We’ve all thought of ordering the famous strawberry latte from Starbucks. It's a yummy and refreshing replacement for the usual coffee. What is Starbucks’ strawberry latte recipe? It involves combining 1 shot of espresso, 250 ml of your preferred milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup, 2 teaspoons of strawberry syrup, and optional toppings like whipped cream or sprinkles. It is pretty easy!
But going to Starbucks every time you have a craving is not practical. There are many variations of this drink to make at home. Strawberry latte can be made all year round. Serve it hot on a cold day or iced on a hot summer day!
Let’s go assemble the ingredients and make a tasty strawberry latte ourselves!
Understanding the Ingredients
Strawberries
As the name suggests, strawberries are the main ingredient. Look for plump, juicy, and ripe strawberries for more flavor and sweetness. If it is not available, you can also use frozen strawberries. But make sure to allow them to thaw completely before using. (Note: Freshly cut strawberries are more tasty)
Coffee
The idea is to balance the sweetness of the strawberries with coffee. Opt for a dark roast or espresso blend. The deeper, more complex flavors will complement the fruity taste beautifully. If you're aiming for a caffeine-free version, use decaffeinated coffee instead.
Milk
Latte means milk in Italian. So, any latte must contain milk. The taste of strawberry and coffee is bound with milk. The creamy, frothy milk heightens every flavor, and makes it comforting.
You can use any type of milk, dairy or non-dairy. But consider choosing milk with a higher fat content, such as whole milk or a barista-style plant-based milk, for the best mouthfeel and foam.
Sweeteners
While strawberries are sweet, it is not enough to make the whole drink sweet. To bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, add some sweetener to your latte. Maple syrup, honey, or even a dash of vanilla syrup can create the perfect flavor balance.
How to Make a Homemade Strawberry Latte?
Making a delicious strawberry latte at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a cafe-style strawberry latte!
Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice), and 2 tablespoons of water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally. Continue till the strawberries break down and the syrup thickens. It takes about 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve. Let the syrup cool completely before using.
Brew the Coffee
Depending on your preference, make a shot of espresso or strongly brewed coffee. If using a traditional coffee maker, aim for a concentrated brew to balance the flavors of the strawberry syrup.
Froth the Milk
Heat and froth your choice of milk in a milk frother or small saucepan until it's light and airy. For an extra-creamy latte, use milk with higher fat content, such as whole milk, a barista-style oat, or almond milk.
Bring it Together
Start by pouring 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry syrup into the bottom of a tall glass or latte cup. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the syrup, allowing it to gently layer on top. Finally, pour a shot of espresso or coffee over the back of a spoon to maintain the layers.
Garnish and Serve
Dress up your latte a bit for Instagram. Top your strawberry latte with whipped cream, a pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, and a fresh strawberry slice.
A strawberry latte is a pretty-looking drink! So, make sure you take a picture!
Note: Experiment with the strawberry syrup, coffee, and milk ratios to find the flavor balance that best suits your taste.
Strawberry Latte Recipe Variations
While the basic strawberry latte is already pretty tasty, there are many ways to customize it. Here are a few ideas to try:
Iced Strawberry Latte
This is especially good for summer. Simply prepare the latte as usual, but pour it over ice cubes instead of serving it hot. You can even use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution.
Strawberry Mocha Latte
Add some chocolate syrup or a pinch of cocoa powder to your strawberry latte. The combination of chocolate and strawberry flavor profiles is pretty great!
Strawberry Frappuccino
Blend the strawberry syrup, coffee, milk, and ice in a high-powered blender for a frosty strawberry-flavored Frappuccino.
Conclusion
Strawberry lattes are a popular drink all year round. Making them at home is more fun. The strawberry latte recipe is pretty easy as well! The quality of your strawberries will make or break your latte, so be sure to select the freshest, ripest berries available.
To make a creamy, café-quality latte, focus on the right consistency and volume in your frothed milk. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect technique. Happy tasting! Enjoy!
