Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Favorites
I love how refreshing this Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink is, especially on warm days. The vibrant green of the matcha pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s not just a drink, but a creative way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha while indulging in the fruity taste of strawberries. This drink is perfect for brunches or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, and it comes together in minutes! Trust me, this vibrant blend will become your new go-to beverage.
My journey to find the perfect cold drink led me to create this refreshing Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink. I experimented with different ratios of strawberries and matcha until I found the ideal balance that highlights the natural sweetness of strawberries while still offering that earthy note from the matcha. The first time I took a sip, I knew I had struck gold!
One of the keys to this drink is using fresh strawberries; they add a bright flavor that pairs harmoniously with the matcha. I also like to blend the matcha with a bit of cold water before mixing it with the strawberries to ensure a smooth consistency without any lumps. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference!
Why You'll Love This Drink
- Refreshing blend of fruity strawberries and earthy matcha
- Perfectly balanced sweetness makes it a delightful treat
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any time of day
Understanding Matcha
Matcha is enriched with antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a refreshing beverage like this Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink. The quality of matcha powder can significantly affect the flavor; look for vibrant green powders that indicate freshness and high quality. If you’re new to matcha, start with smaller amounts until you adjust to the distinct, slightly bitter earthy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries.
When preparing matcha, using a whisk (or a matcha whisk known as a chasen) is key for achieving a smooth texture. Mix the powder with cold water in a small bowl until you achieve a frothy consistency. This process ensures that there are no clumps in your drink and the matcha flavor is evenly distributed.
Strawberry Selection Tips
For the best flavor, use ripe strawberries that are bright red with no white spots. These will provide the sweetest and juiciest puree. If strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before blending to maintain the right consistency in your drink.
If you're looking to customize the flavor, feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a few fresh mint leaves to the strawberry puree. This brings a refreshing twist and enhances the fruitiness, making your drink even more vibrant.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your refreshing Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink:
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Now that you have everything, let’s get started!
Instructions
Follow these quick and easy steps to prepare your Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink:
Prepare the Strawberries
In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries and blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Mix the Matcha
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with cold water until fully dissolved and smooth.
Combine and Serve
In a glass, layer the strawberry puree and matcha mixture over ice cubes. Stir gently to combine and enjoy!
Enjoy your refreshing drink on a sunny day!
Pro Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding a splash of coconut milk for creaminess or a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. This drink is also delicious when made with frozen strawberries for an even chillier treat.
Serving Suggestions
This Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink can be enjoyed as a refreshing breakfast option or a revitalizing afternoon treat. To enhance the presentation, consider serving it in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers of strawberry and matcha. Garnishing with a slice of fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint can also elevate the visual appeal.
If you want to make it a more filling option, serve it alongside a light snack such as granola bars or yogurt. It pairs wonderfully with items that complement its fruity and earthy flavor profile.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the strawberry puree and matcha mixture ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply layer them over ice as instructed. This makes it perfect for prepping before busy mornings or serving at gatherings.
If you have any leftovers, try blending them into smoothies or using them as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes, reducing food waste and keeping that delicious strawberry-matcha flavor in your meals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use powdered strawberries instead of fresh?
While powdered strawberries can be used, fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for this drink.
→ How can I make this drink vegan?
Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan.
→ Can I prep this drink in advance?
It's best to prepare it fresh, but you can make the strawberry puree ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
→ What if I don't have matcha powder?
You could substitute with green tea if matcha is unavailable, but the taste and color will differ.
Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink
I love how refreshing this Cold Strawberry Matcha Drink is, especially on warm days. The vibrant green of the matcha pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s not just a drink, but a creative way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha while indulging in the fruity taste of strawberries. This drink is perfect for brunches or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, and it comes together in minutes! Trust me, this vibrant blend will become your new go-to beverage.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries and blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup, if desired.
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with cold water until fully dissolved and smooth.
In a glass, layer the strawberry puree and matcha mixture over ice cubes. Stir gently to combine and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding a splash of coconut milk for creaminess or a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. This drink is also delicious when made with frozen strawberries for an even chillier treat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g