Ever wished for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is energizing? Meet strawberry matcha, the ultimate fusion of earthy, antioxidant-rich matcha and the naturally sweet, slightly tart flavor of fresh strawberries. This stunning two-toned strawberry matcha drink isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits, offering a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters.
Unlike coffee, which can cause energy crashes, this strawberry matcha latte provides sustained focus and a deliciously smooth taste that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, making this café-worthy drink at home is easier than you think—just 5 minutes, no barista skills required! Whether you're looking for a vibrant morning pick-me-up or a delightful afternoon treat, this strawberry matcha recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Why This Strawberry Matcha Stands Out
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the strawberry matcha trend everywhere—and for good reason! This vibrant drink isn’t just a pretty addition to your feed; it’s a delicious, antioxidant-packed way to enjoy a natural energy boost. While the Starbucks strawberry matcha drink has gained major popularity, making it at home lets you customize the sweetness and use high-quality ingredients for a fresher, more nourishing experience.
Unlike store-bought versions that rely on artificial syrups, this strawberry matcha recipe is made with real strawberries, enhancing both the taste and health benefits. The contrast of pink and green layers makes this drink visually stunning—perfect for brightening up your morning routine or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Matcha has been a staple in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, prized for its smooth, slightly earthy flavor and incredible health benefits. When blended with naturally sweet strawberries, the bold, grassy notes of green tea matcha are perfectly balanced, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're a longtime matcha lover or just jumping on the trend, this homemade strawberry matcha drink is guaranteed to impress!
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Ingredients
Here's everything you need to create your own strawberry matcha at home:
- High-quality matcha powder (ceremonial grade works best for drinks)
- Milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or coconut all work well)
- Fresh strawberries, stems removed (frozen can work in a pinch)
- Honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Vanilla extract (adds depth to the flavor)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
See recipe card for quantities.
About the Ingredients:
- Vanilla: Just a touch enhances both the strawberry and matcha flavors.
- Matcha powder: The star of the show! Look for vibrant green color and fine texture for the best flavor.
- Milk: Creates the creamy base. Oat milk adds natural sweetness while coconut milk gives a tropical twist.
- Fresh strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and beautiful color. Fresh berries give the brightest flavor, but frozen work too.
- Sweetener: Balances matcha's natural bitterness. Honey pairs wonderfully with both matcha and strawberries.
- Vanilla: Just a touch enhances both the strawberry and matcha flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- For a vegan matcha version, use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey
- If strawberries aren't in season, try frozen strawberries or even mixed berries
- No matcha powder? While not the same, you could try a strong green tea as a base
- For a lower sugar option, use a touch of monk fruit sweetener or stevia
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Puree
- Rinse your fresh strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Place strawberries in a blender with 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener.
- Blend until completely smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Pour the strawberry puree into a small bowl and set aside.
Pro tip: If you want a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
Mix the Matcha Base
- Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add a splash of hot (not boiling) water to the matcha powder.
- Using a bamboo whisk or small regular whisk, mix in a "W" motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and slightly frothy.
- Stir in the remaining sweetener and vanilla extract.
Assemble Your Strawberry Matcha Drink
- Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the strawberry puree over the ice, filling about ⅓ of the glass.
- Slowly pour in your milk of choice, filling to about ⅔ of the glass.
- Gently pour the prepared matcha mixture over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
- Serve immediately, either leaving the beautiful layers intact or stirring to combine the flavors.
For a hot strawberry matcha latte version:
- Heat your milk to just below boiling.
- Mix the matcha as directed above with hot water.
- Combine the strawberry puree with half the warm milk.
- Pour into your cup first, then top with the remaining milk and matcha mixture.
- Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Blend fresh strawberries with a sweetener until smooth, then strain if desired for a silky texture.
- Step 2: Mix the Matcha Base
Whisk matcha powder with hot water until frothy, ensuring a smooth and lump-free base
- Step 3: Assemble Your Strawberry Matcha Drink
Layer the strawberry puree, milk, and matcha carefully to create a stunning and delicious drink.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Matcha
- Temperature matters: Never use boiling water with matcha as it turns bitter. Aim for water around 175°F (80°C).
- Quality counts: Ceremonial grade matcha makes a big difference in flavor compared to culinary grade.
- The whisking technique: Traditional bamboo whisks (chasen) create the best froth, but a small regular whisk or milk frother works too.
- Creating clean layers: Pour each layer slowly over the back of a spoon to maintain separation between colors.
- Sweetness balance: Adjust the sweetener based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries. Taste as you go!
Recipe Variations to Try
Strawberry Matcha Smoothie
Turn this drink into a more substantial breakfast by adding:
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- A handful of spinach (you won't taste it!)
- A scoop of vanilla protein powder Blend everything together for a nutritious meal in a glass.
Strawberry Matcha Boba
For a fun twist that mimics the popular milk tea shops:
- Cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions
- Add the prepared boba to the bottom of your glass before layering
- Use a wide straw to enjoy the chewy boba pearls
Strawberry Iced Matcha with Coconut
For a tropical vacation in a glass:
- Substitute coconut milk for regular milk
- Add a splash of coconut water to the matcha mix
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes
Equipment
You don't need fancy equipment to make a great strawberry matcha drink, but these tools help:
- Blender or food processor: Essential for creating smooth strawberry puree
- Fine mesh strainer: Optional but helpful for removing strawberry seeds
- Bamboo matcha whisk: Creates the best froth and breaks up clumps effectively
- Glass jars with lids: Perfect for shaking and serving your creation
- Clear glasses: To show off those beautiful layers
If you're on a budget, a regular whisk or milk frother works well in place of a bamboo whisk, and any blender you have will do the job.
Storage & Prep-Ahead Tips
While strawberry matcha is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead:
Strawberry Puree:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months – perfect for quick single servings.
Pre-measured Matcha:
- Portion dry matcha powder into small containers for grab-and-go preparation.
- Don't mix matcha with water until ready to use – it oxidizes quickly.
Complete Drink:
- Not recommended for long storage as the layers will mix and flavors will dull.
- If necessary, store mixed (not layered) drink for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Viola’s Secret to the Perfect Strawberry Matcha
Viola had always loved the ritual of making her strawberry matcha drink—the way the fresh strawberries blended into a sweet, ruby-red puree, the smooth, earthy aroma of matcha filling her kitchen. But something always felt missing. No matter how carefully she prepared it, the pink layer in her drink never quite had that radiant, Instagram-worthy glow.
Determined to crack the code, she turned to an old baking trick passed down in her family. "What if," she thought, "I borrowed the same secret used to keep red velvet cake vibrantly red?" That’s when she tried it—just a tiny pinch of baking soda (less than ⅛ teaspoon) stirred into the strawberry puree. The result? A strawberry matcha that looked even more stunning than the café versions—rich, bold, and beautifully layered.
Viola had discovered the secret that no one was talking about. That little pH adjustment didn’t change the taste, but it intensified the natural pink hue, making her homemade strawberry matcha truly stand out. Now, whenever she makes this drink, she smiles, knowing she holds a small but powerful secret that turns a simple recipe into a masterpiece.
Want to see the magic for yourself? Try Viola’s tip and watch your strawberry matcha transform before your eyes!
FAQ
Is matcha with strawberries good?
Yes! Matcha with strawberries is a delicious and refreshing combination that perfectly balances flavors. The slight bitterness and earthy notes of green tea matcha pair beautifully with the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh strawberries. This creates a smooth, vibrant, and well-rounded drink that’s both visually stunning and packed with antioxidants. Whether served iced or hot, strawberry matcha is a favorite among matcha lovers and newcomers alike!
What is in a strawberry matcha?
A strawberry matcha drink typically consists of:
Fresh strawberry puree (blended strawberries with a touch of sweetener)
Milk of choice (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or coconut milk)
Matcha powder (preferably high-quality ceremonial or latte-grade matcha)
Ice cubes (for an iced version)
Optional sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup)
Each layer is poured carefully to create a stunning pink, white, and green aesthetic before being stirred together for a creamy, fruity, and slightly earthy flavor experience.
How to drink a strawberry matcha?
You can enjoy strawberry matcha in two ways:
Layered & Stirred: Pour the strawberry puree first, followed by milk, and then matcha. The layers look stunning, but stirring them together ensures a perfectly blended flavor.
Iced or Hot: The iced version is the most popular, but you can also make it warm by heating the milk and matcha while using a warm strawberry compote instead of cold puree.
For the best experience, use a straw or spoon to mix the drink before sipping, allowing the flavors to combine for a sweet, creamy, and slightly earthy taste.
How healthy is matcha really?
Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, offering benefits like sustained energy, improved focus, metabolism support, and heart health.
Paired with Vitamin C-rich strawberries, strawberry matcha becomes a delicious, nutrient-packed drink that’s both refreshing and good for you!
A Refreshing Treat You Can’t Resist
Imagine sipping on a strawberry matcha drink that’s not only stunning to look at but also a perfect harmony of flavors—the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries blending seamlessly with the rich, earthy depth of matcha. This recipe isn’t just another trendy drink; it’s a refreshing, energizing treat that’s easy to make at home and just as satisfying as your favorite café version.
Whether you’re searching for a coffee alternative, a fun DIY drink, or a new way to enjoy matcha, this recipe is a must-try. The beautifully layered pink and green colors aren’t just Instagram-worthy; they symbolize the balance of fresh fruit and traditional green tea matcha, offering a naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich boost.
Looking for more matcha-inspired delights? Pair this drink with our Easy Homemade Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe for another delicious matcha fix. And if you love strawberries, don’t stop here—treat yourself to the Best Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a decadent dessert that celebrates the irresistible flavor of fresh strawberries.
Give this strawberry matcha a try, and don’t forget to share your creations—we’d love to see your unique twist on this gorgeous, refreshing masterpiece!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Strawberry Matcha recipe:
Strawberry Matcha Drink
Equipment
- 1 Blender For making smooth strawberry puree
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer Optional, for removing strawberry seeds
- 1 Bamboo Whisk Preferred for mixing matcha smoothly
- 1 Measuring spoons For accurate ingredient portions
- 1 Clear glass To showcase the beautiful layers
- 1 Spoon To help with layering the matcha
Ingredients
- ½ cup Fresh strawberries Hulled and washed
- 1-2 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup Adjust to taste
- ½ cup Milk of choice Dair, yoat, almond, or coconut,
- 1-2 teaspoon Matcha powder Preferably ceremonial grade
- ¼ cup Hot water Not boiling around 175°F (80°C)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional for added flavor
- ½ cup Ice cubes For an iced version
Instructions
- Blend strawberries and sweetener until smooth. Strain if needed.
- Sift matcha into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk until frothy.
- Fill a glass with ice, pour in strawberry puree, then milk.
- Slowly pour matcha over the back of a spoon to create layers.
- Serve as is or stir before drinking. Enjoy!
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