Strawberry Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

Iced strawberry matcha latte made with real strawberries. This Starbucks inspired drink is refreshing, sweet and perfect for summer. Easy to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

There’s no better time to enjoy strawberries than in summer. With fresh seasonal fruit in abundance, there are so many amazing drinks you can enjoy. This strawberry matcha latte steals the spotlight because it’s refreshing, incredibly delicious and fragrant.

Matcha has a unique grassy flavour, which works so well with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This drink has the best of both worlds, with extra creaminess and bonus chunks of fresh fruit.

This strawberry matcha latte has three delicious layers:

1. Foamy matcha latte made from matcha powder and hot water
2. Strawberry milk with cream
3. Strawberry compote made with fresh strawberries

It’s no secret by now that I am absolutely obsessed with all things strawberries. In summer I love taking full advantage of fresh berries and make Korean-style Fresh Strawberry Milk and Strawberry Milk Tea.

Looking for more amazing summery recipes? Check out my Strawberry Recipes Collection and these amazing ice cream recipes:

• Matcha Ice Cream
• Pandan Ice Cream
• Ube Ice Cream

What is it?

Strawberry Matcha Latte is a sweet, milky drink made with fresh strawberries, matcha powder and milk. It typically has two separate layers: one with strawberries and milk, and another with matcha latte.

This milky drink is usually found in cafes (including Starbucks) from late spring until late summer. It’s served with ice cubes for an extra refreshing taste.

Unlike commercial versions, this recipe is entirely natural and infinitely more delicious. Cafes often use strawberry syrup, which tends to have an artificial cough-syrup taste. This recipe uses fresh strawberries for maximum flavour. Strawberry chunks are then added for extra texture and sweetness.

Why this is the best latte

• Fresh and natural: This Starbucks copycat uses only natural ingredients to ensure ultimate freshness and a delicate flavour. No artificial flavour enhancers are used.
• Perfect flavour: The grassiness of matcha pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of strawberries, making this drink absolutely delicious.
• Not overly sweet: Most of the sweetness comes from the fresh strawberries and little sugar is added. Matcha is sweetened with honey for a more delicate flavour. Overall, this recipe contains much less sugar that commercial versions.  
• Better than commercial drinks: This latte is much more fragrant, delicious, and natural than store-bought drinks. Whether it’s Starbucks or Boba Guys, this recipe is much better in my opinion.
• Easy to make: This strawberry matcha latte is simple to make in the comfort of your home, with no special technique required.
• No cooking is required: Not only is this latte easy to make, but it also requires no cooking. Everything is fresh takes only minutes to prepare!

Dietary Notes

This recipe is not vegan because it uses fresh milk and honey. For a dairy-free version, I recommend using unsweetened plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk. You can also replace honey with agave syrup or sugar.

All ingredients used in this latte are gluten-free, as they do not contain wheat.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, so always consult your doctor if in doubt.

Ingredient round-up

• Matcha powder – As one of the main flavour notes in this recipe, matcha is very important. Always use ceremonial grade Japanese matcha powder for all matcha drinks. Make sure the label clearly mentions ‘ceremonial grade’ or ‘highest grade’. I do not recommend using culinary matcha for this recipe because it has an inferior taste.
• Water – I recommend using filtered water if possible.
• Honey – Used to sweeten the foamy matcha layer. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup, sugar syrup, corn syrup or sugar. If using granulated sugar, ensure the sugar gets fully dissolved.
• Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe as the yield the best flavour. You can also use frozen strawberries, but they need to be thawed and excess liquid drained.
• Sugar – Needed to make the strawberry compote. I recommend using light brown sugar, as it pairs wonderfully with strawberries and gives a subtle caramel flavour.
• Milk – Any type of fresh milk can be used, although I recommend full-fat milk for a creamier drink. You can also use plant-based milk if desired, such as oat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
• Heavy cream – For extra creaminess, I recommend mixing heavy cream into the milk. This makes the latte velvety smooth and delicious.

How to make from scratch

Each component needs to be prepared individually before assembling the strawberry matcha latte. There are three components: strawberry compote, matcha latte and strawberry cream.

Easy Strawberry Compote

1. Wash, hull and dice the strawberries into small chunks. Sprinkle sugar on top and mix without crushing the strawberries.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and rest in the fridge until the fruit softens and releases a syrupy liquid.

Strawberry Cream

1. Place milk, cream, and some strawberry compote into a blender.
2. Blend until foamy and creamy.

Matcha Latte

1. Sift matcha powder into a bowl, then pour hot water over.
2. Use a bamboo matcha whisk or electric frother to combine until frothy. Add honey to sweeten and mix to combine.

Assembling the drink  

1. Add strawberry compote into a glass.
2. If desired, add ice cubes for an iced drink.
3. Pour strawberry cream on top.
4. Top with matcha latte foam and enjoy immediately.

Success Tips & Tricks

• Fresh strawberries – Although frozen strawberries can also be used, they cannot rival the flavour and texture of fresh strawberries. Get ripe and juice strawberries for the best flavour.
• Chill the strawberry compote – Make sure you refrigerate the strawberries and sugar mixture for at least 1 hour before using it. This makes the strawberry chunks soften and the liquid released turns into syrup.
• Highest grade matcha powder – Good quality matcha is very important for this latte. Choose a ceremonial grade Japanese matcha powder for the most authentic and vibrant flavour.  
• Hot water – Ensure the water is hot when pouring it into matcha. This helps the powder dissolve and froth up nicely.
• Whisk, whisk, whisk – Don’t skip the frothing of matcha, as this process makes it extra airy and delicious. Use a traditional bamboo matcha whisk or an electric frother to beat lots of air into it.
• Add ice cubes – Make this drink even more refreshing by adding a generous serving of ice cubes. For a less diluted version, I recommend freezing milk in an ice cube mould.
• Don’t skip the cream – Both Starbucks and Boba Guys strawberry matcha lattes contain cream. Heavy cream is essential to make a velvety smooth drink, so don’t skip it in this Starbucks copycat.
• Serve with a bubble tea straw – Although this recipe does not contain boba pearls, it does have strawberry chunks. I recommend using bubble tea straws to fully enjoy this delicious drink with strawberry pieces.
• Mix the drink before consuming – Although the separate layers look gorgeous, I recommend mixing the drink well before consuming. This helps merge all the wonderful flavours and ensures the sweetness is even throughout the drink.

Looking for a vegan alternative? This Starbucks Matcha Latte Copycat might be exactly what you need.

How to store

This drink is best enjoyed fresh or within 2 hours of preparing. Once assembled, store in the fridge until ready to serve. Since this drink is so quick and easy to prepare, it’s best you right before consuming it.

I don’t recommend storing the strawberry compote longer than a few hours. Leaving the strawberries and sugar together for too long can make the fruit too mushy. Keep refrigerated for a maximum of 3-4 hours before consuming.

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