Name: Strawberry Matcha Latte: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder (ceremonial grade recommended); 2 tablespoons hot water (175°F/80°C); 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy); 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, agave, honey, or sugar), adjust to taste; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Matcha powder, for dusting; Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream

Strawberry Matcha Latte: Prepare to be captivated by this vibrant and delicious beverage that's taking the world by storm! Imagine the earthy, slightly bitter notes of premium matcha green tea swirling together with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, all enveloped in creamy, comforting milk. It's a flavor explosion that's as visually stunning as it is delightful to drink.

While matcha has deep roots in Japanese tea ceremonies, dating back centuries, the fusion of matcha with strawberries is a relatively modern innovation. This delightful pairing showcases how traditional ingredients can be reimagined and elevated with contemporary flavors. The result is a drink that honors the past while embracing the present.

People adore the Strawberry Matcha Latte for its unique and harmonious blend of flavors. The subtle bitterness of the matcha is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a taste sensation that's both refreshing and satisfying. Beyond the taste, the vibrant pink and green layers make it an Instagram-worthy treat. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize to your liking – use your favorite milk, adjust the sweetness, or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you're a matcha aficionado or simply looking for a new and exciting drink to try, this Strawberry Matcha Latte is guaranteed to become your new favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Puree:

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on strawberry sweetness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

For the Matcha Latte:

2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder (ceremonial grade recommended)
2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, around 175°F/80°C)
1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy, such as oat, almond, or soy)
1-2 tablespoons sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, agave, honey, or sugar), adjust to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Matcha powder, for dusting
Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream

Making the Strawberry Puree

Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly washing and hulling your strawberries. Quarter them and place them in a medium-sized saucepan. This ensures they cook evenly and break down easily.
Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Add the granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the saucepan with the strawberries. The sugar helps to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, while the lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness.
Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and released their juices. The mixture should thicken slightly.
Blend the Puree: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry mixture cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can create pressure and cause splattering. If using a regular blender, start on a low speed and gradually increase to high.
Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth puree, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or remaining chunks. This step is optional but recommended for a more refined texture.
Cool and Store: Transfer the strawberry puree to an airtight container and let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The puree will thicken further as it cools. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Preparing the Matcha Concentrate

Sift the Matcha Powder: This is a crucial step for achieving a smooth and lump-free matcha latte. Sifting the matcha powder through a fine-mesh sieve helps to break up any clumps and ensures that it dissolves evenly in the hot water.
Whisk with Hot Water: In a small bowl or matcha bowl (chawan), combine the sifted matcha powder with the hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling, as boiling water can scorch the matcha and result in a bitter taste. Aim for a temperature around 175°F (80°C).
Whisk Vigorously: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small whisk, whisk the matcha and water together vigorously in a "W" or "M" motion until a smooth, frothy paste forms. There should be no visible clumps of matcha powder. If you don't have a bamboo whisk, a small whisk or even a fork can be used, but the bamboo whisk will provide the best results.

Assembling the Strawberry Matcha Latte

Prepare Your Glass: Choose your favorite glass or mug. If you're making an iced latte, fill the glass with ice cubes.
Add Strawberry Puree: Spoon the strawberry puree into the bottom of the glass. The amount of puree you use will depend on your preference, but I recommend starting with about 2-3 tablespoons. You can always add more later if you want a stronger strawberry flavor.
Add Milk: Gently pour the milk of your choice over the strawberry puree. Leave some space at the top of the glass for the matcha concentrate.
Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter latte, add your sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave, honey, or sugar) to the milk and stir well to combine. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
Pour in the Matcha Concentrate: Slowly pour the prepared matcha concentrate over the milk. For a layered effect, pour it gently over the back of a spoon.
Stir and Combine: Gently stir the latte to combine the strawberry puree, milk, and matcha concentrate. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the latte to lose its layered effect. If you prefer a more blended latte, you can stir it more thoroughly.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish your strawberry matcha latte with fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of matcha powder, or a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. These garnishes add a touch of elegance and enhance the overall presentation of the drink.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your strawberry matcha latte immediately and enjoy! This refreshing and flavorful drink is perfect for any time of day.

Tips and Variations

Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the strawberry puree and the latte can be adjusted to your preference. Taste as you go and add more sugar or sweetener as needed.
Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Thaw the frozen strawberries before cooking them.
Experiment with Milk: Try different types of milk to find your favorite combination. Oat milk and almond milk are popular non-dairy options that pair well with matcha and strawberries.
Add a Spicy Kick: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the strawberry puree for a subtle spicy kick.
Make it a Frappe: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a refreshing strawberry matcha frappe.
Strawberry Matcha Smoothie: Combine the strawberry puree, matcha concentrate, milk, and a banana in a blender for a healthy and delicious smoothie.
For a Warmer Drink: Heat the milk before adding the matcha for a warm and comforting latte. Be sure not to boil the milk.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like agave or maple syrup to make this recipe completely vegan.

Troubleshooting

Lumpy Matcha: If your matcha is lumpy, make sure you are sifting it before whisking. Also, ensure the water is not too hot.
Bitter Matcha: Using high-quality matcha is key to avoiding bitterness. Also, avoid using boiling water.
Puree Too Thin: If your strawberry puree is too thin, simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
Puree Too Thick: If your strawberry puree is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Matcha Latte!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Matcha Latte isn't just a drink; it's an experience. The vibrant layers, the delicate balance of sweet strawberry and earthy matcha, and the creamy texture all combine to create something truly special. I genuinely believe this will become your new go-to beverage, whether you're looking for a refreshing morning pick-me-up or a delightful afternoon treat. It's a simple recipe that yields impressive results, and I'm confident you'll be hooked after your first sip. Why is this Strawberry Matcha Latte a must-try? Because it's a unique and delicious twist on a classic matcha latte. The strawberry puree adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal, transforming a simple drink into a work of art. It's also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, use different types of milk (almond, oat, soy, or even coconut milk all work beautifully!), or even add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make at home, saving you money and allowing you to customize it to your exact preferences. Looking for serving suggestions? This Strawberry Matcha Latte is fantastic on its own, served chilled over ice. But you can also get creative! Try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha powder for a more decadent treat. For a warmer option, gently heat the milk and matcha mixture before adding the strawberry puree. You could even blend it with ice for a refreshing Strawberry Matcha Latte smoothie! Here are a few variations to consider: * Spicy Strawberry Matcha Latte: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the strawberry puree for a subtle kick. * Chocolate Strawberry Matcha Latte: Drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass before adding the layers. * Coconut Strawberry Matcha Latte: Use coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. * Lavender Strawberry Matcha Latte: Infuse the milk with lavender before adding the matcha for a floral aroma. * Vegan Strawberry Matcha Latte: Ensure you use a plant-based milk alternative and a vegan-friendly sweetener. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover your own favorite variations. The beauty of this Strawberry Matcha Latte lies in its adaptability. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create a drink that perfectly suits your taste. Now it's your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor combination? What was your favorite part about making it? I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your creations! Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know what you think. I can't wait to see your beautiful Strawberry Matcha Lattes! Happy sipping!