Last Saturday morning, Emma scrolled through my phone and stopped on a video of someone making a pink and green layered drink. His eyes went huge and he announced, "Mom, we HAVE to make the princess and frog drink!" That's how a seven-year-old describes the aesthetic magic of a strawberry matcha latte.Strawberry matcha latte is the Instagram-worthy drink that tastes even better than it looks. After years of perfecting matcha drinks in various cafes and experimenting at home with Emma, I've cracked the code for creating that gorgeous two-tone effect and balanced flavor that made this drink go viral.
How TikTok Made Us Strawberry Matcha Latte
I'll be honest – I resisted the matcha trend for years. As a coffee person through and through, I couldn't understand why people were so obsessed with what I thought tasted like grass clippings. Then last spring, Emma's friend came over for a playdate and his mom brought this gorgeous pink and green layered drink from a local cafe. Emma was mesmerized by the colors and begged to try a sip. The mom warned me it had matcha, which I assumed meant Emma would hate it, but he took one taste and declared it "the best thing ever invented."
That afternoon, I watched countless TikTok videos of people making this Strawberry Matcha Latte drink at home, trying to figure out what made it so appealing. The secret, I realized, wasn't just the aesthetic – it was the way the sweet strawberry layer balanced the slightly bitter, earthy matcha. When done right, you get this incredible contrast where neither flavor overpowers the other. Now this cafe-style latte has become our weekend morning ritual. Emma loves helping blend the strawberries and watching me whisk the matcha into that vibrant green foam. It's become our special thing – no coffee shop needed, just us in the kitchen making something beautiful and delicious together.
Jump to:
- How TikTok Made Us Strawberry Matcha Latte
- What You Need For Strawberry Matcha Latte
- How To Make Strawberry Matcha Latte Step By Step
- Smart Swaps For Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Strawberry Matcha Latte Variations
- Equipment For Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Storing Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Top Tip
- What to Serve With Strawberry Matcha Latte
- FAQ
- Pretty Drinks, Happy Mornings
- Related
- Pairing
- Strawberry Matcha Latte
What You Need For Strawberry Matcha Latte
Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
Matcha Layer:
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Optional: fresh strawberry garnish
- Ice cubes
- Tall glass
- Optional: whipped cream
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Strawberry Matcha Latte Step By Step
Make the Strawberry Layer:
Start by making your strawberry puree, which forms the beautiful pink base of this layered matcha latte. Add fresh strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and water to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth with no chunks remaining. If you're using frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly first or add a bit more water to help them blend. Taste and adjust sweetness – you want it sweet enough to balance the matcha but not so sweet it's cloying. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve if you want a super smooth puree without any seeds, though I usually skip this step at home.
Prepare the Matcha:
This step is crucial for getting smooth, lump-free matcha without any bitterness. Sift your matcha powder into a small bowl – this removes any clumps and ensures a silky texture. Add about 2 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F) to the matcha powder. Using a bamboo whisk or small regular whisk, whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is completely dissolved and slightly frothy. This should take about 30 seconds of whisking. The mixture should be smooth and vibrant green with no lumps. Add your sweetener and vanilla extract to the whisked matcha and stir to combine. Let it cool for a minute while you prepare your milk.
Build the Layers:
Here's where the magic happens and you create that Instagram-worthy aesthetic latte recipe. Fill your glass with the strawberry layer and ice about halfway. In a separate container, combine your whisked matcha with cold milk of choice – I love oat milk for its creamy texture, but regular milk or almond milk work great too. Stir until everything is well combined and the matcha is evenly distributed throughout the milk. Now comes the fun part that Emma loves watching. Slowly pour the matcha milk over the back of a spoon held just above the strawberry layer.
Serve and Enjoy:
Add a straw and serve immediately while it's cold and the layers are still distinct. The beauty of this matcha latte with strawberry is that you can either admire the layers for your photos, or give it a good stir to combine everything into this gorgeous coral-pink color with swirls of green. Both ways taste amazing – the layered version lets you taste each component separately, while mixing creates this balanced strawberry-matcha flavor in every sip. Emma always takes at least five photos before he'll let anyone drink it, documenting the perfect layers from every angle.
Smart Swaps For Strawberry Matcha Latte
Milk Options:
- Oat milk → Regular milk (creamiest)
- Almond milk → Dairy options
- Coconut milk → Nut milks
- Soy milk → Any plant-based
Sweetener Choices:
- Maple syrup → Honey
- Agave nectar → Simple syrup
- Stevia → Sugar-based sweeteners
- Sugar-free syrup → Regular sweeteners
Fruit Variations:
- Raspberry puree → Strawberry
- Mixed berries → Just strawberries
- Mango → Strawberry layer
- Peach → Berry options
Matcha Alternatives:
- Sencha powder → Matcha
- Green tea → Matcha powder
- Hojicha powder → Regular matcha
Strawberry Matcha Latte Variations
Creamy Dreamy:
- Add sweetened condensed milk
- Layer with cream
- Extra indulgent
- Dessert-like treat
Tropical Twist:
- Use coconut milk
- Add pineapple to strawberries
- Include lime juice
- Summer vacation vibes
Protein Boost:
- Add vanilla protein powder
- Include Greek yogurt
- More filling
- Post-workout perfect
Fancy Cafe Style:
- Top with whipped cream
- Add matcha powder dusting
- Fresh strawberry garnish
- Coffee shop quality
Equipment For Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Blender for strawberries
- Small whisk (or bamboo matcha whisk)
- Tall glass (12-16 oz)
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Storing Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
Best Fresh:
- Drink immediately for best layers
- Flavors separate over time
- Ice melts and dilutes
- Make right before serving
Prep Ahead:
- Strawberry puree (3-4 days in fridge)
- Whisked matcha (use within 30 minutes)
- Pre-measure ingredients
- Assemble when ready
Strawberry Puree:
- Use within 2 months frozen
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps 4-5 days refrigerated
- Freeze in ice cube trays
Top Tip
- About two months after we started making these Strawberry Matcha Latte together, Emma surprised me one Saturday morning by waking up before me – something that literally never happens. I came downstairs to find him standing on his step stool at the counter with strawberries, the blender, and my matcha powder all laid out.
- He'd watched me make this drink so many times that he'd memorized the entire process and wanted to make it for me as a surprise.I stood in the doorway watching him carefully measure the strawberries into the blender, his tongue sticking out in concentration the way it does when he's focused on something important. He blended the strawberries, poured them into a glass with ice, then tackled the matcha layer.
- The whisking wasn't perfect – there were a few lumps and he got green powder on the counter – but the pride on his face when he slowly poured the matcha milk over that spoon to create the layers was absolutely priceless. When he handed me that glass with its slightly imperfect but still beautiful layers, he announced, "Mom, I made you the princess and frog drink because you're the best." I may have teared up a little.
What to Serve With Strawberry Matcha Latte
This colorful matcha beverage is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, and I've learned which foods pair beautifully with it. For breakfast, this matcha latte with fruit goes wonderfully with buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or lemon poppy seed muffins. The earthy matcha and sweet strawberry complement baked goods that aren't too sweet or chocolate-heavy. Emma loves having his Strawberry Matcha Latte drink with French toast or waffles on weekend mornings – the light, refreshing quality of the drink balances the richness of syrupy breakfast foods. For a Japanese-inspired breakfast, serve it alongside mochi, red bean paste pastries, or onigiri rice balls.
This no-coffee latte also works beautifully as an afternoon treat with light snacks. Shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or madeleines pair perfectly without overwhelming the delicate matcha flavor. For a full cafe experience at home, serve this with avocado toast, a fruit and granola parfait, or a simple caprese sandwich. The drink is refreshing enough that it pairs well with both sweet and savory foods. When Emma has friends over, I make a pitcher of strawberry puree and let them build their own lattes – it's become a popular activity that makes snack time feel special.
FAQ
Are you supposed to mix Strawberry Matcha Latte?
You can enjoy strawberry matcha latte either way – mixed or layered – and both are delicious! The layered version is what makes this drink so Instagram-worthy and fun to look at, with distinct pink strawberry and green matcha layers creating that signature aesthetic. Many people take photos of the layers first, then give it a good stir before drinking. When you mix it together, the flavors combine into this balanced strawberry-green tea taste that's sweet, earthy, and refreshing all at once. The color becomes this pretty coral-pink with green swirls.
How to make Strawberry Matcha Latte?
Making strawberry matcha latte starts with creating a smooth strawberry puree by blending fresh or frozen strawberries with honey and a bit of lemon juice until completely smooth. Pour this into a glass filled with ice. Next, whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water until smooth and lump-free, then mix with cold milk and a touch of sweetener. The key to getting those beautiful layers is pouring the matcha milk slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the strawberry layer – this gentle pouring technique keeps the layers separate.
Will a matcha latte keep me awake?
A matcha latte contains about 70mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. The difference is that matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness without the jitters or crash that coffee sometimes causes. Most people find that matcha gives them sustained, focused energy for about 4-6 hours rather than the spike and crash of coffee.
How long does it take for matcha to wear off?
The effects of matcha typically last 4-6 hours, which is longer than coffee due to the way your body processes the caffeine combined with L-theanine. Most people feel the energy boost kick in about 30 minutes after drinking and experience sustained focus and alertness for several hours. The L-theanine in matcha helps the caffeine release more slowly and steadily compared to the quick spike you get from coffee.
Pretty Drinks, Happy Mornings
Now you've got everything to create perfect strawberry matcha latte that looks like it came from an expensive cafe but costs a fraction of the price. This homemade cafe drink proves that aesthetic beverages aren't just for social media – they're for anyone who wants their morning routine to feel a little more special.
Craving more drinks and treats that make everyday moments feel elevated? Try our Easy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate Recipe when you want bold, comforting flavors for dinner that the whole family devours. Need another Instagram-worthy creation that's actually delicious? Our Healthy Halloween Sangria Recipe delivers comfort food with a gorgeous presentation. Want something elegant to start your meal? Our Best Homemade Papaya Juice Recipe creates restaurant-quality soup that impresses without stress.
Share your matcha success! We absolutely love seeing your colorful layered drinks, and Emma gets so excited when other kids show us their barista creations.
Rate this Strawberry Matcha Latte and join our drink-making community! Your feedback helps others discover how easy it is to make cafe-quality drinks at home, and we read every comment. Tell us about your favorite variations or what you served with this vibrant layered latte.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Matcha Latte
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Equipment
- 1 Blender (For making the strawberry puree)
- 1 Small whisk or bamboo matcha whisk (For whisking matcha smooth)
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve (Optional, for straining strawberry puree)
- 1 Tall glass (12–16 oz) (For serving the layered latte)
- 1 Measuring spoons (For accuracy)
- 1 Spoon (To pour matcha layer gently over strawberry layer)
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries - or frozen slightly thawed
- 2 tablespoon Honey - or simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice - fresh preferred
- ¼ cup Water - adjust for blending consistency
Matcha Layer
- 2 teaspoon Matcha powder - ceremonial grade recommended
- 2 tablespoon Hot water - ~175°F not boiling
- 1 cup Milk - dairy or oat milk
- 1 tablespoon Sweetener - honey maple syrup, or agave
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract - optional for flavor balance
For Serving
- — — Ice cubes as needed
- — — Fresh strawberry - optional garnish
- — — Whipped cream - optional topping
Instructions
- Blend strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Strain if desired.
- Sift matcha powder, add hot water, and whisk until smooth and frothy. Stir in sweetener and vanilla.
- Fill glass with strawberry puree and ice, mix matcha with cold milk, then pour gently over a spoon to create layers.
- Add straw and optional toppings. Serve immediately while layers are distinct.
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