strawberry matcha latte recipe
strawberry matcha latte recipe 🍓🍵 is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 1. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by emily wada on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $4.01 total, $4.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled)
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar)
- 1 pinch Salt (enhances flavor)
- 1 cup Oat Milk (unsweetened, chilled)
- 1 tsp Matcha Powder (culinary grade, sifted)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (clean, fresh)
- 2 oz Hot Water (just off the boil (about 175°F / 80°C))
Instructions
Prepare Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and place them whole in a saucepan.
Time: PT2M
Add Sugar and Salt
Add ½ cup granulated sugar and a pinch of salt to the saucepan with the strawberries.
Time: PT1M
Simmer Strawberry Syrup
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cool and Chill Syrup
Remove the saucepan from heat, let the syrup cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours) to chill.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Matcha
Sift 1 tsp matcha powder into a small bowl. Add 2 oz hot water (about 175°F/80°C) and whisk with a bamboo whisk in a “W” motion until frothy and fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 175°F
Assemble the Latte
In a serving glass, pour 2 Tbsp of the chilled strawberry syrup to the bottom. Add a handful of ice cubes, then pour 1 cup chilled oat milk over the ice.
Time: PT2M
Combine Matcha and Milk
Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the oat milk, allowing it to swirl through. Give the drink a gentle stir to blend the strawberry syrup, milk, and matcha.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Enjoy your Strawberry Matcha Latte immediately while cold and frothy.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Gluten‑free (if using certified gluten‑free oat milk), Nut‑free
Allergens: Oats (may contain gluten if not certified gluten‑free)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: Frozen mixed berries, Raspberry puree
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (use less)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Oat Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Matcha Powder: Green tea powder (lower quality)
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Blender or Immersion Blender (optional)
- Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)
- Serving Glass or Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmering the strawberry syrup without burning the sugar.
- Whisking matcha properly to avoid clumps and achieve a frothy texture.
- Chilling the syrup overnight for optimal flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the brightest flavor.
- Ceremonial‑grade matcha gives a smoother taste and richer color.
- For an extra visual effect, drizzle a thin line of strawberry syrup around the inside of the glass before adding the drink.
Troubleshooting
Syrup is too thin after simmering.
Continue simmering for a few more minutes or add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Matcha forms clumps.
Sift the matcha before whisking and use a bamboo whisk or small milk frother for vigorous mixing.
Latte is watery.
Use less ice or increase the amount of oat milk; ensure the syrup is well‑chilled.
Storage
Refrigerator: Strawberry syrup: up to 7 days in a sealed jar.
Freezer: Not recommended for the latte; syrup can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Serve the latte immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the strawberry syrup a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Sift matcha powder in advance to prevent clumping.
- Pre‑measure oat milk and ice for a faster assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a strawberry matcha latte in Japanese‑inspired beverage culture?
While traditional Japanese tea drinks focus on plain matcha, modern cafés have blended Western fruit flavors with matcha to create vibrant latte variations. The strawberry matcha latte reflects a contemporary fusion trend, marrying Japan’s ceremonial green tea with the sweet, seasonal appeal of strawberries popular in both Japan and the West.
What are the traditional regional variations of matcha‑based drinks in Japan and how does the strawberry version differ?
In Japan, matcha is served as a thick, frothy tea (usucha) or as a sweetened milk drink called matcha latte. Regional twists include adding azuki bean paste or yuzu. The strawberry matcha latte adds a bright fruit syrup, creating a sweeter, pink‑hued drink that is not traditional but fits the modern café scene.
How is a strawberry matcha latte traditionally served in Japanese cafés?
Japanese cafés typically serve it cold in a clear glass to showcase the pink‑green layers, topped with a light foam of matcha and sometimes a strawberry garnish. The drink is enjoyed with a straw to mix the flavors as you sip.
What occasions or celebrations is a strawberry matcha latte associated with in contemporary Japanese‑inspired café culture?
The strawberry matcha latte is popular during spring and summer festivals, cherry‑blossom viewing (hanami) events, and as a refreshing treat for birthdays or brunch gatherings where a colorful, Instagram‑ready beverage is desired.
What other Japanese‑inspired drinks pair well with a strawberry matcha latte?
Pair it with light Japanese sweets such as mochi, dorayaki, or a matcha‑flavored cheesecake. Savory options like a miso‑glazed salmon bowl also balance the sweet‑bitter profile of the latte.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a matcha latte versus acceptable substitutes in this strawberry version?
Traditional matcha latte uses high‑quality ceremonial matcha, dairy milk, and sometimes a touch of honey. In this recipe, oat milk replaces dairy for a vegan option, and a strawberry‑sugar syrup adds fruit flavor; both are acceptable modern substitutes while keeping the core matcha base.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a strawberry matcha latte at home?
Common errors include overheating the syrup (which can caramelize the sugar), not whisking matcha enough (resulting in clumps), and using too much ice which dilutes the flavor. Follow the critical steps for simmering, whisking, and chilling to ensure a balanced drink.
Why does this strawberry matcha latte recipe simmer the strawberry syrup instead of simply blending raw strawberries?
Simmering extracts the natural pectin and concentrates the fruit flavor while dissolving the sugar evenly, creating a smooth, shelf‑stable syrup. Raw blending can leave gritty texture and less integrated sweetness.
Can I make the strawberry matcha latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the strawberry syrup a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Store the whisked matcha separately in a sealed container and combine with oat milk and ice just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the strawberry matcha latte?
The syrup should be glossy and slightly thick, the matcha foam should be bright green and frothy, and the final drink should display a pink‑green swirl with a light foam on top. Ice should be clear, not cloudy.
How do I know when the strawberry syrup is done cooking?
The syrup is done when the strawberries have broken down, the mixture coats the back of a spoon, and a faint aroma of cooked fruit appears. It should not be bubbling vigorously; a gentle simmer is sufficient.
What does the YouTube channel Emily Wada specialize in?
Emily Wada’s YouTube channel focuses on easy, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that blend Asian flavors with Western techniques, often featuring seasonal ingredients and quick, beginner‑friendly recipes.
How does the YouTube channel Emily Wada’s approach to Japanese‑inspired drinks differ from other cooking channels?
Emily Wada emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, encouraging viewers to use pantry staples and readily available alternatives (like oat milk) while still honoring authentic flavor profiles, unlike some channels that rely on specialty tools or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
What other Japanese‑inspired recipes is the YouTube channel Emily Wada known for?
Emily Wada is known for recipes such as classic matcha latte, sakura (cherry blossom) rice bowls, miso‑glazed salmon, and quick ramen hacks, all presented with clear step‑by‑step visuals.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
