What is a Strawberry Matcha Latte and how is it made?+
A Strawberry Matcha Latte is a layered iced drink made with sweet strawberry puree, milk and green tea matcha. You make a smooth strawberry layer, add cold milk over ice then gently pour whisked matcha on top so you get three distinct layers that look beautiful and taste refreshing.
Can I use culinary grade matcha instead of ceremonial grade?+
Yes you can use culinary grade matcha, but it’s a bit more bitter and stronger, so people often add a little extra sweetener or use it with cold milk to balance the flavour. Ceremonial grade matcha is smoother and more vibrant which many home cooks prefer for drinks.
How do I keep the layers separate in a Strawberry Matcha Latte?+
To get clean layers start with chilled strawberry puree on the bottom, add lots of ice, pour milk slowly over the ice and then gently add the matcha on top either over the back of a spoon or directly onto the ice so it doesn’t sink. Ice is one of the most recommended tricks to keep the layers distinct.
Can I make a Strawberry Matcha Latte without a bamboo whisk?+
Absolutely. If you don’t have a bamboo whisk you can use a small regular whisk, a milk frother or even put the matcha and hot water in a jar with a tight lid and shake it until smooth. The goal is just to break up the matcha clumps so it’s nice and creamy.
What sweeteners work best in a Strawberry Matcha Latte?+
Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or just regular sugar all work well. Some people also make a simple strawberry syrup so the sweetness blends right into the fruit layer which helps keep the taste balanced.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?+
Yep frozen strawberries are fine as long as you thaw them first and drain any extra liquid, then mash or blend with sweetener so you get a nice puree for the bottom layer.
Does the strawberry overpower the taste of matcha?+
Some people find that if the strawberry layer is very sweet or very strong it can mask the matcha flavour, so balance is key. Adjust the amount of puree and matcha so neither one overwhelms the other. This is what we found works best from numerous experiments and testing.
