Description
So last summer during that ridiculous heatwave, I was craving something cold that WASN’T just another boring iced coffee. I had some strawberries that were about to go bad, a tin of matcha I’d splurged on, and boom – this gorgeous pink and green layered drink was born. It’s basically summer in a glass – earthy matcha, sweet strawberries, and cold milk that’ll make you forget how disgustingly hot it is outside. The best part? It looks like something you’d pay $8 for at one of those trendy cafes, but you can make it in your kitchen while wearing your ugly pajama pants.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (frozen work too, but fresh have that amazing aroma)
- 3–4 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet your berries are)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Splash of lemon juice (trust me on this – it makes the flavor pop)
- Tiny pinch of salt (the secret to making fruit taste more like fruit)
For the Matcha Layer:
- 1–2 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder (the good stuff, if possible – it’s worth it)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling – around 175°F if you’re fancy enough to check)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional if you want it sweeter)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, not the fake vanilla that tastes like air freshener)
For Assembly:
- 1 cup milk of choice (I like oat milk, but whatever makes you happy)
- Handful of ice cubes
- Optional fancy garnishes: fresh strawberry slice, mint leaf, or a light dusting of matcha powder