There’s a certain pink and green drink that has taken social media and coffee shop queues by storm. It’s a beautiful layered beverage that combines the earthy taste of matcha with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry, all smoothed out by creamy oat milk. While it’s a treat to pick one up, the cost can add up quickly if it becomes a regular habit. What if you could recreate that same refreshing experience in your own kitchen? This is where the magic of a homemade version comes in, offering a perfect Starbucks Dupe Iced Strawberry Oat Milk Matcha Copycat Recipe that puts you in control.
Making this drink at home is surprisingly simple and comes with a host of benefits. You get to choose the quality of every ingredient, adjust the sweetness to your exact preference, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a café-worthy drink with your own two hands. Plus, it’s significantly kinder to your wallet. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master this delicious and visually stunning beverage.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key components to build those distinct layers of flavor. For the strawberry part, you have a couple of great options. You can use a prepared strawberry puree, which saves time, or you can make your own by blending fresh or frozen strawberries. If you’re making your own, a little sweetener like maple syrup or agave helps to mimic the sweetened strawberry base used in the original.
For the matcha, using a ceremonial grade matcha will give you the smoothest, least bitter flavor, but a good quality culinary grade matcha works perfectly well for lattes. The key is to avoid matcha that looks dull or brownish—vibrant green color is a sign of quality. Finally, your choice of oat milk is important. A barista-style oat milk is highly recommended because it’s formulated to be creamier and foam better, which helps create those beautiful, distinct layers instead of the colors mixing together too quickly.
Crafting Your Starbucks Dupe Iced Strawberry Oat Milk Matcha Copycat Recipe
Now for the fun part: bringing it all together. The process is straightforward, but a couple of small techniques make a big difference in the final result. First, you’ll want to prepare your strawberry base. If you’re using fresh or frozen strawberries, blend about a half cup of them with a teaspoon of your chosen sweetener until completely smooth.
Next, it’s time to prepare the matcha. To avoid clumps, the best method is to sift your matcha powder into a bowl or cup. Add a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water—about two tablespoons—and whisk vigorously until a smooth, frothy paste forms. This step, called “dissolving the matcha,” is crucial for a lump-free drink. Let this concentrate cool for a minute while you assemble the rest of the drink.
The Art of Layering Your Drink
Creating that signature layered look is easier than you might think, and it all comes down to density. The strawberry puree is the heaviest component, so it goes in first. Fill your glass about a quarter to a third of the way with the puree. Next, add a generous amount of ice. The ice acts as a barrier between the layers.
Now, slowly pour your creamy oat milk over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. The final step is to gently pour your cooled, liquid matcha over the top. Pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon can help it float on the oat milk layer, creating a stunning green top. For the full effect, serve it unstirred and let your guests (or yourself) mix it just before drinking to combine all the flavors.
Tips for Customizing Your Creation
One of the best parts about making this drink at home is that you can tailor it to your personal taste. If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, simply add an extra half teaspoon of matcha powder when you make your concentrate. If you have a serious sweet tooth, you can stir a little vanilla syrup or simple syrup into the oat milk before you add it to the glass.
Feel free to get creative with the fruit base as well. While strawberry is the classic choice, this recipe works wonderfully with other berry purees like raspberry or blackberry. You could even try a peach or mango puree for a different tropical twist. For a caffeine-free version, you could experiment with whisking barley grass powder or a wheatgrass shot with water to create a similar green layer, though the flavor profile will be different.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version
Beyond the obvious cost savings, making this drink yourself gives you complete transparency and control over what you’re consuming. You can ensure you’re using organic ingredients, adjust the sugar content to suit your needs, and avoid any artificial additives. It’s also a fantastic drink to prepare for gatherings—it looks impressive and feels special, but comes together in just a few minutes.
With this simple method, you can enjoy the refreshing, sweet, and earthy combination of strawberry and matcha anytime the mood strikes. It’s a calming ritual to prepare and a wonderfully satisfying drink to sip on. You might just find that your homemade version becomes your new favorite.
So, the next time you’re thinking about heading to the café, consider giving this recipe a try. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can create a barista-level beverage that is tailored perfectly to you. It’s a fun, easy, and rewarding way to enjoy a modern classic from the comfort of your own home.