One sweltering afternoon last summer, I found myself craving something refreshing but a little different from the usual iced coffee or lemonade. I was rummaging through my fridge, hoping for a quick fix, when I spotted a tub of matcha powder next to a basket of strawberries. I thought, “Why not combine these two and see what happens?” What started as a spontaneous experiment quickly turned into my new favorite go-to drink: an iced strawberry matcha latte that’s bright, creamy, and, honestly, addictive.
I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times since then—sometimes as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, sometimes as a fancy-but-simple weekend treat. The best part? It only takes five ingredients you likely already have or can easily grab, and it tastes like something you’d order at a trendy café (but way cheaper and without the long wait). If you’re into matcha or just looking for a fun twist on iced lattes, this recipe will quickly become one you make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
This isn’t just another pretty drink. Here’s why I keep coming back to this iced strawberry matcha latte:
- Simple ingredients, big flavor — I’m serious. Five ingredients that come together to make a fresh, creamy, and subtly sweet drink with zero fuss.
- Quick and fuss-free — I whip this up in under 10 minutes, which means it’s perfect for those afternoons when you want something special but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
- Customizable sweetness — Whether you like it barely sweet or dessert-level, you control the sugar. I usually add just enough to balance the earthiness of the matcha and the tang of the strawberries.
- Vibrant and Instagram-worthy — That gorgeous pink-green swirl makes it a total stunner for your next brunch or afternoon snack (and trust me, the taste lives up to the look).
- Great for all seasons — Sure, it’s perfect iced in summer, but I’ve also enjoyed it warm on chilly mornings by swapping ice for hot water.
This iced strawberry matcha latte has become my favorite way to sneak in some antioxidants and fresh fruit without feeling like I’m sacrificing taste. Plus, it pairs beautifully with anything from a slice of banana bread to a quick snack after school.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the skinny: this recipe looks fancy but is actually ridiculously simple. Most of these ingredients are pantry or fridge staples, and I’m going to share a few tips on what to look for.
- Matcha powder (1 teaspoon / 2 grams) — Use a good-quality, bright green matcha powder for the best flavor and color. Ceremonial grade is ideal but a good culinary grade works well too.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup / about 150 grams, hulled and sliced) — Sweet, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and that gorgeous pink hue. Frozen works in a pinch but fresh tastes better.
- Milk of choice (1 cup / 240 ml) — I usually use whole milk for creaminess but almond, oat, or soy milk all work great and keep it dairy-free.
- Sweetener (2 tablespoons) — I use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved) because it mixes easily, but honey or agave work too. Adjust to taste.
- Ice cubes — Enough to fill your glass and chill that delicious latte.
Pro tip: If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, just mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 tablespoons hot water until dissolved. Easy!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy here. Just the basics:
- Blender or food processor — For pureeing the strawberries until smooth. You can also use a fork and a bowl if you’re patient.
- Measuring spoons and cups — To keep things precise, especially with the matcha powder.
- Whisk or small frother — To mix the matcha powder smoothly without lumps. A handheld milk frother works wonders here.
- Glass or tumbler — To serve your iced latte in style.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Prep and puree the strawberries (3-4 minutes)
Wash, hull, and slice your strawberries. Toss them into a blender and blend until smooth and juicy. If you like a bit of texture, pulse a couple of times instead of blending fully. - Make your matcha base (2 minutes)
Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl (this helps avoid clumps). Add 2 tablespoons of warm water (not boiling!) and whisk vigorously in a zig-zag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy. If you’re using a handheld frother, just blend until smooth. - Combine milk and sweetener (1 minute)
Pour 1 cup of your milk choice into a mixing glass or shaker. Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup (or your chosen sweetener) and stir well until combined. - Assemble the latte (2 minutes)
Fill your serving glass about halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the strawberry puree, followed by the sweetened milk. Slowly pour the matcha over the top—watch the beautiful pink and green layers swirl together. - Mix and enjoy!
Give it a gentle stir to combine flavors, or leave it layered for a pretty effect before drinking. Sip and savor!
Quick note: If you want a stronger matcha flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of powder next time. If the drink is too sweet, dial back the syrup a bit.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use room temperature water to mix matcha — Boiling water kills the delicate flavor and makes it bitter. Aim for about 160°F (70°C) if you’re checking.
- Simple syrup is your friend — It dissolves evenly, unlike granulated sugar that can settle at the bottom.
- Don’t skip sifting the matcha powder — It prevents those annoying clumps and gives you a smooth, creamy drink.
- Make extra strawberry puree — It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge and is great for smoothies or drizzling over pancakes.
- Try layering the drink — Pour the matcha slowly over milk and strawberry for that gorgeous ombré look.
- Adjust sweetness last — Taste before adding more syrup. Strawberries add natural sugar, and you want to keep the balance bright and fresh.
Variations & Substitutions
Once you’ve nailed the basic iced strawberry matcha latte, feel free to get creative:
- Vegan or dairy-free — Use oat or almond milk. I love the slight nuttiness oat milk adds.
- Fruit swap — Blueberries or raspberries work great instead of strawberries. Try a mixed berry puree for a twist.
- Sweetener alternatives — Maple syrup or coconut sugar syrup add a different flavor dimension.
- Hot version — Skip the ice and use hot milk for a cozy warm latte.
- Matcha smoothie — Add a frozen banana to the strawberry puree and blend with milk for a creamy smoothie.
For a fun snack pairing, this latte goes wonderfully with a slice of fudgy brookies or some fresh fruit kabobs like in the turkey and cheese kabobs.
Serving & Storage
How to serve: I like serving this in a tall, clear glass so you can admire the layers before stirring. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim or a sprinkle of matcha powder for a little extra flair. It’s perfect for brunch or as a refreshing afternoon treat.
Storage: The strawberry puree keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The latte itself is best made fresh. You can prepare the matcha mixture ahead but add ice and milk right before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Reheating: If you want a warm version, simply heat the milk and strawberry puree gently on the stove, whisk in the matcha, and skip the ice.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 glass) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Calcium | 250mg |
Nutrition will vary depending on milk and sweetener choices. This is a light, refreshing treat with some calcium and antioxidants from matcha and strawberries. It’s not a diet drink, but it’s definitely a better choice than a sugary soda or processed beverage.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—my easy, five-ingredient iced strawberry matcha latte that’s become a staple in my kitchen. I love how it feels fancy without the fuss, and how it brightens even the most mundane afternoons. If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up making this over and over, tweaking the sweetness or trying different milk options until it’s just right for your taste buds.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want something fresh, bright, and just a little indulgent. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a cozy snack or a sweet treat after school or work. Give it a try, and if you’ve got a matcha-loving friend, this is the perfect excuse to make one for both of you.
If you make this iced strawberry matcha latte, drop a comment below and tell me what you think! I love hearing how recipes turn out in your kitchen—especially when they become favorites like this one. And if something feels off, I’m here to help troubleshoot (because I’ve definitely had a few clumpy matcha moments myself!).
Happy sipping! May your kitchen smell like fresh strawberries and matcha all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream for a creamier latte?
A: This recipe uses milk for a lighter texture, but if you want it creamier, adding a splash of half-and-half or cream works beautifully. Just keep in mind it’ll be richer and higher in calories.
Q: What if I don’t have a whisk or frother to mix the matcha?
A: No problem! You can use a small jar with a lid and shake vigorously until the matcha dissolves. Or stir really well with a fork. The goal is to avoid lumps, so just keep mixing until smooth.
Q: Can I make this drink less sweet?
A: Absolutely! Start with 1 tablespoon of sweetener and taste before adding more. The natural sweetness from strawberries helps keep it balanced.
Q: How long does the strawberry puree last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts about 3 days. Perfect for making ahead or using in smoothies and desserts.
Q: Can I freeze the strawberry puree?
A: Yes! Freeze it in ice cube trays and pop out cubes as needed. Thaw before using for best results.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover latte?
A: I recommend enjoying it fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and stir well before drinking. The matcha flavor can settle over time.
Q: Can I add protein powder to this drink?
A: You can, but I suggest blending it well to avoid clumps. Vanilla-flavored protein powders work best to complement the strawberry and matcha flavors.
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Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A refreshing and creamy iced latte combining fresh strawberries and vibrant matcha powder, perfect for a quick and delicious pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) matcha powder
- 1 cup (about 150 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice (whole, almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or honey/agave/maple syrup as alternatives)
- Ice cubes, enough to fill the glass
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Puree them in a blender until smooth or pulse for some texture.
- Sift 1 teaspoon matcha powder into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons warm water (about 160°F/70°C) and whisk vigorously until frothy and smooth.
- In a mixing glass, combine 1 cup milk with 2 tablespoons simple syrup or chosen sweetener and stir well.
- Fill a serving glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the strawberry puree, then the sweetened milk.
- Slowly pour the matcha mixture over the top to create a layered effect. Stir gently before drinking or enjoy layered.
Notes
Use room temperature water to mix matcha to avoid bitterness. Simple syrup dissolves better than granulated sugar. Sift matcha powder to prevent clumps. Strawberry puree keeps up to 3 days refrigerated. Adjust sweetness to taste. For a warm version, skip ice and heat milk and puree gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 12 oz
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: iced latte, matcha latte, strawberry drink, refreshing beverage, easy drink recipe, healthy drink, summer drink



