A strawberry matcha latte combines traditional Japanese matcha green tea with strawberry flavoring and steamed milk. The drink balances the grassy, umami notes of matcha with the sweet-tart flavor of strawberries, creating a unique beverage that’s gained popularity in cafés nationwide.
The trend reached new heights in 2026 when La La Land Café and Beverly Hills Hotel launched a limited-edition strawberry matcha latte collection on February 3, 2026, representing an official collaboration between a national café chain and a luxury hospitality brand. MilkShake Factory also entered the market with their strawberry matcha milkshake on February 23, 2026, marking the brand’s first matcha product.
Choose this drink if you enjoy floral, fruity flavors and want something less intense than a straight matcha latte. Avoid it if you’re sensitive to caffeine or dislike the earthy taste of green tea.
Ingredients for Strawberry Matcha Latte
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Matcha Latte:
- 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (175°F)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, or almond work best)
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Ingredient tips: Look for ceremonial grade matcha for the smoothest flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones actually work better for syrup since they break down more easily when heated.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Latte: Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Strawberry Syrup:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
Cook and mash for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently and mashing berries with a fork as they soften.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract maximum liquid. Discard pulp and let syrup cool.
Prepare the Matcha:
Sift matcha powder into a small bowl to remove lumps.
Add hot water (not boiling) and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion for 30-60 seconds until frothy and no lumps remain.
Assemble the Latte:
Heat and froth milk using a steam wand, milk frother, or by heating in a saucepan and whisking vigorously.
Add strawberry syrup to your serving mug (start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste).
Pour the prepared matcha into the mug and stir gently.
Top with steamed milk, pouring slowly to create layers if desired.
Garnish with whipped cream or a fresh strawberry if using.
Pro tip: Make the strawberry syrup in batches and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes daily latte preparation much faster.
Tips and Variations for Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
Temperature variations:
- Iced version: Use cold milk and serve over ice
- Hot version: Steam milk to 150-160°F for optimal temperature
Flavor modifications:
- Add vanilla extract for extra sweetness
- Try coconut milk for tropical notes
- Mix in white chocolate for indulgence
- Use honey instead of sugar in the syrup for natural sweetness
Common mistake: Don’t use boiling water for matcha as it creates bitterness. Water temperature should stay between 160-180°F.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare strawberry syrup on Sunday and store portions in ice cube trays for quick weekday lattes.
Best Ingredients and Equipment for Strawberry Matcha Latte
Matcha quality matters most. Choose ceremonial grade matcha from reputable brands for smooth flavor without bitterness. Culinary grade works for beginners but may taste more astringent.
Essential equipment:
- Bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or electric milk frother
- Fine-mesh sieve for syrup straining
- Small saucepan for syrup preparation
Milk alternatives ranked by performance:
- Whole dairy milk – richest foam and creamiest texture
- Oat milk – naturally sweet with good frothing ability
- Coconut milk – adds tropical flavor but thinner consistency
- Almond milk – light option but doesn’t foam as well
Choose oat milk if you want plant-based options that still create good foam. Stick with dairy if you prioritize the richest, most café-like texture.
Nutritional Information and Serving Details
Per serving (one 12 oz latte):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Caffeine: 70mg
- Fiber: 2g
Serving size: One 12-ounce latte Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes
The matcha provides antioxidants called catechins, while strawberries add vitamin C and natural fiber. Using plant-based milk reduces calories by about 30-40 per serving.
Storing and Reheating Your Strawberry Matcha Latte
Fresh consumption recommended. Matcha lattes taste best when consumed immediately after preparation since matcha can become bitter when left sitting.
Strawberry syrup storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 7 days in an airtight container
- Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months
- Bring to room temperature before using for best mixing
Reheating tips: If you must reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat. Microwaving can create hot spots and affect the matcha’s delicate flavor profile.
Batch preparation: Make multiple servings of strawberry syrup but prepare each latte individually for optimal taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strawberry syrup from the store? Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and lets you control sweetness. If using store-bought, choose brands without artificial flavors and start with less since they’re often sweeter.
Why is my matcha clumpy? Sift the matcha powder before whisking and use water that’s hot but not boiling (175°F maximum). Whisk vigorously in a zigzag pattern for at least 30 seconds.
How much caffeine is in a strawberry matcha latte? One teaspoon of matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine, roughly half the amount in a cup of coffee but more sustained energy without the crash.
Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely. Oat milk and coconut milk work best for frothing, while almond milk creates a lighter texture. The strawberry syrup is naturally dairy-free.
What’s the best matcha brand for beginners? Look for ceremonial grade matcha from Japanese brands. Start with smaller quantities since high-quality matcha can be expensive, and a little goes a long way.
Can I prepare this the night before? The strawberry syrup can be made ahead, but prepare the matcha and assemble the latte fresh each time for the best flavor and texture.
How do I make the layers more distinct? Pour the steamed milk slowly over the back of a spoon to create cleaner separation between the pink strawberry layer and green matcha layer.
Is this drink suitable for kids? Due to the caffeine content in matcha, this drink is better suited for teens and adults. For kids, try a strawberry milk with just a pinch of matcha for color.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the syrup? Yes, frozen strawberries actually work better for syrup-making since they break down more easily when heated and are available year-round.
How sweet should the strawberry syrup be? Start with the recipe amounts and adjust to taste. The syrup should be noticeably sweet since it gets diluted when mixed with the matcha and milk.
What if I don’t have a matcha whisk? A small regular whisk, milk frother, or even a fork can work in a pinch. The key is vigorous whisking to break up clumps and create a smooth consistency.
Can I make this into a smoothie instead? Yes, blend the matcha mixture with frozen strawberries, milk, and ice for a thicker, smoothie-like consistency. Try our matcha metabolism smoothie for another healthy option.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this strawberry matcha latte, you might also love these similar drinks and treats:
- Perfect Chai Tea Latte at Home for another cozy spiced beverage
- Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding for a healthy matcha breakfast
- Easy Strawberry-Cacao Chia Pudding combining strawberry flavors with superfoods
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Smoothie for a post-workout strawberry treat
- Coffee Chia Pudding for another caffeinated morning option
Conclusion
Making a strawberry matcha latte at home is easier than you might think and gives you complete control over sweetness and flavor intensity. The combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries creates a balanced drink that’s both satisfying and Instagram-worthy.
Start by making a batch of strawberry syrup on the weekend, then you can whip up individual lattes in just a few minutes each morning. Remember to use quality matcha powder and don’t skip the sifting step for the smoothest results.
Your next steps: Try this basic recipe first, then experiment with different milk alternatives and sweetness levels to find your perfect version. Once you master the technique, consider trying our matcha metabolism smoothie for another delicious way to enjoy this superfood powder.
References
[1] La La Land Cafe And Beverly Hills Hotel Unveil Limited Edition Matcha Latte Collection – https://lamag.com/food/la-la-land-cafe-and-beverly-hills-hotel-unveil-limited-edition-matcha-latte-collection/
[2] Milkshake Factory Launched Strawberry Matcha Milkshake – https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/milkshake-factory-launched-strawberry-matcha-milkshake/
[3] The Beverly Hills Hotel And La La Land Unveil A Matcha Latte Capsule Collection – https://media.dorchestercollection.com/the-beverly-hills-hotel-and-la-la-land-unveil-a-matcha-latte-capsule-collection/