Matcha Strawberry Delight Recipe – Easy Layered Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Matcha Strawberry Delight Recipe – Easy Layered Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the heat. And honestly? This Matcha Strawberry Delight is my current obsession. It’s pretty, it’s delicious, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. I first whipped this up on a particularly warm afternoon, craving something a little different, and it’s been a summer staple ever since! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pretty drink. It’s a flavor explosion! The slight bitterness of the matcha beautifully complements the sweet, juicy strawberries. Plus, the layered look is just so satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick treat, impressing guests, or just a little self-care moment. And the best part? It takes just 10 minutes to put together. Seriously!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful drink:

• 1/3 cup diced fresh strawberries (about 75g)
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar or monkfruit sweetener (4-8ml) – adjust to your sweetness preference!
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder (about 2g)
• 2 ounces hot water (about 60ml)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based) (240ml)
• 1-1.5 cups ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality does matter here!

• Matcha Quality: Don’t skimp on the matcha! Ceremonial grade matcha will give you the best flavor and vibrant color. It’s a little pricier, but trust me, it’s worth it. Culinary grade is okay in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as smooth.
• Strawberry Variety: I love using ripe, sweet strawberries like Chandlers or Seascape. But honestly, any good quality strawberry will work beautifully.
• Sweetener Options: I often use monkfruit sweetener to keep things a little healthier, but regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup all work great.
• Milk Choices: This is where you can really customize! Dairy milk gives it a classic richness, but almond, oat, or soy milk are fantastic vegan options. Oat milk is my personal favorite for its creamy texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. First, let’s whisk together the matcha. In a bowl, combine the matcha powder with the hot water. Whisk vigorously until it’s smooth and there are no clumps. Let it cool slightly – we don’t want to melt all our ice!
2. Next, we’ll macerate the strawberries. In a separate bowl, combine the diced strawberries with your chosen sweetener. Gently mash them with a fork – just enough to release some of their juices. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. This step really intensifies the strawberry flavor.
3. Now for the fun part: layering! Add the strawberry mixture to the bottom of your glass. Fill the glass halfway with ice.
4. Slowly pour the milk over the ice. This creates a nice, creamy base.
5. Here’s the trick to getting that beautiful layered effect: slowly pour the cooled matcha over the back of a spoon. This helps it gently settle on top of the milk without mixing too much.
6. Serve immediately with a reusable straw. Give it a good mix before enjoying!

Expert Tips

• Chilling your glass beforehand will help keep the drink colder for longer.
• Don’t over-whisk the matcha, or it can become bitter.
• If you don’t have a spoon to pour the matcha over, just pour it very slowly and gently.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Already covered! Just use your favorite plant-based milk.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less sweetener to the strawberries, depending on how sweet you like things. My grandma always said, “a little sweetness never hurt anyone!”
• Strawberry-Matcha Ratio: If you’re a huge matcha fan, add a little extra matcha powder. Or, if you prefer more strawberry flavor, use a bit more strawberry puree.
• Iced vs. Blended: For a smoothie-like consistency, blend all the ingredients together with the ice. My little cousin loves it this way!

Serving Suggestions

This Matcha Strawberry Delight is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a light snack like a few biscotti or a small piece of shortbread. It’s also lovely with a brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this drink is best enjoyed immediately. The layers will start to blend over time, and the ice will melt. However, you can prepare the strawberry maceration ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this drink best served immediately? Yes! It’s at its prettiest and most refreshing when freshly made.
• Can I prepare the strawberry maceration ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
• What type of matcha powder is best for this recipe? Ceremonial grade matcha is ideal for the best flavor and color, but culinary grade will work too.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Just thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before macerating.
• How can I adjust the matcha flavor intensity? Simply add more or less matcha powder to suit your taste.

Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Matcha Strawberry Delight! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy sipping!