Strawberry Matcha Recipe: Strawberry matcha has become one of the internet’s favorite drinks, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s beautiful to look at, refreshing to sip, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet strawberry and earthy matcha creates a layered experience that’s both unique and energizing. Whether you’ve seen it trending on TikTok or just love experimenting with new flavors at home, this strawberry matcha recipe will help you whip up this stunning drink in no time.
Let’s get into it!
What Is Strawberry Matcha?
Strawberry matcha is a layered drink made by combining fresh strawberry puree, matcha tea, and milk. It’s often served over ice in a transparent glass so you can see the pretty green-and-pink layers. The sweetness from the strawberries pairs incredibly well with the slightly bitter, grassy notes of matcha, resulting in a balanced and refreshing beverage.
The drink is heavily inspired by Japanese matcha drinks and Korean-style strawberry milk. It’s recently gained massive popularity in cafes across the globe, especially in trendy coffee shops and bubble tea spots. But the best part? You can totally make it at home—with fresher ingredients and more control over the sweetness, creaminess, and caffeine level.
Health Benefits of Matcha and Strawberries
Beyond the aesthetic and flavor appeal, strawberry matcha comes packed with nutrients.
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that’s rich in antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which support your metabolism and help detoxify your body. It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which boosts focus without the jitters often caused by coffee.
Strawberries, on the other hand, are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve your skin.
Together, matcha and strawberries create a nutrient-packed drink that doesn’t just taste good—it’s also good for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for this recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 6–7 medium-sized berries)
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or preferred sweetener (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (preferably ceremonial grade)
- 2–3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, around 175°F / 80°C)
- Ice cubes
Optional Ingredients
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon for extra flavor)
- Honey or maple syrup (as a sweetener alternative)
- Chia seeds (for texture and health benefits)
Ingredient Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color.
- Choose a high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha for smoother, sweeter flavor.
- For milk, oat milk or almond milk works beautifully for a creamy, plant-based drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
To create the perfect strawberry matcha at home, you’ll need:
- Blender or food processor (for strawberry puree)
- Matcha whisk (chasen) or milk frother
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass or mason jar
- Small bowl for whisking matcha
- Spoon for layering
Optional but helpful:
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove strawberry seeds)
- Ice cube tray (for chilling without watering it down too much)
How to Prepare Strawberry Matcha – Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to make your own café-style strawberry matcha? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools in place. This will make the process smooth and quick. Wash your strawberries, prepare your milk, and measure out the matcha powder.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Chop your strawberries and toss them into a blender. Blend until smooth. You can add 1–2 teaspoons of sugar or honey here if your strawberries are a little tart. Once blended, taste and adjust the sweetness. If you want a smooth texture, strain the puree using a fine mesh sieve.
Step 3: Sweeten the Puree (Optional)
If you’re someone who enjoys a sweeter drink, now’s the time to mix in your sweetener of choice. You can stick with sugar, or go for honey, agave syrup, or even stevia. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Whisk the Matcha
Place your matcha powder in a small bowl. Add about 2–3 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water. Using a bamboo matcha whisk or a milk frother, whisk vigorously in a zig-zag motion until the matcha is frothy and fully dissolved. Avoid clumps by sifting the matcha first.
Step 5: Layer the Drink
In a tall glass, start by adding the strawberry puree to the bottom. Fill the glass about 1/3 of the way. Add ice cubes over the puree. Then, gently pour your milk over the ice, filling another 1/3 of the glass.
Step 6: Add the Matcha
Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the milk using the back of a spoon to help keep the layers separated. This gives the drink its beautiful layered look: red strawberries at the bottom, white milk in the middle, and green matcha on top.
Step 7: Mix or Serve as Is
You can choose to stir the drink to combine all flavors or serve it layered for that aesthetic look. Either way, it tastes amazing!
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Matcha
Getting your strawberry matcha just right takes a little finesse. Here are some expert-level tips to ensure every glass comes out delicious and Instagram-worthy:
- Use chilled ingredients: Cold milk and strawberries blend better and help keep your drink cool and layered when adding ice.
- Layer slowly: When pouring the milk and matcha, do it gently over the back of a spoon to avoid mixing the layers. This helps preserve that gorgeous visual effect.
- Sift your matcha: This is key. Matcha tends to clump, so sifting before whisking makes your matcha smoother and more pleasant to drink.
- Use high-quality matcha: Ceremonial grade matcha gives you a naturally sweeter and less bitter flavor, perfect for beverages like this.
- Chill your glass: Throw your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before layering. It keeps your drink cooler and gives it a frosty effect.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Strawberries can vary in sweetness. Taste your puree before sweetening. You don’t want to overdo it.
- Use a blender for better texture: Especially if you’re making more than one serving, blending the strawberries creates a smoother, frothy puree.
- Decorate the rim: Want to level up your presentation? Dip the rim in sugar or top the drink with a mint sprig or strawberry slice.
These little tweaks make a huge difference, especially if you’re serving the drink to guests—or snapping a photo for social media.
Different Variations to Try
One of the best things about strawberry matcha is how versatile it is. You can change it up depending on your mood, diet, or ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:
1. Vegan Strawberry Matcha
Skip the dairy and use a plant-based milk like:
- Oat milk (creamy and slightly sweet)
- Almond milk (light and nutty)
- Soy milk (smooth and protein-rich)
Sweeten with agave syrup or maple syrup for a completely vegan-friendly version.
2. Iced vs Hot Strawberry Matcha
- Iced version: The classic! Refreshing and vibrant, perfect for warmer days.
- Hot version: A cozy twist. Gently warm the milk and strawberry puree, then top with whisked matcha. You won’t get layers, but the flavor is just as delicious.
3. Sparkling Strawberry Matcha
Replace milk with sparkling water for a fizzy, lighter version. It turns into a refreshing soda-like drink—great for summer brunches or afternoon pick-me-ups.
4. Strawberry Matcha Smoothie
Blend everything together (strawberries, milk, ice, and matcha) into a smoothie. Add a frozen banana or Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and extra creaminess. Great as a breakfast or post-workout drink!
These twists keep the recipe exciting and allow you to enjoy it in new ways throughout the year.
Best Type of Matcha for Strawberry Matcha
Let’s be real—matcha isn’t just matcha. There are two main types:
1. Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Made from the youngest tea leaves.
- Sweeter, smoother flavor.
- Bright green color.
- Best for drinking straight or in delicate beverages like this.
2. Culinary Grade Matcha
- Made from mature leaves.
- Stronger, more bitter taste.
- Duller green color.
- Better suited for baking or cooking.
For strawberry matcha, go with ceremonial grade. It blends better with the strawberries and doesn’t overpower the natural sweetness with bitterness.
If you’re new to matcha, a mid-tier ceremonial matcha works well without breaking the bank. Store it in an airtight container away from sunlight to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Sweeteners You Can Use
Strawberries on their own may be sweet, but adding a little extra can enhance the overall balance—especially against the earthy flavor of matcha. Here are some sweeteners you can try:
Natural Sweeteners:
- Honey: Classic and floral, it pairs beautifully with matcha.
- Maple syrup: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Agave syrup: Mild, perfect for blending.
- Coconut sugar: Adds a rich, slightly nutty sweetness.
Artificial/Low-Calorie Options:
- Stevia: Zero-calorie and very sweet—use sparingly.
- Monk fruit sweetener: A popular keto-friendly option.
- Erythritol: Doesn’t spike blood sugar and blends well.
Flavor Pairing Tip:
If your strawberries are really fresh and ripe, you might not even need much sweetener. But if you’re using frozen or off-season berries, a little boost goes a long way.
Milk Options for the Creamiest Texture
Milk choice can make or break the texture and taste of your strawberry matcha. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:
Dairy Options:
- Whole milk: Rich and creamy, a top choice for layered drinks.
- 2% milk: Lighter, but still creamy enough.
- Half and half: Extra indulgent, great for dessert-style drinks.
Non-Dairy Options:
- Oat milk: Creamy with a natural sweetness—one of the best non-dairy choices.
- Almond milk: Light and slightly nutty, great if you want a thinner drink.
- Coconut milk: Adds a tropical twist, pairs surprisingly well with matcha.
- Soy milk: Creamy and high in protein, but can sometimes overpower the matcha.
Whichever milk you choose, make sure it’s cold and unsweetened (unless you want an extra sweet kick). Barista blends of oat or almond milk are ideal because they foam well and layer beautifully.
How to Store Strawberry Puree or Leftover Drink
If you’re planning to make this recipe ahead of time or have leftovers, here’s how to store everything safely:
Strawberry Puree:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Lasts up to 3–4 days.
- You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for up to a month.
Matcha:
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in a sealed jar for a few hours.
- Keep away from light and air to preserve the color and taste.
Assembled Drink:
- Not recommended for storage once mixed, especially with ice—it waters down the drink and separates the layers.
- If you must, keep it in the fridge (without ice) for up to 24 hours and stir before drinking.
Want to make your mornings faster? Prep the strawberry puree in batches and freeze it. Just thaw and go when ready.
Frequently Asked Mistakes to Avoid
Even though strawberry matcha seems simple, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the flavor or texture. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Using Boiling Water for Matcha
Boiling water can burn the matcha, leading to a bitter, unpleasant taste. Always use water around 175°F (80°C)—hot, but not boiling. If you don’t have a thermometer, let your boiling water sit for a minute before using.
2. Skipping the Matcha Sifting
Matcha is super fine and tends to clump. If you skip sifting it before whisking, you’ll end up with grainy bits that won’t dissolve properly. Always sift your matcha for a smoother drink.
3. Over-sweetening the Strawberries
Strawberries already have natural sugars. Adding too much sweetener can make your drink overly sugary and overpower the matcha. Taste as you go.
4. Using Low-Quality Matcha
If your matcha is dull green or has a harsh, grassy smell, it’s probably not good quality. Cheap, culinary-grade matcha will make your drink taste bitter and flat. Invest in ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color.
5. Mixing Too Fast
When layering, pour slowly over the back of a spoon to maintain the separation between strawberry, milk, and matcha. Pouring too quickly will mix everything together and ruin the look.
6. Not Chilling Your Ingredients
Using warm or room temperature milk and strawberries will melt the ice quickly and make the drink watery. Chill everything beforehand to preserve the texture and layers.
Avoiding these pitfalls will guarantee your strawberry matcha looks and tastes like it came straight out of a high-end café.
Serving Ideas
Presentation matters, especially for a drink as photogenic as strawberry matcha. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve it:
- Use a clear glass: A tall transparent glass or mason jar lets you show off the layers.
- Add a strawberry garnish: Slice a fresh strawberry and place it on the rim for an instant upgrade.
- Top with whipped cream: For a dessert version, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha powder.
- Pair with snacks: Serve it with shortbread cookies, mochi, or a light sandwich for a balanced tea break.
- Drizzle the glass: Want extra flair? Swirl some strawberry puree inside the glass before pouring for a marbled look.
Whether you’re serving yourself or hosting guests, these presentation tips make your drink feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Matcha
Still wondering if it’s worth the effort? Here’s why strawberry matcha might just become your new favorite drink:
- Balanced Flavor: The sweet, fruity notes of strawberry perfectly balance the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of matcha. It’s a match made in beverage heaven.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant green and pink layers are absolutely beautiful. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience.
- Customizable: You can adjust everything to suit your taste—milk, sweeteners, temperature, and even texture.
- Healthier Alternative: With antioxidants from matcha and vitamin C from strawberries, it’s a treat you can feel good about.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Need a gentle caffeine kick in the morning? Craving a light dessert in the afternoon? Strawberry matcha has you covered.
It’s a drink that checks all the boxes—delicious, healthy, easy to make, and seriously pretty.
FAQs about Strawberry Matcha Recipe
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before blending. They may release more water, so adjust the amount of milk to avoid a watery drink.
2. What milk goes best with strawberry matcha?
Oat milk is a favorite due to its natural sweetness and creamy texture, but whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk also work great depending on your preference.
3. Is matcha high in caffeine?
Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee but more than regular green tea. A typical serving has about 60–70 mg of caffeine, making it a great option for gentle energy without the crash.
4. Can I prepare this drink in advance?
You can make the strawberry puree ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. However, the matcha is best prepared fresh to preserve its flavor and frothy texture.
5. How do I make it sweeter or less bitter?
If your drink is too bitter, use a higher-quality matcha and add a touch more sweetener. To reduce sweetness, skip sweetening the puree or use unsweetened milk.
Conclusion
Strawberry matcha is more than just a trendy drink—it’s a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and vibrant colors that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe offers a simple, customizable way to enjoy it. With fresh strawberries, good-quality matcha, your favorite milk, and a few minutes of prep, you can create a drink that’s both nourishing and Instagram-ready.
So the next time you want to treat yourself or impress your friends, skip the café line and whip up your own strawberry matcha. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
