As the sun starts to blaze and the days grow longer, I find myself craving a vibrant sip of summer bliss. Enter the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte—a delightful twist that pairs the earthy richness of matcha with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. This healthy drink not only cools you down but also offers a gentle caffeine lift, perfect for those warm afternoons spent outdoors. With its stunning pink hue and creamy texture, it’s a drink that looks as good as it tastes, making it a conversation starter at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment on the porch or entertaining friends at a summer brunch, this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte makes the perfect refreshing companion. Curious about how to create this stunning beverage at home? Let’s dive in!
Why Love This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Refreshing, this drink perfectly balances the earthy matcha and sweet strawberries, making it a seasonal favorite. Colorful appeal, its vibrant pink hue not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes it visually stunning for entertaining. Customizable options mean you can experiment with different milks and sweeteners for a personal touch, or even try variations like my Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon recipe! Quick and easy, you can whip this up in no time, ensuring you spend more time sipping and less time prepping. Perfect for gatherings, this Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte will be the star of your summer brunch or afternoon refreshment!
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup
• Strawberries (1 lb) – Provides natural sweetness and a fruity flavor; substitute with frozen strawberries if fresh is not available.
• Filtered Water (1 cup) – Used for making the strawberry syrup; no substitutions required.
• Granulated Sugar (⅔ cup) – Sweetens the syrup; can replace with honey or a sugar substitute to taste.
For the Cold Foam
• Heavy Whipping Cream (3 tablespoons) – Creates the creamy cold foam; use coconut cream for a non-dairy option.
• Half & Half (2 tablespoons) – Adds creaminess to the drink; substitute with whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative.
• Pure Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon) – Sweetens the cold foam naturally; can replace with agave syrup or omit for less sweetness.
• Reserved Strawberries (½ tablespoon) – From the syrup, adds additional flavor to the cold foam.
For the Latte
• Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder (1 teaspoon) – Main flavoring for the latte; latte grade matcha can also be used.
• Hot Water (2 tablespoons, 80ºC/180ºF) – Used to dissolve matcha powder; no substitutions.
• Ice – For serving; essential for the drink’s cold temperature.
• Non-Dairy Milk (1 cup) – Forms the base of the latte; variety of options available, such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is not just a treat for your palate but a refreshing summer drink that you’ll absolutely love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 pound of strawberries, 1 cup of filtered water, and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a low boil for about 1 minute, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, mashing the strawberries occasionally as they soften. Once done, strain the mixture to separate the syrup from the solids and set the syrup aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cold Foam
While the strawberry syrup cools, grab a small glass and add 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of half & half, 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup, and about ½ tablespoon of the reserved strawberry solids. Use a frother or a whisk to vigorously froth the mixture until it thickens and forms soft peaks, creating a luscious cold foam. Set this delightful foam aside as you assemble your iced strawberry matcha latte.
Step 3: Mix the Matcha Latte
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of ceremonial grade matcha powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water, heated to about 80ºC (180ºF), until smooth and well-combined. This will form the vibrant base of your iced strawberry matcha latte. Make sure there are no clumps left, allowing the rich green color to shine through as the first layer of your drink preparation.
Step 4: Assemble Your Drink
Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill beautifully. Pour in 1 tablespoon of the cooled strawberry syrup, followed by the whisked matcha mixture to create an enticing visual separation. Then, gently pour 1 cup of your chosen non-dairy milk over the matcha and ice, allowing the colors to swirl together for an Instagram-worthy look.
Step 5: Top with Cold Foam
Finally, spoon the prepared strawberry cold foam on top of your iced strawberry matcha latte. The creamy foam not only adds a decadent finish but also complements the refreshing flavors of the drink beautifully. You can garnish with a sliced strawberry or a sprinkle of matcha powder for an extra touch. Now your stunning Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte is ready to sip and savor!
Make Ahead Options
These Iced Strawberry Matcha Lattes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the strawberry syrup up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. Additionally, the cold foam can be made ahead and stored for up to 24 hours—just give it a quick whip before using to restore its texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your latte, simply whisk the matcha with hot water, layer ice and syrup in your glass, pour in your chosen non-dairy milk, and top it off with the prepared cold foam. This way, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing drink ready in no time!
What to Serve with Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Elevate your summer refreshment experience with delightful pairings that complement this vibrant drink.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a juicy contrast, enhancing the refreshing qualities of your latte.
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Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these cookies provide the perfect texture that balances the creamy matcha foam.
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Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, this pudding echoes the healthy theme of the latte while adding a subtle sweetness.
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Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers a savory counterpart, making it ideal for brunch or a light lunch when paired with the latte.
For a fabulous afternoon gathering, consider serving the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte alongside a colorful fruit platter. The bright tones of strawberries and other fruits create not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors to complement every sip. With these thoughtful pairings, your refreshing drink will shine even brighter!
How to Store and Freeze Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Fridge: Store leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to create refreshing iced strawberry matcha lattes at a moment’s notice.
Freezer: You can freeze the strawberry syrup in ice cube trays for easy, portion-controlled use later. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
Preparation Tips: If you want to prepare a larger batch of the iced strawberry matcha latte, you can store the prepared matcha mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply mix the chilled matcha with ice and your favorite non-dairy milk, then top with the strawberry cold foam for the best experience.
Expert Tips for Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
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Quality Matters: Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant color in your iced strawberry matcha latte.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of syrup or sweeteners in both the strawberry syrup and cold foam.
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Proper Temperature: Ensure the hot water for dissolving matcha is hot but not boiling. This helps avoid a bitter taste and retains that lovely earthy flavor.
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Froth It Right: When preparing the cold foam, whip the heavy cream just until it forms soft peaks to achieve a creamy, stable texture.
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Experiment with Milks: Don’t hesitate to try different non-dairy milks such as oat or almond for varied flavors in your iced strawberry matcha latte.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the strawberry syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. It’ll be fresh for about two weeks, allowing for quick, refreshing drinks!
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful twists on your Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte!
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Berry Bliss: Use a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant berry medley that adds a refreshing tartness to your drink.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a tropical twist that’s both rich and creamy.
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Sweet Alternatives: Swap granulated sugar with agave syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
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Nutty Flavor: Try almond milk or cashew milk as your base for a delicate nutty flavor that perfectly pairs with the matcha.
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Extra Creamy: For an indulgent experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of your cold foam for a dessert-like treat.
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Cooling Mint: Add a few fresh mint leaves to your strawberry syrup for a refreshing herbal kick that brightens the entire drink.
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Caffeine-Free Swap: Replace matcha with cocoa powder for a chocolate version; you can still enjoy the strawberry sweetness with this delightful change.
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Spiced Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cold foam for a warm, spiced flavor that adds depth to your refreshing latte.
These variations allow you to tailor the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte to your taste preferences, and for even more tasty ideas, check out my delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cinnamon recipe for an inspired pairing!
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for the syrup?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red with a fresh smell. Avoid any that have white or green patches, and check for any dark spots or mushiness. Ripe strawberries are sweet and juicy, which will make your syrup more delicious!
How should I store leftover strawberry syrup?
You can store leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it. If you want quick access to the syrup in the future, consider pouring it into ice cube trays and placing them in the freezer where they can last for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze the iced strawberry matcha latte?
For the best coffee experience, I recommend not freezing the fully assembled iced strawberry matcha latte. However, as mentioned earlier, you can freeze the strawberry syrup and matcha mixture separately. Just make sure everything is stored in airtight containers. To serve, thaw each component and mix when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I do if my cold foam isn’t stiff enough?
Very! If your cold foam isn’t thickening, ensure you’re using chilled heavy whipping cream and that your frother is working well. You can also try adding a little more cream or even a pinch of cornstarch to help stabilize it. Whipping until soft peaks form is key for that decadent foam texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Of course! This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte can be easily adjusted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, simply use coconut cream for the foam and any non-dairy milk of your choice, like almond or oat milk. If you’re concerned about sugar, you can also use honey or a sugar substitute in the syrup and cold foam – just adjust to taste!
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte: Your Refreshing Summer Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, filtered water, and granulated sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves, then boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, mashing strawberries occasionally. Strain and cool.
- In a small glass, combine heavy whipping cream, half & half, maple syrup, and reserved strawberries. Froth until thick and forms soft peaks. Set aside.
- Whisk matcha powder with hot water in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in cooled strawberry syrup, followed by the whisked matcha. Gently add non-dairy milk.
- Spoon the cold foam on top of the iced matcha latte. Garnish with sliced strawberries or matcha powder if desired.
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