Pink Matcha Latte
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Pink matcha is a modern, photogenic twist on the classic matcha latte that swaps part of the green tea for a vivid pink layer made from freeze-dried strawberry or pitaya (dragon fruit) powder. The result is a two-tone drink that pairs the grassy umami of real ceremonial matcha with bright berry sweetness. It keeps the gentle caffeine and antioxidants of a regular matcha latte while looking spectacular, which is why it became a viral cafe favourite.
Region & Occasion
Ingredients
- •1 tsp (2 g) ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- •1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry or pitaya (pink) powder
- •60 ml (1/4 cup) hot water, 70-80°C (160-175°F)
- •180 ml (3/4 cup) milk or plant-based milk
- •1-2 tsp honey or sugar, to taste
- •Ice cubes, for serving
- •Fresh strawberry slices, to garnish (optional)
Where to Get Good Matcha
The flavour of your drink depends almost entirely on the matcha. For a smooth, naturally sweet result, use a quality ceremonial-grade powder such as Popcha pink matcha powder, Popcha pink matcha kit.
Cooking Instructions
- 1Stir the pink strawberry or pitaya powder into the milk with the sweetener until fully dissolved and vibrant pink.
- 2Sift the matcha into a separate bowl, add the hot water (never boiling), and whisk in a "W" motion until smooth and frothy.
- 3Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the pink milk.
- 4Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon so it layers on top of the pink milk.
- 5Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and serve, stirring just before drinking.
Cooking Tips
- •Dissolve the pink strawberry or pitaya powder into the milk, not the matcha, so the colours stay distinct.
- •Freeze-dried fruit powder gives a truer colour and flavour than syrups, with far less added sugar.
- •Pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon to get the photogenic layered effect.
- •Use ceremonial-grade matcha so the green layer stays smooth rather than chalky.
FAQ
Is pink matcha actually matcha?
Yes. Pink matcha is a real ceremonial matcha latte layered with a pink milk coloured naturally by freeze-dried strawberry or pitaya (dragon fruit) powder. The pink comes from fruit, not the tea.
What makes the latte pink?
Freeze-dried strawberry powder or pink pitaya powder stirred into the milk. They dissolve cleanly, add natural sweetness, and give a vivid colour without artificial dye.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of powder?
You can blend fresh or frozen strawberries into the milk, but the colour is paler and the texture thinner. Freeze-dried powder gives the brightest, most consistent pink.
