Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte: The Ultimate Refreshing Recipe

Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte: Prepare to be captivated by a beverage that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious! Imagine the vibrant green of matcha swirling gracefully with the rosy hues of strawberry, all atop a bed of ice. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a moment of pure bliss in a glass.

While the combination might seem modern, the roots of this delightful drink are steeped in tradition. Matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, has been a cornerstone of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, prized for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Strawberries, on the other hand, have been enjoyed worldwide for their sweet, juicy goodness. The fusion of these two seemingly disparate ingredients creates a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and invigorating.

So, why is the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte such a crowd-pleaser? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha are beautifully complemented by the sweet, fruity tang of strawberry. The creamy texture, often achieved with milk or a dairy-free alternative, adds another layer of indulgence. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, making it a convenient and refreshing treat any time of day. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Strawberry Puree:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Matcha Concentrate:
• 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water (not boiling, around 175°F)
• For the Latte:
• 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy, I prefer oat milk!)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Sweetener of your choice (agave, maple syrup, honey, etc.) to taste
• Optional: Whipped cream for topping
• Optional: Fresh strawberry slices for garnish

Preparing the Strawberry Puree:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the strawberry puree! This is what gives our latte that beautiful pink hue and delicious fruity flavor. It’s super easy to make, I promise!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the hulled and quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor and prevent the puree from being overly sweet.
2. Cook the Strawberries: Place the saucepan over medium heat. As the strawberries heat up, they will start to release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Simmer and Soften: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries are very soft and easily mashed. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. You’ll notice the strawberries will break down and the mixture will thicken slightly.
4. Mash the Strawberries: Once the strawberries are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to thoroughly mash the strawberries. You can leave it a little chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture, or mash it completely smooth for a silky puree. I personally like a little bit of texture!
5. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a completely smooth puree without any seeds, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Place the sieve over a bowl and pour the mashed strawberries into the sieve. Use a spoon or spatula to press the puree through the sieve, leaving the seeds behind. This step is totally optional, so don’t worry if you don’t have a sieve or don’t mind the seeds.
6. Cool the Puree: Allow the strawberry puree to cool completely before using it in the latte. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the puree to a shallow dish or placing it in the refrigerator. This is important because you don’t want to melt all your ice when you add it to the latte!
7. Store the Puree: If you’re not using the puree immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is great for meal prepping or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Preparing the Matcha Concentrate:

Next up, let’s make the matcha concentrate. This is where the magic happens and we get that vibrant green color and earthy flavor that complements the strawberries so well. Don’t be intimidated by matcha – it’s easier than you think!

1. Sift the Matcha: This is a crucial step to prevent clumping! Sift the matcha powder through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl. This will ensure a smooth and lump-free concentrate. Trust me, you don’t want any clumps of matcha in your latte!
2. Add Hot Water: Add the hot water (around 175°F, not boiling) to the sifted matcha powder. The water temperature is important – boiling water can make the matcha taste bitter. If you don’t have a thermometer, just let the boiling water cool for a minute or two before adding it to the matcha.
3. Whisk the Matcha: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small whisk to whisk the matcha and water together until smooth and frothy. Whisk vigorously in a “W” or “M” motion to break up any remaining clumps and create a nice, even consistency. You should see a layer of foam on top. If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, a small regular whisk will work, but it might take a little longer to get a smooth consistency.
4. Set Aside: Set the matcha concentrate aside while you prepare the rest of the latte. It’s best to use it immediately, but it can sit for a few minutes without losing its quality.

Assembling the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte:

Alright, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you get to customize your latte to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amounts of strawberry puree, matcha concentrate, and milk to create your perfect flavor balance.

1. Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on how cold you like your latte. I usually fill the glass about ¾ full.
2. Add Strawberry Puree: Pour the cooled strawberry puree into the glass over the ice. The amount of puree you use will depend on how strawberry-flavored you want your latte to be. I usually start with about 2-3 tablespoons and adjust from there.
3. Add Milk: Pour the milk of your choice over the strawberry puree and ice. Leave some room at the top for the matcha concentrate. I love using oat milk because it’s creamy and doesn’t overpower the other flavors, but you can use any milk you prefer.
4. Sweeten (Optional): If you like your latte sweeter, add your sweetener of choice to the milk and stir well to dissolve. Agave, maple syrup, and honey are all great options. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
5. Pour Matcha Concentrate: Gently pour the prepared matcha concentrate over the milk. Try to pour it slowly so that it creates a nice layer on top. This will give you that beautiful layered effect.
6. Stir (Optional): If you want to mix the layers together, you can gently stir the latte with a straw or spoon. However, I personally like to keep the layers separate so that I can taste each flavor individually.
7. Top with Whipped Cream (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, top your latte with whipped cream. This adds a touch of indulgence and makes it even more delicious.
8. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of matcha powder or a drizzle of strawberry puree.
9. Enjoy! Take a sip and enjoy your delicious and refreshing Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find your perfect combination.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the latte can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less sugar to the strawberry puree or by adding sweetener directly to the latte.
• Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.
• Add Other Fruits: You can experiment with adding other fruits to the puree, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan whipped cream to make this latte vegan.
• Add a Boost: For an extra energy boost, add a shot of espresso to the latte.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the strawberry puree for a warm and spiced flavor.
• Matcha Quality Matters: The quality of your matcha powder will greatly affect the taste of the latte. Use high-quality matcha for the best flavor.
• Experiment with Milk: Try different types of milk to find your favorite. Almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are all great options.

Enjoy your homemade Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances the earthy notes of matcha with the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries, all while delivering a refreshing caffeine kick. It’s a delightful treat that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect pick-me-up for a warm day or a delightful alternative to your usual coffee routine.

But the best part? It’s so incredibly easy to customize! Feel free to experiment with different types of milk. Almond milk adds a nutty undertone, while oat milk creates a creamier, richer texture. For a truly decadent treat, try using coconut milk – the subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with both the matcha and the strawberry.

And don’t stop there! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. For a vegan option, ensure your sweetener is plant-based, like agave or maple syrup. You can even adjust the sweetness level to your liking – start with a smaller amount of sweetener and add more to taste.

Serving Suggestions: This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and desserts. Imagine sipping on this refreshing drink alongside a slice of lemon poppy seed cake, a handful of almond biscotti, or even a light and fruity salad. For a more substantial meal, try pairing it with a breakfast sandwich or a light quiche.

Variations to Explore: Want to take your latte game to the next level? Consider making a strawberry puree instead of simply muddling the strawberries. This will create a smoother, more consistent flavor throughout the drink. You could also try freezing the strawberry puree into ice cubes for an extra burst of strawberry flavor as your latte chills. Another fun variation is to add a layer of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream on top for a truly indulgent treat. And for a festive touch, garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of matcha powder.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of the vibrant strawberry and the energizing matcha is simply irresistible. It’s a drink that’s both good for you and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your whisk, and get ready to create your own masterpiece. I’m so excited for you to try this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte!

I truly hope you enjoy making and drinking this as much as I do. Once you’ve given it a try, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you pair it with? Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy sipping!