What is a Strawberry Decaf Matcha Latte?
Imagine a beautifully layered drink: a vibrant red at the bottom that smoothly transitions to creamy white, all crowned with a serene green top. This is the Strawberry Decaf Matcha Latte—a visual delight that perfectly marries the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries with the rich, earthy notes of matcha.
Best of all, it’s made with decaffeinated matcha, meaning you can enjoy this wonderful beverage any time of day without the jitters or sleepless nights that can come from caffeine. It’s a peaceful, calming indulgence in a glass, giving you a stunning, café-quality experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients (Yields 1 serving)
For the Strawberry Puree:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1-2 teaspoons sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup, agave, or honey)
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Matcha Topping:
- 1-2 teaspoons high-quality decaf matcha powder
- 3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, ~175°F / 80°C)
For the Latte:
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, etc.)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Puree: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sweetener, and water. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries with a fork as they soften. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens into a puree. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Matcha: Sift 1-2 teaspoons of decaf matcha powder into a small bowl to remove any clumps. Add the 3 tablespoons of hot water.
- Whisk the Matcha: Using a bamboo whisk (chasan) or a small electric frother, whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is completely dissolved and a fine foam forms on top.
- Assemble the Latte: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry puree into the bottom of a tall, clear glass.
- Add Ice and Milk: Fill the glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the milk over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Add the Matcha Layer: Gently and slowly pour the prepared matcha over the milk. It should float on top, creating the final green layer.
- Serve: Admire the beautiful layers, then stir to combine the flavors before drinking. Enjoy immediately.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Latte
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe! Because it uses decaf matcha, it’s a perfect choice for anyone sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing evening treat without it affecting your sleep. It’s also incredibly delicious, as the natural sweetness of strawberries cuts through the deep, earthy flavor of matcha for a harmonious and refreshing taste. Not to mention, the stunning layers of red, white, and green make this drink worthy of a special occasion or your social media feed. Best of all, making it at home gives you complete control to customize the sweetness and your choice of milk.
Tips for the Perfect Layered Latte
A few simple tips can elevate your homemade latte from good to amazing. Always start with a high-quality decaf matcha for a vibrant green color and a smooth, mellow flavor. Since the sweetness of strawberries can vary, taste your puree first and adjust the sweetener as needed. For an extra creamy and luxurious feel, try frothing your milk with an electric frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar. Finally, pour the milk and matcha slowly and carefully to create those beautiful, clean layers.
Enjoy It Hot or Iced!
This versatile recipe is delicious both hot and cold! For the classic iced version, simply follow the main instructions. To make a comforting hot latte, gently warm the strawberry puree in a saucepan and your milk in another. Pour the warm puree into a mug, followed by the steamed milk, and top it with your freshly whisked matcha. The layers might blend more in a hot drink, but the combined flavor is wonderfully cozy. Feel free to add a dash of vanilla or top it with whipped cream for an extra-special treat!
How to Choose the Best Decaf Matcha
The quality of your matcha powder has a huge impact on your latte’s final taste. Look for a powder with a bright, vivid green color, as a dull, yellowish hue can indicate lower quality. We also recommend brands that use a natural water or CO2 decaffeination process, which tend to preserve more of the matcha’s authentic, smooth flavor. While high-quality decaf matcha might cost a bit more, the superior taste is well worth it for a truly exceptional latte.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use regular matcha?
Absolutely! If you’re not concerned about caffeine, you can substitute regular matcha powder and follow the exact same steps.
How long can I store the strawberry puree?
You can make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What if my matcha powder is clumpy?
The best solution is to always sift your matcha powder through a fine-mesh sieve before adding water. This single step makes a huge difference in creating a smooth drink!
