How to make Strawberry Matcha Latte Starbucks

Have you ever stood in line at Starbucks, wondering if you could make their most colorful drinks at home? What if you could craft the exact same strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe yourself with better ingredients and for a fraction of the price?

This guide will show you how to prepare your own version of the popular strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe using real strawberries, high-quality matcha, and easy techniques you can do right in your kitchen.

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

The strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe is more than just a drink. This drink offers a beautifully balanced combination of earthy matcha, sweet strawberries, and smooth cream. What makes it stand out is the striking visual layering: deep red at the base, a soft pink center, and a vibrant green top. It’s visually stunning and incredibly refreshing.

You don’t need professional tools to recreate the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe. With only a few basic kitchen tools and fresh ingredients, anyone can make it. The whole process takes about 20 minutes and is simple enough for beginners.

Table of Contents

What is Strawberry Matcha Latte Starbucks Recipe?

The strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe is a cold, layered drink that combines strawberry compote, strawberry-infused milk, and whipped matcha green tea. The result is a cool and uplifting drink that blends sweet berry notes with the bold, earthy flavor of matcha. While Starbucks uses flavored syrups and pre-made bases, this homemade version uses natural, whole ingredients. It’s healthier, customizable, and even more delicious.

By recreating the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe at home, you also get to control the sweetness, choose your type of milk, and even add your favorite toppings.

Strawberry Matcha Latte Starbucks @JapanDishes

Essential Ingredients

To make a perfect strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe, you’ll need three parts: the strawberry compote, the strawberry cream, and the matcha layer. Each plays a unique role in flavor and texture.

For the Strawberry Compote

• 1 ⅔ cups chopped strawberries (200 grams)
  Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but thawed frozen ones are a good backup if fresh aren’t available. They form the fruity base of the drink.
• 2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar (35 grams)
  This helps draw out the natural juices and adds a light caramel-like sweetness.

For the Strawberry Cream

• 2 cups cold milk (500 grams)
  Whole milk adds a rich, creamy texture, but you can easily swap in oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• ½ cup cold heavy cream (120 grams)
  Gives the drink its signature smoothness and makes it frothy when blended.
• 2–3 tablespoons strawberry compote
  Blending this into the cream turns it a light pink and boosts the strawberry flavor.

For the Matcha Layer

• 2 teaspoons ceremonial-grade matcha powder
  High-quality matcha ensures a smooth, non-bitter taste and a bright green color.
• ½ cup hot filtered water (120 grams)
  Helps dissolve the matcha powder fully.
• 2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup
  Balances the earthiness of matcha with a hint of natural sweetness.

Ingredient Tip: Always sift your matcha before mixing. This prevents clumps and ensures a smoother drink.

Strawberry Matcha Latte Starbucks Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare your own homemade strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe from start to finish.

1. Make the Strawberry Compote

• Rinse and hull the strawberries, removing the stems.
• Chop them into small pieces and place in a bowl.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar over the strawberries.

• Gently mix without mashing the fruit.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

This resting time allows the strawberries to release their juices, creating a syrupy, delicious compote.

2. Blend the Strawberry Cream

• Pour the cold milk and heavy cream into a blender.
• Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the strawberry compote or a few fresh strawberries.

• Blend until the mixture becomes foamy and light pink in color.

This strawberry milk mixture will form the middle layer of your strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe and give it its rich, creamy texture.

3. Whisk the Matcha

• Sift 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl.
• Add the hot filtered water slowly.
• Use a whisk or bamboo chasen to blend the mixture in fast, zigzag motions.

• Continue whisking until a layer of foam forms on top.
• Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup and whisk again.

This is your matcha latte layer—the vibrant green top of the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe.

Secrets to Success

To master the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe, preparation and order matter.

• Always chill your components before assembling.
• Make sure your matcha is well whisked and frothy.
• Pour each layer slowly and gently to keep them separate.
• Use a tall clear glass to show off the layers.

Layering is all about density. The compote stays at the bottom, the milk in the middle, and the light matcha foam on top.

Expert Tips

• Use high-quality matcha. Ceremonial grade is worth the investment for flavor and color.
• Use a frother or blender for the creamiest milk layer.
• Pour matcha last and slowly over a spoon to create defined layers.
• Add toppings like dried strawberry slices or matcha powder for a barista-style finish.
• Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling for better presentation.

Assembly Instructions

• Assembling your strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe is the most fun and satisfying part.
• Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberry compote into the bottom of a tall glass.

• Add ice cubes if you want it chilled.

• Gently add the strawberry cream over the ice until the glass is around three-quarters full.

• Carefully drizzle the matcha on top, using the back of a spoon to help keep the layers separate from the milk.

• Add your favorite toppings if desired, and enjoy it with a wide straw for the full layered effect.

Enjoy your strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe immediately for the best taste and texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare some parts of the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe in advance:

• Strawberry compote can be made 3 to 4 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Matcha can be whisked ahead of time but should be re-whisked briefly before use.
• Milk mixture should be blended fresh for best results, but the ingredients can be pre-measured and kept chilled.

Assembled drinks should be enjoyed immediately, as the foam and layers won’t hold their shape long once mixed.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Here are fun ways to make the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe your own:

• Strawberry Vanilla Matcha: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the milk layer.
• Berry Matcha Latte: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
• Tropical Matcha: Use mango puree instead of strawberry for a summer twist.
• Hot Strawberry Matcha: Use warm milk and skip the ice for a cozy version.
• Coconut Matcha Latte: Use coconut milk and coconut cream for a tropical, dairy-free drink.

Each version keeps the charm of the original strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe while letting you add your personal flavor.
For another delicious twist, check out this Japanese Strawberry Matcha Boba Recipe for a chewy and authentic boba-style version you can try next!

Conclusion

Bringing the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe into your home is easier than it looks. With fresh ingredients and a few kitchen tricks, you can enjoy this stunning drink anytime—without the price tag or the wait.

Whether you enjoy it as a summer refresher or a creative weekend project, the strawberry matcha latte Starbucks recipe gives you the chance to play with flavors, textures, and presentation. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite homemade treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw them before making the compote to get the same texture and flavor.

Q: Is matcha healthy?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, known for boosting focus and energy. It’s also lower in caffeine than coffee, making it a popular choice for health-conscious drinkers.

Q: How do I get the layers to stay separated?
Use chilled ingredients, pour slowly, and build the drink from heaviest to lightest (compote, milk, matcha). Pouring matcha over a spoon helps control the flow.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Choose agave or maple syrup instead of honey.

Q: Can I prep the whole drink ahead?
It’s best to keep the layers separate until just before serving. The assembled drink should be enjoyed fresh for best flavor and appearance.

If you’re interested in Japanese culture and scenic travel, explore the beauty of rice fields in Japan and see how nature connects with traditional Japanese ingredients like matcha.