Are you a fan of delicious coffee drinks? If so, you’ll want to try the Sakura Strawberry Latte. This delightful beverage combines the rich, smooth flavor of coffee, the fruity taste of strawberries, and the floral flavor of sakura (cherry blossoms) for a genuinely one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
In this article, we discuss how to prepare this beverage at home. We provide details about ingredients and where to buy them.
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Origins of Sakura Strawberry Latte
A Sakura Strawberry Latte is a limited edition offering from Starbucks, available only during the spring season.
The inspiration for this latte comes from the beautiful cherry blossom, or “sakura,” a beloved symbol of Japan. The latte combines the delicate flavor of cherry blossoms with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a unique and refreshing taste perfect for springtime.
Starbucks first introduced the beverage in Japan, where cherry blossoms are a cherished part of the culture. The drink quickly became a fan favorite, with customers eagerly anticipating its release each year.
The latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a blend of cherry blossom and strawberry syrups. It’s then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pink and white “sakura” sprinkles, adding a touch of whimsy to this delightful drink.
Below, we provide a clear framework on how to prepare this drink.
Ingredients and Preparation
Main Ingredients
To make a delicious Sakura Strawberry Latte, you will need the following main ingredients:
- Espresso or Strong Coffee
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Strawberry Syrup
- Sakura cherry blossom syrup or powder
- Sweetener (if desired)
Optional Add-Ons
You can customize or vary the recipe with the following optional add-ons:
- Fresh strawberries
- Tea (Black, Green, or Oolong)
- Whipped cream
- Almond or oat milk
- Vanilla Syrup
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here is a simple recipe to make your own Sakura strawberry latte:
- Brew a shot of espresso or ½ a cup of coffee and set aside.
- Heat 1 cup of milk in a microwave or on the stove. Make sure it’s hot but not boiling.
- Once the milk is heated, add 1 tablespoon of sakura syrup or powder and 1 tablespoon of strawberry syrup. You can adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Also, this is the time to incorporate a sweetener (if you want to).
- Use a frother, hand frother, or whisk to froth the milk until it becomes airy and creamy. This will help incorporate the syrups and make the latte extra delicious.
- Pour the milk mix into a glass, holding back the foam with a spoon to allow the liquid to pour first. A clear glass will work better.
- Pour the coffee over the top of the mix. Do not mix to maintain the visual (layered) effect.
- Spoon the foam on top of the latte.
- For an extra touch, add whipped cream and some lines of syrup.
- Enjoy your delicious and refreshing latte!
Variations and Customizations
If you’re looking for a way to personalize your sakura strawberry latte, you can make several variations and customizations. Here are a few options to consider:
Sakura Fresh Strawberries Latte
Instead of using strawberry syrup, you can use fresh strawberries. I do think using fresh strawberries results in a more flavorful drink. I would use them when they are in season.
To prepare the latte with them, brew a shot of espresso or ½ a cup of coffee and set aside. In a blender, combine a handful of fresh strawberries, a cup of milk, a tablespoon of sakura cherry blossom syrup, and sweetener (if desired). Heat the milk. Then, follow steps 4 to 8 of the recipe presented in the previous section.
Tea Latte
If you are not a fan of coffee, replace it with black or green tea.
Iced Latte
Add ice cubes to your glass for an iced sakura strawberry latte and pour the mixture over it. Garnish with strawberry sauce, Sakura powder, or rose petals.
Vegan-Friendly Options
If you follow a vegan diet, you’ll be happy to know there are several ways to make your latte vegan-friendly. Here are a few ideas:
- Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk instead of dairy milk.
- Use a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Top your latte with vegan whipped cream or coconut cream.
Caffeine-Free Alternatives
If you’re sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of this latte. Here are a few caffeine-free alternatives to try:
- Use a decaffeinated coffee or espresso instead of regular coffee or espresso.
- Use a caffeine-free tea like rooibos or herbal tea instead of coffee or espresso.
- Use a powdered drink mix like Ovaltine or Milo instead of coffee or espresso.
No matter how you customize your sakura strawberry latte, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious drink’s bubbly, creamy goodness.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be curious about the nutritional information for a sakura strawberry latte. Here’s what you need to know:
- A 12-ounce serving of this latte contains approximately 250 calories.
- The drink is made with milk, strawberry syrup, and sakura flavoring, which can add sugar and fat to the beverage.
- If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, you may want to add a small amount of syrup and avoid the additional sweetener.
- Also, we have provided an option to prepare the drink with fresh strawberries. This will cut the sugar level in the drink.
Keep in mind this drink can be a tasty treat, but it’s important to be mindful of the calories and sugar content in each serving.
Buying Recommendations
You have a few options if you want to buy the ingredients to prepare sakura strawberry milk tea at home.
- Asian Grocery Stores: These grocery stores often carry a variety of teas, including Japanese teas. They may also carry sakura-flavored products.
- Online Retailers: One of the easiest ways to buy ingredients for milk tea is through online retailers. Many websites, including Amazon, eBay, and specialty tea shops, sell these. When buying online, check the seller’s reviews and ratings to ensure you get a quality product.
If you are thinking about buying ingredients online, please take into consideration the following recommendations:
Floral Elixir Co. – All Natural Sakura Syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in a Sakura Strawberry Latte?
This latte is made with premium ingredients such as coffee, milk, sugar, strawberry syrup, and cherry blossom syrup. The cherry blossom syrup gives the latte its delicate flavor.
What is the flavor profile of a Sakura Strawberry Latte?
This latte has a sweet and floral flavor profile. The strawberry flavor is balanced perfectly with the subtle and delicate cherry blossom syrup. The latte is creamy and smooth, making it a perfect drink for any time of the day.
Is there caffeine in a Sakura Strawberry Latte?
Yes, the latte contains caffeine. The amount of caffeine in the latte depends on the type of milk used and the amount of espresso added.
How do I make a homemade Sakura Strawberry Latte?
To make this latte at home, you will need milk, sugar (optional), strawberry syrup, cherry blossom syrup, and espresso shots. Blend the milk and sugar until smooth. Add the syrups and espresso shots to the mixture and blend again. Pour the mixture into a cup and enjoy your homemade drink.
Can I make a vegan version of a Sakura Strawberry Latte?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of a Sakura Strawberry Latte using non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also use vegan-friendly sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new!
Are you a fan of lattes?