Honey Strawberry Matcha Latte

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Base:

• 4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)

For the Matcha:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder (culinary or ceremonial grade)
• 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, about 175°F)

For the Matcha Whipped Cream:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)

For Assembly:

• Ice cubes
• ¾ cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or your favorite)

For Garnish:

• 1 fresh strawberry, sliced
• Pinch of matcha powder for dusting

Instructions

1. Muddle the Strawberries
Place the sliced strawberries in the bottom of your serving glass (or in a small bowl if your glass is too narrow). Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush and mash the strawberries with the honey until they're broken down and juicy. You want to release all the strawberry juices and create a sweet, syrupy base. Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter.

2. Make the Matcha Tea
In a small bowl, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder. Pour in 2 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F works best). Whisk vigorously in a zig-zag or circular motion with a bamboo whisk or regular whisk until the matcha is completely dissolved and slightly frothy with no lumps. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Matcha Whipped Cream
In a medium bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon matcha powder, and powdered sugar if using. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat on medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. The whipped cream should be fluffy and hold its shape but still be soft enough to dollop. Don't overbeat or it will become grainy. Set aside in the refrigerator.

4. Layer the Strawberries and Ice
If you muddled the strawberries in a separate bowl, transfer them and all their juices to your serving glass. Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes.

5. Add the Milk
Pour ¾ cup of your milk of choice over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. The milk will mix slightly with the strawberry mixture at the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient.

6. Add the Matcha
Slowly pour the prepared matcha tea over the milk. Pour it gently over the back of a spoon or directly in a thin stream so it creates a distinct green layer on top of the milk.

7. Top with Matcha Whipped Cream
Generously dollop or pipe the matcha whipped cream on top of the drink, creating a fluffy cloud. The layers should be visible: pink strawberry at the bottom, white milk in the middle, green matcha, and green whipped cream on top.

8. Garnish and Serve
Place a sliced strawberry on the rim or on top of the whipped cream. Dust the top with a pinch of matcha powder for that professional finish. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon so you can stir everything together and get all those flavors in every sip!