreshing, perfect for warm weather
- Quick and easy to prepare at home
The Magic of Matcha
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Its vibrant green color signifies the high concentration of antioxidants, which contribute to a myriad of health benefits. When whisked with hot water, it forms a frothy mixture that enhances the latte’s creamy texture while providing an earthy depth that balances beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries. Choosing a high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha will elevate your drink, ensuring a smoother taste with less bitterness.
To get the perfect consistency for the matcha, it’s essential to use water that is hot but not boiling—around 175°F (80°C) is ideal. If the water is too hot, it can make the matcha taste overly bitter, detracting from the drink’s overall flavor. If you need to, invest in a simple kitchen thermometer to get this step just right. Once you've achieved a frothy texture, you can adjust the matcha quantity to suit your taste, but I recommend starting with a teaspoon for a balanced flavor.
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Puree
The strawberry puree adds a fresh, fruity burst that is essential for the Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte. When selecting strawberries, look for those that are vibrant red and fragrant, as they will provide the best flavor. The sweetness can vary, so adjust the honey or agave syrup based on your taste and how sweet your strawberries are. Perhaps add a splash of lemon juice for an added layer of brightness if you prefer a tangy twist.
When blending the strawberries, ensure they’re incorporated until smooth for a consistent texture throughout the latte. I usually blend for about 30 seconds, but every blender is different—stop and scrape down the sides as needed. If you'd like a thicker puree, simply add fewer strawberries or refrigerate the puree for a few minutes before adding it to your drink; it pairs perfectly with the cold milk and matcha.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delightful iced matcha strawberry latte:
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup water, hot but not boiling
- Ice cubes
Make sure to have a good blender for a smooth strawberry puree!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte:
Prepare the Strawberry Puree
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and honey. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
Mix the Matcha
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until well combined and frothy.
Assemble the Latte
In a tall glass, add ice cubes, pour in the strawberry puree, and then add the milk. Finally, gently pour the matcha mixture on top for a beautiful layered effect.
Serve and Enjoy
Stir gently before drinking to combine the flavors. Enjoy your refreshing iced matcha strawberry latte!
This latte is best enjoyed immediately for a refreshing experience.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of milk for various flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte can easily be customized for different preferences. For an added layer of indulgence, consider topping your drink with whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more aromatic experience, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few mint leaves can enhance the overall flavor profile beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
If you need a stronger caffeine kick, try adding an espresso shot on top of the matcha. This will create a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to energize your day. Moreover, serving this latte in a clear glass will highlight the beautiful layers, making it a visually appealing treat for guests during brunch or casual gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you're short on time, you can prepare the strawberry puree in advance. It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before use, as some separation may occur. Prepare the matcha mixture just before serving to preserve its freshness and frothiness; matcha tends to deteriorate in flavor over time if left mixed for too long.
For a quick refreshing breakfast or snack, why not try preparing larger batches? Simply multiply the ingredients and layer them into jars for a grab-and-go option. The assembled drink can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, but be aware that the ice will melt, potentially diluting the flavor. To combat this, consider using frozen strawberries instead of ice cubes—this will keep the beverage cold without watering it down!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just let them thaw a bit before blending for a smoother texture.
→ Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk as delicious alternatives to regular milk.
→ How can I sweeten my latte without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave, or even skip the sweetener altogether for a healthier option.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
While it's best fresh, you can prepare the strawberry puree in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte
I love the vibrant combination of matcha and strawberry in this Iced Matcha Strawberry Latte! It's refreshing, energizing, and offers a delightful twist to the usual iced lattes. The creaminess from the milk enhances the earthy flavor of matcha, while the sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness. I often prepare this when I need a pick-me-up in the warmer months, as it's easy to whip up and feels like a specialty drink from my favorite café. Trust me, this latte is a game changer for hot days!
Created by: Phoebe Drake
Recipe Type: Wellness Table Creations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup water, hot but not boiling
- Ice cubes
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and honey. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until well combined and frothy.
In a tall glass, add ice cubes, pour in the strawberry puree, and then add the milk. Finally, gently pour the matcha mixture on top for a beautiful layered effect.
Stir gently before drinking to combine the flavors. Enjoy your refreshing iced matcha strawberry latte!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of milk for various flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 5g