Save to Pinterest Last summer, my friend showed up with a matcha whisk she'd bought in Tokyo, insisting we needed to do something more interesting than iced coffee. We stood in my kitchen arguing about whether strawberries belonged anywhere near green tea, but the moment that first sip hit—sweet, earthy, creamy all at once—we both went quiet. Now whenever someone asks what I'm drinking, they want the recipe more than they want conversation.
I made this for my roommate on a Tuesday morning when she was stressed about work, and she actually sat down instead of running out the door. That's when I realized this drink does something beyond refreshment—it makes people pause. The ritual of watching the colors blend, the steam rising from fresh matcha, the clink of ice. Small moments matter.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled): Buy them when they smell like actual strawberries, not like nothing, and hull them from the top so you waste less fruit.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp): It dissolves into the puree better than granulated sugar and adds a subtle depth that plain sweetness can't touch.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): This cuts through the richness and makes the strawberry flavor snap awake—don't skip it even if it seems small.
- Matcha green tea powder (2 tsp): Spend a few extra dollars on culinary grade matcha; ceremonial grade works too, but the cheaper stuff tastes like grass clippings.
- Hot water (1/4 cup at 80°C): Water that's too hot will make the matcha bitter and ruin the whole thing, so let your kettle cool for a minute after boiling.
- Oat milk, chilled (1 1/2 cups): Barista-style oat milk froths and holds its texture better than regular, which matters here more than you'd think.
- Ice cubes (1 cup): Freeze them the night before so they're solid and won't dilute your drink into sadness by the time you finish it.
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries into sunset:
- Throw your strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice into the blender and let it run until the mixture is completely smooth with no little chunks hiding. If you have time and care about texture, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to catch the tiny seeds.
- Divide the puree between glasses:
- Pour that beautiful pink-red layer into the bottom of two tall glasses, coating the glass so it looks intentional. This is where the drink starts to become Instagram gold.
- Load up the ice:
- Fill each glass about halfway with ice, piling it over that strawberry layer so it stands proud and visible. The ice will anchor everything and keep the layers from immediately mixing.
- Pour the oat milk gently:
- This is where patience pays off—pour the cold oat milk slowly over the ice so it settles into its own layer instead of immediately crashing into the strawberry. You should see three distinct zones: red at the bottom, cream in the middle, with matcha waiting on top.
- Whisk the matcha into life:
- In a small bowl, add your matcha powder and hot water, then whisk it hard with a bamboo whisk (or any whisk) until it's completely smooth and frothy on top. This takes about a minute of actual effort, but the froth is what makes it look alive.
- Pour and layer the finale:
- Slowly pour that vibrant green matcha mixture over the oat milk so it floats on top and creates that gorgeous color gradient. Serve it immediately with a straw and watch people's faces light up.
Save to Pinterest My neighbor asked for this recipe after seeing me make it, and now every weekend she texts me photos of her versions with different fruit experiments. What started as a random summer morning has become this little thread connecting us through small, beautiful moments in our kitchens.
Why the Layers Actually Matter
The layering isn't just decoration—it's actually functional. Each element tastes different depending on which layer you're drinking from: the concentrated strawberry at first, then the mellow creaminess of oat milk, then the earthy matcha finish. It's like tasting three different drinks in one glass, and the order changes every sip depending on how much you've stirred and where your straw is positioned. That's the whole appeal.
Making It Your Own
Once you nail the basic formula, this drink becomes a playground. I've tried it with raspberries when strawberries were expensive, added a tiny splash of vanilla extract for depth, and even experimented with almond milk when someone with a soy allergy came over. The matcha-oat milk base is solid enough that it holds up to tweaks and doesn't fall apart.
Storage and Timing Tips
Make the strawberry puree up to two days ahead and keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar, which means you can throw this drink together in literally three minutes when you actually want it. The matcha is best whisked fresh right before serving because it starts to settle and lose that pretty froth after a few minutes, so don't try to batch this one in advance. All the components will stay fresh and ready if you prep them separately and assemble on demand.
- Freeze extra strawberry puree in ice cube trays if you're feeling ambitious and want quick drinks all summer long.
- Keep your matcha powder in an airtight container away from light, or it'll fade and taste stale within weeks.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for five minutes before assembling if you want the drink to stay cold longer without diluting.
Save to Pinterest This drink sits in that perfect space where it feels special enough to serve guests but easy enough to make for yourself on a random Tuesday. That's the real magic.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the layered look in the latte?
Pour the strawberry puree first, add ice cubes gently, then pour chilled oat milk slowly over. Finally, pour the whisked matcha mixture carefully on top to create layers.
- → Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, agave syrup or your preferred natural sweetener works well to enhance the strawberry puree’s sweetness.
- → What type of oat milk is best for this beverage?
Barista-style oat milk offers a creamier texture and froths nicely, enhancing the latte’s smoothness and taste.
- → Is it necessary to strain the strawberry puree?
Straining is optional but recommended if you prefer a smoother texture without seeds or pulp.
- → How should the matcha be prepared for best flavor?
Whisk matcha powder with hot water until smooth and frothy to bring out its earthy notes and avoid clumps.
