Okay, so you know how sometimes you just crave something *different*? Something that’s not just your average coffee but still has that kick and feels super special? That’s exactly how I felt one sweltering afternoon, and it led me to create this absolute gem: the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte. Seriously, it’s this incredible dance between the rich, earthy goodness of matcha and the sweet, bright burst of fresh strawberries. It’s vibrant, surprisingly easy to whip up, and honestly, it’s become my go-to pick-me-up any time of day. Forget boring drinks; this one’s a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Seriously, this drink is a game-changer. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:
- Super Easy to Make: You can whip this up in just a few minutes, no fancy barista skills needed!
- Perfectly Refreshing: It’s got just the right amount of chill and sweetness to wake you up without being overwhelming.
- Naturally Delicious: Real strawberries and good matcha mean you’re getting pure, vibrant flavor.
- So Versatile: Whether it’s a morning boost, an afternoon treat, or something to impress guests, this latte hits the spot.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Alright, let’s get our goodies together! To whip up this dreamy Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, they’re pretty standard kitchen staples or easy to find!
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (make sure they’re nice and ripe!)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or a bit more if you like it sweeter)
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Matcha Latte:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (use a good ceremonial grade if you can, it makes a difference!)
- 2 tablespoons hot water, about 175°F (80°C) – not boiling, just nice and warm!
- 1 cup milk, whatever kind you love – dairy, almond, oat, soy, you name it!
- Ice cubes, plenty of them!
Essential Equipment for Your Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
To make this delish drink, you won’t need a whole bar setup, just a few things from your kitchen!
- Blender: This is for getting our strawberry syrup super smooth and lovely.
- Small bowl: You’ll need this for whisking up the matcha paste and for straining our syrup.
- Whisk or frother: Crucial for getting that matcha perfectly smooth and lump-free!
- Tall glass: Because presentation matters, right? Gotta have something to show off those pretty layers!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Alright, get ready to make some magic happen! It’s super simple, and honestly, the most fun part is watching it all come together. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be sipping on pure bliss in no time.
Prepare the Refreshing Strawberry Syrup
First things first, let’s get that gorgeous strawberry syrup ready. Pop your chopped strawberries, sugar, and water into the blender. Give it a good whirl until it’s completely smooth – you want that vibrant, sweet goodness. Pour that smooth mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a little bowl. Use the back of a spoon to really press out all that lovely juice. Discard the solids; you should get about a quarter cup of liquid gold. Taste it – need a little more sugar? Now’s the time to adjust!
Whisk the Perfect Matcha Base
Okay, onto the matcha! In another small bowl, put your matcha powder. Now, add the hot water – remember, around 175°F (80°C), not boiling, just nice and warm. Grab your whisk or a little electric frother and go to town! You want to whisk it like crazy until there’s absolutely no powder left and it’s a smooth, beautiful green paste. This step is key to avoiding any chalky bits, trust me!
Assemble Your Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Now for the grand finale! Grab your tall glass and fill it up with as many ice cubes as you can fit. Pour in that yummy strawberry syrup you just made. Then, gently add your milk. Finally, very carefully, pour that vibrant matcha mixture over the top. You can give it a gentle stir if you want everything mixed, or just admire those beautiful layers before you take your first sip. How pretty is that?
Tips for the Best Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
You know, like any recipe, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte sing. First off, please, please use good quality matcha powder. It makes such a world of difference in both flavor and that gorgeous green color. I learned that the hard way after a few batches that tasted a little… meh. Also, don’t be afraid to play with the sweetness in the strawberry syrup! Sometimes my berries are super sweet, other times a little tart, so I just go with what tastes right. Oh, and if you’re a big fan of layers, pour that matcha *really* gently over the milk. For more on my kitchen adventures, you can check out my about me page – it’s where I share all sorts of little secrets!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Matcha Drink
Let’s talk ingredients for this fabulous Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte, because the little things really do matter! When it comes to matcha, I’ve found that a good ceremonial grade really makes a difference. It’s less bitter and has that beautiful, vibrant green you want. If you can’t find it, a culinary grade will work, but you might want to fine-tune the sugar in your syrup a bit more to balance any earthiness.
For the milk, honestly, anything goes! My personal favorite is oat milk because it’s so creamy and doesn’t mess with the flavor too much. Almond milk is great too, and if you’re looking for dairy-free options, my dairy-free recipes section has loads of ideas. You can even use regular dairy milk if that’s what you have on hand!
And about those strawberries? Fresh is best for that bright, natural flavor. But if you’re in a pinch or strawberries are out of season, frozen ones work like a charm! Just thaw them a bit before blending. You might need a touch more sugar with frozen berries, as they can sometimes be a little less sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Got questions about this delightful drink? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this without a blender?
Oh yeah, absolutely! If you don’t have a blender, you can make the strawberry syrup by mashing the strawberries really, really well with a fork or potato masher until they’re mostly broken down. Then, mix in the sugar and water and gently heat the mixture in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves and it all thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Then just strain it as usual. It might be a little chunkier, but still super yummy!
How long does the strawberry syrup last?
Once you’ve made that lovely strawberry syrup, you can pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh and delicious for about a week, maybe a little longer if your strawberries were super fresh to begin with. I like to make a batch at the beginning of the week so it’s ready to go whenever I need that Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte fix!
Is this drink vegan?
It totally can be! If you use plant-based milk like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk, and you make sure your sugar is vegan (some white sugars are processed with bone char, though many aren’t!), then yes, this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is completely vegan. It’s one of the great things about it – so adaptable!
Can I use frozen strawberries for the syrup?
You bet! Frozen strawberries work perfectly fine for the syrup. Just let them thaw a bit first, and then you can blend them up just like you would fresh ones. Sometimes frozen berries can be a little less sweet, so you might want to taste your syrup and add a tiny bit more sugar if needed. It’s all about what tastes good to you!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte magic or just extra strawberry syrup? No sweat! I like to store the strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll keep for about a week, giving you a ready-made flavor boost for more lattes or even drizzling over yogurt. As for the assembled latte itself? Honestly, it’s best enjoyed fresh. The ice melts, things can get a bit watery, and the matcha can lose its vibrant zing. If you have to, pour any leftovers into a separate container, skip the ice, and pop it in the fridge. Give it a good shake or stir before sipping, but expect it to be a bit more diluted. My advice? Just make what you plan to drink!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Here’s a little peek at what you’re typically sipping on with each delightful Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte:
- Calories: Around 150-250 (depending on your milk and sugar!)
- Fat: 5-15g
- Protein: 3-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-35g
Remember, these are just estimates, and they can totally change based on the type of milk you use and how much sugar you decide to add to that yummy strawberry syrup. For more clean eating ideas, you can peek at my clean eating recipes!
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the strawberry syrup: Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. You should have about 1/4 cup of syrup.
- Prepare the matcha: In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and no clumps remain. A bamboo whisk or electric frother works best.
- Assemble the latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the strawberry syrup, followed by the milk.
- Gently pour the whisked matcha mixture over the milk and syrup. Stir gently to combine, or enjoy the layered effect.