Updated: August 16, 2026
This strawberry matcha combines earthy ceremonial-grade matcha with fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry syrup, vanilla, and creamy oat milk. I learned how to properly prepare ceremonial matcha while traveling and meeting with different matcha vendors at the SFA’s food shows, and I’m sharing those techniques here. This post will share my strawberry matcha latte recipe and tips on how to choose matcha, whisk it correctly, and use the right water temperature. My homemade strawberry syrup adds just the right amount of fruity sweetness to balance the matcha without overpowering its delicate flavor.
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Table of Contents
- What You Will Love About This Strawberry Matcha
- Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make a Strawberry Matcha
- Strawberry Matcha Variations and Substitutions
- Different Matcha Grades
- More Syrup and Latte Recipes
- How to Store a Strawberry Latte
- FAQ
- Recipe Card
- Strawberry Matcha Recipe
- Craving More?
What You Will Love About This Strawberry Matcha
- Made with real strawberries: The syrup in this recipe is made with fresh strawberries. This creates a juicy strawberry base instead of relying on artificial strawberry flavoring.
- Properly prepared matcha: Instead of simply stirring matcha powder into water, we’ll sift and whisk it properly with heated water for a smoother matcha mixture.
- Beautiful distinct layers: The strawberry base, creamy milk, and bright green matcha create the beautiful iconic ombre latte look you might expect from a coffee shop.
- Easy to customize: I will share tips on different ways you can customize this drink and make it your own based on my test kitchen.
- Simple ingredients: You don’t need complicated equipment or ingredients to make this iced strawberry matcha latte at home.
Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe Ingredients
Below you will find a list of ingredients to make this recipe. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Ceremonial-grade matcha powder – A good quality matcha in this recipe balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Select a matcha with a vibrant green color for the best taste.
- Hot water, about 176°F (80°C) – Used to whisk the matcha into a smooth, frothy mixture without scorching the tea.
- Fresh strawberries – About 2-3 strawberries create the fresh strawberry base.
- Strawberry syrup – Adds concentrated strawberry flavor and sweetness. I recommend using my homemade strawberry syrup for the best results.
- Vanilla extract – Softens the grassy notes of the matcha and complements the strawberries.
- Milk of choice – I prefer oat milk because its creamy texture works beautifully with matcha, but dairy milk and other plant-based milks also work.
- Ice cubes – Plenty of ice makes this an extra-refreshing iced matcha.
How to Make a Strawberry Matcha
Below you will find step-by-step homemade recipe instructions with photos. Additional details can be found in the recipe card below.
STEP 1: Make the strawberry base – Wash, clean, and chop fresh strawberries. Add these, strawberry syrup, and vanilla extract to the bottom of a tall serving glass. Gently muddle the strawberries until they release some of their juices while leaving a few small pieces for texture.
STEP 2: Prepare the matcha – Sift 1 teaspoon of ceremonial-grade matcha through a mini strainer into a small bowl. Add 2 ounces of hot water heated to approximately 176°F (80°C).
STEP 3: Whisk the matcha – Using a bamboo whisk, quickly whisk the matcha in a loose M- or zig-zag motion until the matcha mixture is smooth and a layer of fine foam forms across the surface. Set aside to cool slightly.
STEP 4: Let’s Build the latte – Take your favorite matcha glass and fill the serving glass with ice cubes, then slowly pour your favorite milk over the strawberry mixture.
STEP 5: Add the matcha – Now for our favorite part, slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk. Take care to pour this slowly and gently to create distinct red, white, and green layers.
STEP 6: Mix and enjoy – Admire those beautiful layers first, then stir everything together before drinking so you get strawberry, creamy milk, and earthy matcha in every sip. Enjoy!
Strawberry Matcha Variations and Substitutions
- Milk: Oat milk is my favorite milk for this strawberry matcha latte recipe because it is naturally creamy and slightly sweet. Whole milk will create an even richer latte. Any other type of nut milk such as almond milk, or eve soy milk, coconut milk, can also be used.
- Strawberry puree: For a smoother strawberry base or if you don’t feel like making your own strawberry syrup, blend the fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup together.
- Strawberry jam: Don’t have fresh strawberries? A tablespoon or two of good-quality strawberry jam can work in a pinch. Keep in mind that jam may make the drink sweeter, so reduce the strawberry syrup to taste.
- Maple syrup: If you don’t have strawberry syrup, you can sweeten the matcha with maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener. You will lose some of the concentrated strawberry flavor, however.
- Cold foam: For a coffee-shop-inspired finish, top the latte with vanilla cold foam or strawberry cold foam.
- Extra strawberry flavor: Add freeze-dried strawberries as a garnish or crush them over cold foam.
Strawberry Matcha Latte Tips
- Don’t use boiling water –Water temperature makes a noticeable difference in matcha’s flavor. I use water around 176°F (80°C). I learned from other matcha experts that water that is too hot can emphasize bitterness rather than matcha’s smoother, more nuanced flavors.
- Sift your matcha first – Matcha powder naturally clumps. Running it through a mini strainer before adding water makes it much easier to create a silky matcha mixture.
- Soak your bamboo whisk – Before preparing your drink, let the bristles of your whisk soak briefly in warm water. This softens the bamboo and makes the whisk more flexible.
- Whisk quickly, not in circles – Move your bamboo whisk rapidly back and forth in an M- or zig-zag motion rather than stirring in circles. This helps incorporate air and creates the characteristic fine foam on top.
- Look for bright green matcha – Higher-quality matcha generally has a vibrant green appearance rather than a dull olive or brownish color.
- Pour slowly for the layers – Add your milk and matcha gently if you want those distinct layers for serving or photographing. Stir before drinking for the best taste.
Different Matcha Grades
You’ll commonly see matcha marketed as ceremonial grade or culinary grade, but those terms can sometimes make choosing matcha more confusing than it needs to be. Below I’ve put together a quick table to summarize my matcha learning journey over the years:
| Matcha Type | Flavor & Appearance | Best For | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial-Grade Matcha | Vibrant green with a smoother, more delicate flavor and less pronounced bitterness | Drinking on its own, iced matcha, and matcha lattes | 176°F (80°C) |
| Culinary-Grade Matcha | Typically has a stronger, more assertive matcha flavor | Baking, smoothies, ice cream, desserts, and recipes where matcha is combined with other ingredients | About 176°F (80°C) when preparing it as a drink |
More Syrup and Latte Recipes
Once you start making coffee shop drinks at home, keeping a few homemade syrups in the refrigerator makes it incredibly easy to create new combinations:
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup
- Homemade Demerara Syrup
- Lavender Syrup
- Iced Lavender Latte
- Iced Rose Latte
How to Store a Strawberry Latte
I don’t recommend making a strawberry matcha latte ahead of time and trying to store it later. This latte tastes best immediately after it is assembled because the ice, fresh strawberries, milk, and freshly whisked matcha are fresh and not diluted. However, below are a few hacks you can try for this recipe:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the strawberry syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can also measure your matcha powder in advance, but I recommend whisking the matcha shortly before serving.
- Storing leftovers: If you’ve already assembled your latte, remove any remaining ice and refrigerate the drink in a covered container. Enjoy it within 24 hours and shake or stir it well before drinking.
FAQ
What does strawberry matcha taste like?
Strawberry matcha lattes taste creamy, fruity, slightly sweet, and earthy. You should be able to taste both the fresh strawberry and matcha rather than having one completely overpower the other. Have fun and experiment with different matcha brands until you find one that suites your tastebuds.
What milk is best for strawberry matcha?
I love to use oat milk because it has a creamy consistency and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with matcha and strawberry. Whole milk is another excellent choice, while almond milk and other plant-based milks can be used, I recommend experimenting to settle on your preference.
What temperature should water be for matcha?
For this recipe, I recommend water around 176°F (80°C). Avoid pouring boiling water directly onto your matcha powder.
Do I need a bamboo whisk to make matcha?
A traditional bamboo whisk, or chasen, is my preferred tool because its fine bristles quickly disperse the matcha and create a delicate foam. If you don't own one, a handheld milk frother can work for an everyday latte, although the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make strawberry matcha without strawberry syrup?
Yes. You can muddle fresh strawberries with a little maple syrup, honey, or strawberry puree. However, homemade strawberry syrup gives the drink a more concentrated strawberry flavor.
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes! Strawberry jam is an easy shortcut when fresh strawberries aren't available. Because jam already contains sugar, start with less strawberry syrup and adjust the sweetness after tasting.
Can I make strawberry matcha without a traditional matcha-making kit?
Absolutely. A small bowl, mini strainer, measuring spoon, and milk frother are enough to make a delicious strawberry matcha at home. A traditional bamboo whisk is helpful, but you don't need an entire matcha-making kit to get started. If you want to order a matcha kit, I recommend this one from Amazon.
Recipe Card
Strawberry Matcha Recipe
Equipment
- Bamboo Matcha Whisk (chasen)
- Matcha Spoon (Chashaku)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Matcha Powder, (ceremonial grade)
- 2 ounces Hot Water, (176°F (80°C))
- 5 ounces Oat Milk
- ⅓ cup Fresh Strawberries, (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Ice
Instructions
- Wash, clean, and chop fresh strawberries. Add these, strawberry syrup, and vanilla extract to the bottom of a tall serving glass. Gently muddle the strawberries until they release some of their juices while leaving a few small pieces for texture.
- Sift 1 teaspoon of ceremonial-grade matcha through a mini strainer into a small bowl. Add 2 ounces of hot water heated to approximately 176°F (80°C).
- Using a bamboo whisk, quickly whisk the matcha in a loose M- or zig-zag motion until the matcha mixture is smooth and a layer of fine foam forms across the surface. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Take your favorite matcha glass and fill the serving glass with ice cubes, then slowly pour your favorite milk over the strawberry mixture.
- Now for our favorite part, slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk. Take care to pour this slowly and gently to create distinct red, white, and green layers.
- Admire those beautiful layers first, then stir everything together before drinking so you get strawberry, creamy milk, and earthy matcha in every sip. Enjoy!
Notes
- Water temperature: For the best flavor, prepare the matcha with water around 176°F (80°C). Avoid boiling water, which can make the matcha taste more bitter.
- Sift the matcha: Sifting the matcha powder before whisking helps prevent clumps and creates a smoother latte.
- Whisk properly: Use a bamboo whisk in a quick M- or zig-zag motion for about 15 seconds, until smooth and frothy.
- Strawberry syrup: Homemade strawberry syrup provides the best fresh berry flavor, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less strawberry syrup depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference.
- For pretty layers: Pour the milk and matcha slowly over the ice to create distinct strawberry, milk, and matcha layers. Stir well before drinking.
- Best served fresh: Assemble the latte just before serving for the best flavor, texture, and appearance.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this strawberry matcha recipe, I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio, follow along on Pinterest for more recipes, or leave a comment below and tell me what latte recipe you would like to see me make next.
