Starbucks, always on the pulse of what taste buds yearn for, has introduced a playful twist on its classic tea offering—the Starbucks Strawberry Matcha Latte. It’s indulgence wrapped in simplicity, a perfect blend of earthy matcha green tea, sweet strawberry, and the smooth richness of oat milk. For those who have had the pleasure of sipping this delightful concoction, the experience is nothing short of a symphony of flavors.
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How to make Starbucks Strawberry Matcha
Starbucks Iced Strawberry Matcha Tea Latte is a refreshing beverage that combines the earthy flavors of matcha green tea with the sweet and fruity taste of strawberry cream cold foam. This drink features unsweetened matcha powder sourced from Asia, ensuring a high-quality experience.
Ingredients:
- Matcha Powder: 1-2 teaspoons, depending on how strong you prefer your matcha flavor.
- Strawberry Syrup or Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred store-bought variety, or you could opt for a homemade version for a more natural taste.
- Oat Milk: 1 cup (240ml) is generally a good measure for one serving. Feel free to adjust this based on your desired consistency.
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: A handful, chopped for garnish and added flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Enough to fill your serving glass.
Optional Ingredients:
- Vanilla Syrup: A dash if you want an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: For topping if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Matcha: Sift your matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps. Then, add a little warm water (not boiling) and whisk until you achieve a smooth paste. Gradually add more water (around 1/4 cup) while whisking vigorously to create a well-dissolved matcha tea.
- Blend in the Strawberry: Once your matcha is ready, stir in the strawberry syrup or sauce until well combined.
- Layer Your Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to about two-thirds full. Pour the strawberry-matcha mixture over the ice.
- Finish with Oat Milk: Slowly add the oat milk to your glass. The milk will swirl and mix with your strawberry-matcha blend, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Top your drink with chopped fresh or frozen strawberries for an extra burst of fruitiness.
- Sweeten to Taste (Optional): If you’ve chosen the vanilla syrup, add it to the oat milk and stir gently.
- Whip It Up (Optional): For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Tips:
- Quality Matcha: For the best flavor, use high-quality matcha powder. The brighter green it is, the fresher and more flavorful it will generally be.
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness level at Starbucks might be higher than what you’re used to at home, so start with less syrup and add to taste.
- Cold Oat Milk: Use cold oat milk straight from the fridge to keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup: To make your syrup, simmer equal parts chopped strawberries, sugar, and water until the berries break down and the liquid becomes syrupy. Strain out the solids for a smoother syrup.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Options: The beauty of using oat milk is that it keeps your drink dairy-free and vegan-friendly — just make sure any additional ingredients like whipped cream also fit these criteria if it’s a concern.
What to serve with
Pairing your homemade Starbucks Strawberry Matcha with the right accompaniment can transform your treat into a full-fledged indulgence or a satisfying snack break.
Light Snacks:
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruits can complement the strawberry and matcha flavors. Consider including kiwi, mango, and blueberries for a colorful and refreshing choice.
- Almond Biscotti: Dunking a crispy almond biscotti into your Starbucks Strawberry Matcha can add a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with both strawberry and matcha.
- Vanilla or Lemon Madeleines: These delicate sponge cakes are light in flavor and would not overpower the matcha and strawberry notes. Their soft, buttery texture is a perfect counterpoint to the iced drink.
Sweet Treats:
- Matcha Cookies: If you’re all in for matcha, a matcha-flavored cookie will double down on the tea flavor while adding a sweet and chewy treat to your palate.
- Strawberry Shortcake: For a dessert that echoes the drink’s primary fruit flavor, a piece of strawberry shortcake can create a harmonious match with your Starbucks Strawberry Matcha Latte.
- Dark Chocolate: A few pieces of dark chocolate can be a surprisingly good match for both the fruity and bitter notes of the drink. Plus, dark chocolate’s antioxidants pair well with matcha’s health benefits.
Savory Options:
- Avocado Toast: For a more savory pairing, the creaminess of avocado on toasted multigrain bread can balance the sweetness and slight bitterness of the matcha.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: A light salad featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, perhaps drizzled with balsamic, can be a refreshing side that won’t overshadow the drink’s flavors.
- Sushi Rolls: A selection of vegetarian or lighter sushi rolls (like avocado cucumber or tofu rolls) can be a graceful side to the Strawberry Matcha, playing up the Japanese origin of matcha.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the Starbucks Strawberry Matcha can be a delightful project, especially if you’re aiming to tailor it to specific dietary needs, preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Matcha Powder
Primary Ingredient: High-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder is ideal for that vibrant color and delicate flavor.
Substitutes: If the ceremonial grade is too expensive or hard to find, culinary-grade matcha can work, though the flavor might be slightly more bitter. For a non-caffeinated version, moringa powder is an excellent green alternative, though the taste will differ.
Strawberry Puree/Syrup
Primary Ingredient: Fresh strawberry puree or high-quality strawberry syrup provides a distinct fruity sweetness.
Substitutes: Frozen strawberries blended into a puree can substitute fresh strawberries, offering a similar taste and consistency. Raspberry or mixed berry puree can also work if strawberries are not available, changing the flavor profile slightly but deliciously.
Milk
Primary Ingredient: The choice of milk can significantly affect the creaminess and overall flavor. Starbucks might use whole milk for a richer taste.
Substitutes: For a dairy-free or vegan version, almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are excellent alternatives. Each will add its unique flavor to the drink, with oat milk being particularly creamy and subtly sweet, which complements the matcha well.
Sweetener
Primary Ingredient: Starbucks likely uses simple syrup or a form of liquid sugar to sweeten this drink.
Substitutes: For a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can work well, though they will impart their distinct flavors. For a sugar-free option, stevia or erythritol are good substitutes, but start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as these can be much sweeter than regular sugar.
Ice
Primary Ingredient: Ice is essential for the iced drink experience.
Substitutes: If you prefer a less diluted drink as the ice melts, freeze some of the milk into ice cubes beforehand and use these milk ice cubes instead. It keeps your drink colder longer without watering it down.
Final Thoughts
With these instructions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a Starbucks Strawberry Matcha in the comfort of your own home. Adjust as necessary to find your perfect balance of earthy matcha, sweet strawberry, and creamy oat milk.
More Starbucks Recipes:
- Copycat Starbucks Lavender Powder Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Matcha Powder Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Lavender Creamer Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Cherry Powder Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Lavender Cold Foam Recipe
Ingredients
- Matcha Powder: 1-2 teaspoons
- Strawberry Syrup or Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons
- Oat Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Matcha: Sift your matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps. Then, add a little warm water (not boiling) and whisk until you achieve a smooth paste. Gradually add more water (around 1/4 cup) while whisking vigorously to create a well-dissolved matcha tea.
- Blend in the Strawberry: Once your matcha is ready, stir in the strawberry syrup or sauce until well combined.
- Layer Your Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to about two-thirds full. Pour the strawberry-matcha mixture over the ice.
- Finish with Oat Milk: Slowly add the oat milk to your glass. The milk will swirl and mix with your strawberry-matcha blend, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Top your drink with chopped fresh or frozen strawberries for an extra burst of fruitiness.
- Sweeten to Taste (Optional): If you've chosen the vanilla syrup, add it to the oat milk and stir gently.
- Whip It Up (Optional): For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
