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This cooling Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte blends earthy matcha goodness with juicy, sweet strawberries for an ideal hot-weather drink. Its striking layers look gorgeous while the tastes combine into a refreshing beverage that gives you energy and satisfaction.
I whipped up this drink during an extra hot summer when I wanted something cool but energizing to beat my afternoon tiredness. It's now what I always make when friends stop by in the summer.
Ingredients
- Ripe strawberries: Their natural sweetness and bright color are key. Pick fragrant, juicy ones for maximum flavor.
- Sugar: Helps pull out strawberry juice and boosts their sweetness. Brown sugar works fine too.
- Matcha powder: The main ingredient giving you energy and that distinctive taste. Ceremonial grade offers better color and flavor.
- Chilled water: Has to be cold to mix the matcha without making it bitter. Use filtered for the best taste.
- Ice cubes: Go for bigger chunks that melt slowly so your drink doesn't get watery.
- Almond milk: Adds creaminess with light nutty flavor. Barista versions foam up better.
- Honey or maple syrup: Add if you want it sweeter. Both work nicely with the tea flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Get Your Strawberries Ready:
- Cut up the strawberries and put them in a bowl with sugar. Smash them a bit with a fork. The sugar will pull out the juices and make a sweet syrup that flavors the whole drink. Let them sit while you make everything else so they get extra juicy.
- Mix Your Matcha:
- Strain the matcha through a sieve into another bowl to get rid of lumps that might make your drink gritty. Pour in cold water and whisk it using quick back-and-forth movements to make it smooth with a little foam. The way you whisk really matters for getting the matcha to dissolve properly.
- Build Your Drink:
- First, put your strawberry mix at the bottom of a tall glass. This sweet base starts everything off right. Fill halfway with ice to cool things down and create space between the layers. Pour almond milk until it's about two-thirds full, leaving room for matcha on top.
- Top With Matcha:
- Gently pour your matcha mix over the milk. It'll stay on top making a nice green layer. This looks pretty and lets you mix the flavors as much as you want while drinking.
- Taste and Tweak:
- Stir a little to mix the layers and try it with a straw. Add honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter. The strawberries might make it sweet enough on their own, depending on what you like.
The matcha really makes this drink stand out. I always keep good ceremonial grade matcha just for drinks like this. The first time I made this for friends at a backyard party, it was gone before anything else and quickly became my signature drink.
Choosing The Right Matcha
Your matcha quality really changes how this latte tastes. Ceremonial grade gives you a sweeter, gentler flavor with less bitterness than cooking grade. Its bright green color also makes a prettier contrast with the pink strawberry part. If you use cooking grade matcha, you might need extra sweetener to balance the bitter edge. Keep your matcha in a sealed container in the fridge to stay fresh and keep its green color.
Seasonal Variations
Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but you can switch things up year-round. In summer, try using blackberries or raspberries for a different taste. During winter, frozen strawberries work great - just thaw and drain extra water before mixing with sugar. For fall, swap the strawberry layer with spiced apple and add a bit of cinnamon to your matcha. Each change keeps the pretty layered look while matching the season's flavors.
Dairy Free Options
This recipe uses almond milk for its light nutty taste that goes well with matcha, but other non-dairy milks work too. Oat milk makes it super creamy, while coconut milk adds tropical flavors that go surprisingly well with strawberries. If you're using thinner milk like rice milk, add a spoon of coconut cream to make it richer. If you prefer dairy, whole milk or half and half will make a more indulgent version.
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This cool drink doesn't just look amazing but tastes incredible too, making it a memorable treat you won't forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep matcha powder smooth?
Strain the matcha powder first and whisk rapidly in a zigzag motion with cold water until it’s lump-free and frothy.
- → Can I try it with other milks?
Yes, swap almond milk with your favorite dairy or plant-based milk like oat, coconut, or soy.
- → How do I make the strawberry flavor pop?
Choose ripe strawberries and mash them gently with sugar to bring out their sweetness and juices.
- → Can I skip the added sugar?
Definitely! Rely on the strawberries' natural sugars and avoid other sweeteners for a lighter taste.
- → What’s the best way to layer it?
Lay the mashed berries at the glass bottom, toss in the ice, pour almond milk two-thirds up, then finish by pouring whisked matcha on top.
- → Does the matcha type matter?
Ceremonial-grade is ideal for its refined flavor, but culinary-grade can work well too if you prefer.