Strawberry matcha latte isn’t just another Instagram drink—it’s a bold fusion of sweet, fruity, and earthy flavors that actually works. With vibrant green matcha layered over a bed of fresh strawberry purée and creamy milk, this drink turns heads and delights taste buds. Whether you’ve seen it at coffee shops or want to try it at home, the strawberry matcha latte is surprisingly easy to make and worth the buzz. In this article, I’ll share how to prepare it, what makes the flavor pairing so appealing, and tips to avoid common mistakes—while linking to my Matcha Brownies and Mini Lemon Cheesecakes for matcha and fruity inspiration.
Table of Contents
Why Strawberry and Matcha Work Together
The Unexpected Flavor Match
Strawberry matcha latte is more than just a visually stunning drink—it’s a flavor experience that blends sweet and earthy in the most satisfying way. At first glance, pairing grassy matcha with strawberries seems unconventional. However, the earthy depth of ceremonial-grade matcha beautifully offsets the vibrant tartness of ripe strawberries. This contrast is what makes the drink both exciting and balanced.
Matcha’s naturally bitter and umami-rich profile gains brightness and sweetness from the strawberries, creating a layered taste that evolves with each sip. Much like my Mini Lemon Cheesecakes, where lemon and cream cheese play with tart and rich, this drink relies on the harmony of opposites. According to matcha.com, quality ceremonial matcha enhances without overwhelming, allowing the strawberries to shine while grounding the overall flavor.
Nutritional Bonus and Sensory Appeal
Beyond taste, this drink has visual and nutritional appeal. The vibrant green of matcha layered over soft pink purée makes it a social media favorite. Healthline confirms that strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while matcha is packed with L-theanine and slow-releasing caffeine—making this drink as good for your body as it is for your Instagram feed.
In short, it’s not just a trend—it’s a well-balanced, sensory-forward beverage. Whether served iced or warm, the strawberry matcha latte offers a feel-good indulgence you can enjoy at any time of day.
How to Make a Strawberry Matcha Latte at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need for Café-Quality Results
Making a strawberry matcha latte at home is easy and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and a little technique, you can replicate (and even improve on) the café version.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha (sifted)
- 2 tbsp hot water (not boiling—about 175°F)
- 1/4 cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen strawberries blended with a touch of sugar)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy, oat, almond, or coconut work well)
- Ice (if making iced)
Optional: sweetener (honey, vanilla syrup), lemon juice, or extra strawberries for garnish.
Step-by-Step Method for Layered Perfection
Garnish & enjoy
Top with a sliced strawberry, dried rose petals, or edible flowers for a fancy touch.
Start with the purée
Blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar until smooth. Add 2–3 tablespoons into the bottom of a glass. If you prefer a thinner texture, strain the purée first.
Add ice and milk
Pour cold milk over the purée and top with ice cubes. For a hot version, warm the milk instead and skip the ice.
Whisk the matcha
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha and hot water using a bamboo or handheld frother. Whisk vigorously in a zig-zag motion until frothy.
Layer the matcha
Slowly pour the matcha over the back of a spoon held just above the milk to create a beautiful layered effect.
Customizing Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
Flavor Variations to Try at Home
One of the best things about the strawberry matcha latte is how customizable it is. Once you master the basic recipe, you can play with flavors to suit your mood or season.
- Swap the milk: Oat milk adds creaminess, while coconut milk gives tropical flair. Almond milk makes it lighter with a hint of nuttiness.
- Sweeten your way: Not a fan of added sugar? Use honey, maple syrup, or agave to sweeten naturally. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for depth.
- Add citrus notes: A tiny bit of lemon or lime juice mixed into the strawberry purée creates a sharper contrast to the earthy matcha.
- Make it floral: Try infusing the strawberry purée with rosewater or lavender for a more aromatic experience—perfect for spring brunches.
Hot or Iced? Choosing the Best Serving Style
While most people are drawn to the iced version for its vibrant layers, the hot version is just as delicious—especially in cooler weather. For the hot version, warm the milk and strawberry purée before assembling. Then whisk and pour the matcha as you would normally.
For visual appeal, iced is the winner—especially when served in a clear glass with a dusting of matcha powder or fresh berries. But don’t underestimate the cozy comfort of the warm version.
No matter how you customize it, the strawberry matcha latte is a drink that rewards experimentation. Just like other layered drinks—like the [Raspberry Matcha Cooler]—presentation is half the fun.
Strawberry Matcha at Coffee Shops
Can you get it at Starbucks?
Yes! Starbucks offers a strawberry matcha variation at some locations, often custom-ordered as “matcha latte with strawberry purée.” But it’s not always on the menu.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely, but making it at home gives you control over sugar and ingredients. Sites like matcha.com break down the difference between café-style and homemade versions. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and visually just as stunning.
Try it with a slice of my Tiramisu Cookies or No Bake Cookie Bars for a dessert-style pairing that works beautifully.
Strawberry Matcha Latte at Coffee Shops vs. Homemade
Is It on the Menu? Where to Find It
The strawberry matcha latte is popping up at more cafés and coffee shops, especially those focused on creative or health-conscious beverages. While some spots offer it as a regular menu item, others will prepare it only by request.
Starbucks is a prime example. While they don’t officially list a “strawberry matcha latte” on their menu, you can order a custom version: just ask for a matcha latte with added strawberry purée. The result is close to what you’d make at home, but often a little sweeter and creamier due to the pre-made syrups used.
Independent cafés and bubble tea shops sometimes offer their own unique spins—like boba-filled strawberry matcha or versions with whipped cream and toppings. While tasty, they can often be higher in sugar and calories.
Why Homemade Is Better (Most of the Time)
Making a strawberry matcha latte at home gives you full control over every element—from sugar levels to milk choice and matcha quality. This is especially important if you’re using ceremonial-grade matcha, which has a brighter, cleaner flavor than café versions often do.
You can also skip the additives or sweeteners you don’t want and use fresh fruit, which brings a natural vibrance that artificial syrups can’t match. Not to mention, it’s more affordable to make regularly at home.
Pair your homemade version with light desserts like [No Bake Cookie Bars] or [Tiramisu Cookies] for a café-style experience without the price tag.
Whether you’re recreating your favorite drink or experimenting with flavor, homemade always offers a chance to make it just right—layered, balanced, and beautiful in every sip.
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar until smooth to make the purée.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the strawberry purée at the bottom.
- Gently pour milk over the purée to form the middle layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk the sifted matcha with hot water until frothy using a bamboo whisk or milk frother.
- Slowly pour the matcha over the milk to form the top green layer. Serve immediately and stir before drinking.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQ
Do strawberry and matcha go together?
Yes, the earthy flavor of matcha balances perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries.
Can you get a strawberry matcha latte at Starbucks?
You can, but it’s often a custom order, not a regular menu item.
Is strawberry matcha latte good?
It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, earthy, and visually stunning.
Is Starbucks strawberry matcha nice?
Yes, but homemade gives you fresher control over taste and ingredients.
Conclusion : A Sweet, Earthy Fusion You’ll Keep Coming Back To
The Strawberry Matcha Latte is more than just a trendy drink—it’s a refreshing fusion of flavor, color, and calm. With the bold earthiness of matcha balanced by sweet, tart strawberry purée, this layered latte delivers a café-quality experience right from your kitchen. Whether you’re sipping it iced on a sunny afternoon or cozying up with a warm version in winter, it’s a drink that satisfies both the eye and the palate.
By using high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, real strawberries, and your preferred milk, you can fully customize the taste and health benefits. Plus, once you master the layering technique, this latte becomes a stunning showpiece for brunches, content creation, or a simple mid-day pick-me-up.
Ready to level up your homemade drink game? This latte is just the beginning. Pair it with a slice of Mini Lemon Cheesecake or a square of Matcha Brownie for a full dessert-inspired moment.
So grab your whisk, blend your berries, and pour yourself a little peace in a glass—because this strawberry matcha latte is here to stay.