Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte

My neighbor knocked on the door one afternoon with a cup of iced strawberry matcha from the fancy coffee place downtown, and I watched the pink and green layers catch the light as she took a sip. She raved about it so much that I became determined to recreate it at home, mostly out of stubbornness and curiosity about whether I could nail those Instagram-worthy layers without a barista degree. Turns out, the secret isn't complicated at all—just a little patience and the right pouring technique. Now I make this when friends come over in summer, and the first thing they ask isn't how it tastes, it's how I made it look so pretty.

I made this for my roommate on a sweltering day when the air conditioning had broken, and watching her face light up when she saw those perfect pink and green stripes was worth every second of whisking matcha powder. She actually paused mid-sip and asked if I'd become a barista, which made me laugh harder than it should have—but it also cemented this drink as my go-to when I want to impress someone without fussing.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Use the ripest ones you can find, because they're the star here and will determine whether your puree tastes like summer or like cardboard.
• Granulated sugar: This sweetens the strawberry layer and helps break down the fruit slightly as it blends.
• Lemon juice: A small amount brightens the strawberry flavor so it doesn't taste flat or one-dimensional.
• Matcha green tea powder: Don't grab the cheapest option—a ceremonial-grade matcha will taste creamy and smooth, while lower grades can taste grassy and bitter in a way that ruins the whole thing.
• Hot water: Keep it around 175°F (80°C); boiling water will make your matcha taste harsh and destroy the subtle flavors.
• Honey or agave syrup: Either works, though agave dissolves more easily and keeps the drink vegan if that matters to you.
• Milk: Pick whatever you like best—I've used oat milk, almond milk, and regular dairy, and they all create that creamy layer beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Optional, but a small amount adds a whisper of sweetness that makes everything taste more indulgent.
• Ice cubes: Use regular ones; the larger the cube, the longer your drink stays cold without diluting.

Instructions

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Blend the strawberries into silk:

Toss your hulled strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into the blender and let it run until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible seeds or chunks. If you're picky about texture, strain it through a fine mesh sieve for that professional café feel.

Whisk the matcha until it's frothy:

Pour the hot water into a small bowl, add your matcha powder, and whisk it gently but firmly until you see a light foam form on top and no clumps remain at the bottom. Stir in your honey or agave while it's still warm so it dissolves completely.

Build the layers with intention:

Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of each tall glass, filling just an inch or so. Load both glasses with ice cubes until they're halfway full, then pour your milk carefully over the ice and strawberry layer. The key moment comes next: pour the matcha mixture slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top and creates that distinct green layer everyone photographs.

Finish and drink:

Top with fresh strawberry slices if you have them, then stir the whole thing together before you take a sip—the mixing is when all those flavors finally become one cohesive, delicious drink.

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This drink became a thing between me and my best friend during a specific summer when we'd meet on her patio every Thursday morning, and I'd bring two of these iced lattes to share. We'd sit there with our matching pink and green drinks, talking about nothing important, and it turned into one of those small traditions that ends up mattering way more than you'd expect.

Choosing Your Strawberries Wisely

Fresh strawberries are non-negotiable here because they're the entire personality of the drink. Pick berries that are bright red all the way through, never the pale ones sitting in the back of the container, and if they smell amazing at the store, they'll taste amazing in your glass. I learned this the hard way after buying sad, mealy strawberries on sale and wondering why my homemade version tasted nothing like the original.

The Matcha Temperature Matters More Than You Think

Water that's too hot will turn matcha bitter and kind of metallic, which completely derails the whole drinking experience. If you don't have a thermometer, just let boiled water cool for about a minute before you whisk it with the powder—your taste buds will thank you. I actually bought a cheap kitchen thermometer specifically for this after ruining a batch with water that was still steaming.

Layering Secrets and Storage

The spoon trick for layering is real and works every time, but only if you're pouring slowly and deliberately. Think of it like you're introducing the matcha to the milk gently rather than dumping it in like you're in a rush.

• Make the strawberry puree the night before if you want to cut down on morning prep, and keep it in the fridge in a jar.
• Whisk the matcha fresh each time, because it tastes noticeably better than matcha that's been sitting around.
• Drink it immediately after assembly if you care about layers, or give it a good stir if you just want the flavors combined and don't mind the aesthetics.

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This is the kind of drink that makes an ordinary day feel intentional, like you took a moment to do something nice for yourself or someone you care about. It's proof that café quality doesn't require a café.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I create the layered effect?

Pour the matcha mixture slowly over the back of a spoon atop the milk and strawberry layers to keep them distinct and create beautiful layers.

→ Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, oat, almond, soy, or other plant-based milks work well and keep the drink dairy-free.

→ What is the best way to make smooth strawberry puree?

Blend hulled strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, then strain through a fine mesh sieve for an extra smooth texture.

→ How can I adjust sweetness?

Modify the amount of sugar in the strawberry puree and honey or agave in the matcha layer to suit your taste.

→ Is matcha preparation important?

Yes, whisk the matcha powder thoroughly with hot water until frothy for optimal flavor and smoothness before adding sweetener.