Iced Matcha Latte Recipe | Strawberry Matcha Latte
Ditch the Whisk, Perfect the Sweetness: Your Guide to Iced Matcha Bliss
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For those venturing into the world of matcha, it can seem a little…intimidating. Purists will insist a traditional matcha whisk, or chasen, is non-negotiable for achieving that authentic, smooth texture. And while they’re not wrong, don’t let that stop you from experimenting! I started my matcha journey with a simple fork in a cup, and it absolutely did the trick in a pinch.
The real challenge, I discovered, wasn’t the matcha itself, but finding the right sweetness.Store-bought syrups can often fall flat, leaving an artificial aftertaste. The quest for the perfect flavor balance is a common one for matcha lovers, and it’s a journey worth taking.
the Search for the Perfect Sweetener
I spent time trying different raspberry and strawberry syrups, determined to find a flavour that felt fresh and natural. A dollop in the bottom of a glass, a generous handful of ice, your matcha mix, and topped with your milk of choice (almond is my go-to – the nutty notes complement the matcha beautifully) and you’re well on your way.But the search didn’t stop there. I kept an eye out for a homemade syrup recipe that coudl truly elevate the experience. And last week, one landed right in my inbox.
Solaris Tea’s Iced Matcha Latte: A Recipe for Success
Galway-based Solaris Tea shared their recipe for an iced matcha, and it’s a game-changer. Their strawberry puree is incredibly simple to make, offering just the right amount of sweetness without any artificial flavours. It’s a vibrant, appetizing addition to your matcha routine.
Here’s how to recreate the magic:
Solaris’ Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
This recipe from Solaris Tea delivers a perfectly balanced and refreshing iced matcha latte. The homemade strawberry puree is the star, providing natural sweetness and a burst of flavour.
Ingredients:
5 fresh Irish strawberries,hulled and finely chopped (about ½ cup)
1 teaspoon agave syrup,honey,or maple syrup (optional – adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 teaspoon Solaris Org culinary matcha powder
100ml cold water
Ice
½ to 1 cup plant milk alternative (coconut,almond,or oat work beautifully)
Maple syrup or honey,to taste (optional)
Method:
- Make the Strawberry Puree: Place the chopped strawberries and optional sweetener in a small bowl. Use a fork to lightly mash the strawberries, mixing well. Set aside – this simple step makes all the difference!
- Whisk the Matcha: Place the matcha powder into a small bowl. Add the cold water and,ideally,use a matcha whisk to whisk briskly from side to side until the matcha is fully dispersed and a lovely foamy layer forms on top. (Don’t worry if you don’t have a whisk – a fork will still work, though the foam won’t be quite as pronounced).
- Assemble the Latte: Place the strawberry puree at the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in Milk: Pour in your chosen plant milk to fill the glass about two-thirds of the way full.
- Top with Matcha: Gently pour the whisked matcha mixture over the milk.
- Sweeten & Serve: Sweeten to your liking with additional maple syrup or honey, if desired. Serve with a reusable or biodegradable straw and enjoy!
So, whether you’re a matcha minimalist with a fork or a dedicated enthusiast with a chasen*, remember that the key to a truly satisfying iced matcha latte lies in finding the perfect balance of flavour. And sometimes, the simplest solutions - like a homemade strawberry puree - are the most rewarding.