Strawberry Latte

This Iced Strawberry Latte is a refreshing café-style treat that balances homemade strawberry syrup, creamy milk, and bold vanilla espresso. It’s indulgent yet refreshing with a naturally blushing pink hue thanks to beetroot powder and no artificial dyes. Served over ice with a swirl of cold foam, this latte is perfect for a sweet morning pick-me-up or an afternoon coffee break.

Strawberries and coffee may not seem like the most obvious pairing, but trust me, this strawberry coffee is a game changer. It’s as if your favorite strawberries-and-cream dessert met a vanilla latte and decided to become the ultimate indulgence. It reminds me of the way strawberry cream soda balances fruity sweetness with creamy richness — only this time, there’s a bold kick of coffee to tie it all together. Sure, you could grab a syrupy, artificial version from a chain café, but where’s the fun in that?

This latte is all about balance. Fresh, homemade strawberry simple syrup provides the foundation, while whole milk adds creaminess. A shot of vanilla espresso delivers the perfect amount of boldness. A pinch of beetroot powder enhances that beautiful, naturally blushing pink hue; no artificial dyes are required.

Want to make it even more irresistible? Serve it in a clear glass to showcase those dreamy layers, top it with a swirl of cold foam, and garnish it with a fresh strawberry. Whether you’re treating yourself on a leisurely morning or seeking a coffee shop-worthy drink at home, this iced strawberry latte is the perfect sip.

If you love this strawberry milk latte, there are plenty of other fun latte options to explore! For a whipped and airy coffee experience, try a Dalgona Latte, or if you enjoy fruity flavors, a Blueberry Matcha Latte is a unique twist with earthy matcha notes. If you’re a matcha lover but still want a coffee kick, a Dirty Matcha Latte blends both worlds beautifully. For those who prefer dairy-free options, an Iced Almond Milk Latte or Iced Oat Milk Latte offer creamy, plant-based alternatives that are just as delicious. No matter your preference, there’s a latte for every mood!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than a Coffee Shop Latte: Skip artificial syrups and unnecessary additives! This homemade version uses real strawberries for a fresher, more natural taste. You control the sweetness and ingredients, making it a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought strawberry lattes.
• Naturally Pink & Beautiful: Homemade strawberry syrup and a touch of beetroot powder give this latte its stunning pink hue without artificial food coloring. The result is a vibrant, eye-catching drink that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this latte is as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: This latte isn’t just about looks, it delivers on flavor, too! The sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of milk, and the bold, smooth taste of espresso create a well-balanced and satisfying drink. Unlike overly sugary coffee drinks, this one has a natural fruity brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich vanilla coffee notes.
• Café-Style at Home: Why spend $6 on a coffee shop latte when you can easily make it yourself? You can recreate a barista-quality drink in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, you can customize the coffee strength, sweetness, and milk choice to match your personal taste.
• Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can tailor it to your liking by making it dairy-free, adjusting the sweetness, or experimenting with different coffee roasts. Add a drizzle of chocolate, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a touch of vanilla extract to make it even more indulgent.

Ingredients

• Strawberry Syrup: It adds natural sweetness and a fruity flavor. Using real strawberries enhances the taste and color without any artificial additives. And the best part? You can prepare it according to your personal preferences.
• Whole Milk: Provides a creamy texture and balances the tartness of the strawberries. It can be substituted with oat, almond, or coconut milk.
• Vanilla Espresso: A shot of espresso with vanilla undertones adds depth and warmth, complementing the latte’s fruity and creamy elements. Please note that the espresso you choose will affect the overall latte flavor. My favorite is Nespresso vertuo volteso flavor.
• Beetroot Powder (Optional): When used in small amounts, it naturally enhances the pink hue without altering the flavor.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: If you prefer a non-dairy version, oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk are excellent alternatives. Oat milk has a naturally sweet, creamy texture that complements the strawberries, while almond milk contributes a light, nutty flavor. Coconut milk adds a hint of tropical richness, making the drink feel particularly indulgent.
• Caffeine-Free Version: If you’re not a coffee drinker or want to make this kid-friendly, skip the espresso and turn it into a strawberry milk latte! Simply mix the homemade strawberry syrup with milk, froth it for a little extra texture, and serve it over ice for a creamy, refreshing treat. It’s a great alternative for an afternoon drink or a sweet evening beverage.
• Chocolate Strawberry Latte: If you love the delightful combination of chocolate and strawberries, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the milk before mixing or drizzle melted chocolate inside the glass before pouring in the drink. This creates a rich chocolate-covered strawberry effect, enhancing the dessert latte experience.
• Iced Blended Strawberry Latte: Want a coffee frappé-style drink? Blend the strawberry syrup, milk, espresso, and ice until smooth and frothy. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberries or cocoa powder for a café-style frozen treat.
• Extra Frothy & Luxurious: To elevate this latte, froth some milk separately and pour it atop the iced drink for an airy, foamy texture. This creates a beautiful layered effect, especially when served in a clear glass. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a bit of vanilla sugar or freeze-dried strawberry dust on top.
• Make It a Hot Latte: To enjoy this drink warm, heat the milk and strawberry syrup together on the stove or with a milk frother until warm and slightly frothy. Brew a shot of espresso and pour it into a mug, then slowly add the warm strawberry milk, stirring to combine. Top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra indulgent touch. The warmth enhances the vanilla-strawberry flavors, creating a cozy drink for colder days.
• Strawberry Matcha Latte: If you prefer matcha over coffee, this variation is a must-try! Instead of espresso, whisk 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha powder with a small amount of hot water until it becomes smooth and frothy. Layer the strawberry syrup, milk, and matcha in a glass filled with ice for a beautiful, three-layered drink. The sweet, fruity strawberry flavor pairs wonderfully with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha, creating a refreshing and vibrant experience latte.
• Choose a Different Simple Syrup: Substitute the strawberry syrup with another fruity option to create a completely new latte experience! Raspberry syrup adds a tart and slightly floral note, while blackberry syrup offers a rich, berry flavor. If you prefer a smoother fruitiness, blueberry syrup pairs beautifully with espresso. For a summery twist, peach syrup provides a sweet, juicy flavor that enhances the creaminess of the latte. Cranberry syrup delivers a refreshing tartness during fall and winter, while apple brown sugar syrup brings cozy, caramel-like warmth. If you’re after something citrusy, blood orange syrup introduces a bright, zesty twist with a subtly sweet and tangy depth that surprisingly complements coffee. Regardless of which syrup you select, this latte remains a delicious and customizable treat!

How to Make Strawberry Latte

Step 1: If you haven’t prepared it yet, make a homemade strawberry syrup by simmering fresh strawberries, sugar, and water until thickened. Let it cool completely before using. Brew a shot of espresso and place it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool while you assemble the latte.

Step 2: In a tall glass, add the strawberry syrup.

Step 3: Add beetroot powder (optional) to enhance the pink hue.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use Freshly Brewed Espresso: A strong, freshly brewed espresso shot brings out the best flavors in this drink. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot, Aeropress, or strong cold brew concentrate. Just make sure the coffee is bold enough to stand up to the sweetness of the strawberry syrup.
• Let the Strawberry Syrup Cool: If you make homemade strawberry simple syrup, allow it to cool completely before adding it to your latte. Pouring warm syrup over ice will cause it to melt and dilute the flavors. You can even make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks for easy access.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Everyone has different preferences for sweetness, so start with 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup and adjust as needed. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use less syrup and add an extra shot of espresso. For a sweeter, more dessert-like latte, drizzle additional syrup on top before serving.
• Use Clear Glassware for Presentation: This latte looks stunning when served in a tall, clear glass, showcasing its pink and white swirls before stirring. To elevate it further, rim the glass with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or drizzle a bit of extra syrup inside.
• Stir Before Drinking: While the layered appearance is stunning for presentation, stirring the latte before drinking ensures you achieve a perfect balance of flavors in every sip. If you appreciate a creamy texture, consider adding a few ice cubes made from frozen milk instead of regular ice. They melt slowly, keeping the drink rich without diluting it.

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