I never thought I’d be the person getting excited about making cocktails at home. But ever since I discovered this Matcha Green Tea Cocktail recipe, I’ve become that friend who’s always eager to show off their latest drink-making skills (and my friends aren’t complaining).
I first tried making this after a trip to Japan left me missing those amazing matcha flavors. Sure, I was a bit nervous about working with matcha powder at first. Would it be clumpy? Would it taste right? But if I can nail this recipe, so can you.
What I love most about this cocktail is how it always gets people talking. That gorgeous green color catches everyone’s eye, and the frothy top makes it look like something from a fancy bar. But here’s the secret: it’s actually super easy to make at home. Plus, it’s not too sweet like many cocktails can be. It’s perfectly balanced with just the right hint of honey and lemon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The perfect balance of earthy matcha, smooth spirits, and bright citrus
- Instagram-Worthy: Stunning emerald green color with a luxurious frothy top
- Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and strength to your taste
- Health Benefits: Contains antioxidants from matcha green tea
- Impressive: Perfect for entertaining with its sophisticated presentation
Quick Facts
Matcha Green Tea Cocktail is a sophisticated and refreshing alcoholic beverage that combines the earthy, complex flavors of ceremonial-grade matcha powder with premium vodka (or gin), fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. The cocktail gets its signature frothy texture and silky mouthfeel from the addition of an egg white, which is first dry-shaken with the other ingredients before being shaken again with ice.
The result is a stunning emerald-green drink with a luxurious foam top that can be garnished with a light dusting of matcha powder or a twist of lemon. This balanced cocktail offers a unique fusion of Japanese tea culture and modern mixology, creating a drink that’s both visually striking and deliciously complex, with notes of umami from the matcha perfectly complementing the citrus brightness and subtle sweetness of the honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 185 kcal per serving
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for proper mixing and creating the frothy texture
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Ensures a smooth drink by catching any matcha clumps
- Jigger: For precise measurement of ingredients (1 oz and 2 oz sides)
- Small Whisk: Specifically for properly dissolving matcha powder
- Coupe or Martini Glass: Creates an elegant presentation
- Small Bowl: For initial matcha preparation
- Ice Tray: For properly chilled cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 ounces premium vodka (or gin)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce honey syrup (equal parts honey & warm water)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Ice
- Matcha powder or lemon twist for garnish
How To Make
1. Start by putting your coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill. This will keep your cocktail cold longer.
2. Take out all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need your matcha powder, vodka, lemon, honey syrup, and egg white if you’re using it. Make sure your honey syrup is ready by mixing equal parts honey and warm water until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, add one teaspoon of matcha powder. Pour in just a splash of room temperature water, about a tablespoon. Using your small whisk, mix the matcha and water together until you have a smooth paste with no clumps. Take your time here – nobody wants matcha lumps in their drink.
4. Now grab your cocktail shaker. Pour in your smooth matcha mixture, then add 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ¾ ounce of honey syrup. If you’re using an egg white, add it now.
5. If you’re using egg white, first shake everything together without ice for about 15 seconds. This is called a dry shake, and it creates that beautiful foam we’re looking for.
6. Add a handful of ice cubes to your shaker and shake again really hard for another 15 seconds until the outside of your shaker gets frosty cold.
7. Take your chilled glass out of the freezer. Hold your fine mesh strainer over the glass and slowly strain your cocktail. This catches any little bits of matcha or ice and makes your drink super smooth.
For the finishing touch, dust a little matcha powder over the top using a small sieve, or garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Your cocktail is ready to serve!
The whole process takes about 8 minutes from start to finish. Drink your cocktail right away while it’s cold and the foam is perfect. If you’re making them for friends, prep your matcha paste and honey syrup ahead of time, but always shake each cocktail fresh to order.
Pro Tips
- Matcha Quality Matters: Use ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and color
- Temperature Control: Room temperature water works best for dissolving matcha
- Perfect Foam: The “dry shake” technique is crucial for developing that luxurious foam
- Straining Technique: Double-strain by holding the fine mesh strainer just above the glass
- Glass Preparation: Freeze glasses for at least 10 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a chilled coupe or martini glass for maximum elegance
- Pair with light appetizers like edamame or sushi
- Perfect for:
- Cocktail parties
- Japanese-themed dinners
- Spring and summer entertaining
- Afternoon cocktail hours
Troubleshooting
- Matcha is Clumpy: Sift matcha powder before whisking and use room temperature water
- Not Frothy Enough: Increase dry shake time to 20-25 seconds
- Too Strong: Add an extra ¼ oz of honey syrup
- Too Sweet: Add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Matcha Settling: Stir gently with a bar spoon just before serving
Ingredient Alternatives
- Spirit Options: Gin, white rum, or sake
- Sweetener Options: Simple syrup, agave nectar, or maple syrup
- Egg White Alternatives: Aquafaba (2 tablespoons) or Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer
- Citrus Options: Lime juice or yuzu juice
- Matcha Alternatives: Green tea powder or hojicha powder (roasted green tea)
Storage
- Cocktail: Best served fresh, but can be stored without garnish in a sealed container for up to 24 hours
- Honey Syrup: Keeps in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Matcha Powder: Store in an airtight container away from light and moisture for up to 6 months
Variations
- Sparkling Matcha: Top with prosecco instead of egg white foam
- Matcha Mule: Use ginger beer as a topper
- Coconut Matcha: Add 1 oz coconut cream for a tropical twist
- Spicy Matcha: Add a slice of jalapeño during shaking
- Morning Matcha: Skip the alcohol and add coconut water for a virgin version
Additional Tips for Success
- Temperature Matters: All ingredients should be well-chilled except the water for matcha
- Quality Tools: Invest in a good cocktail shaker and strainer for best results
- Mise en Place: Prepare all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth execution
- Ice Quality: Use fresh, clean ice for shaking and serving
- Garnish Tips: Prepare garnishes in advance and keep chilled
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without alcohol? A: Yes! Replace vodka with coconut water or green tea for a refreshing mocktail.
Q: How do I know if my matcha is good quality? A: High-quality ceremonial matcha should be vibrant green, finely milled, and smell fresh and grassy.
Q: Can I make this in advance for a party? A: Prepare the honey syrup and chill glasses in advance, but mix cocktails to order for best results.
Q: Is the egg white safe to consume? A: Use fresh, pasteurized egg whites if concerned about raw egg consumption, or substitute with aquafaba.
Q: How can I make this less sweet? A: Start with ½ oz honey syrup and adjust to taste, or use unsweetened matcha.
And there you have it, your very own Matcha Green Tea Cocktail.
If you make this cocktail, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram! And don’t be shy about experimenting. Try it with gin instead of vodka, add a splash of coconut water, or garnish it with a candied lemon peel. Make it your own!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below. I always love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen and what creative twists you add to make them your own. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later.
Recipe Card
Matcha Green Tea Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 ounces premium vodka or gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce honey syrup equal parts honey & warm water
- 1 egg white optional, for frothiness
- Ice
- Matcha powder or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Start by putting your coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill – this will keep your cocktail cold longer.
- Take out all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need your matcha powder, vodka, lemon, honey syrup, and egg white if you’re using it. Make sure your honey syrup is ready by mixing equal parts honey and warm water until well combined.
- In a small bowl, add one teaspoon of matcha powder. Pour in just a splash of room temperature water, about a tablespoon. Using your small whisk, mix the matcha and water together until you have a smooth paste with no clumps. Take your time here – nobody wants matcha lumps in their drink!
- Now grab your cocktail shaker. Pour in your smooth matcha mixture, then add 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ¾ ounce of honey syrup. If you’re using an egg white, add it now.
- Here’s where the magic happens: if you’re using egg white, first shake everything together without ice for about 15 seconds. This is called a dry shake, and it creates that beautiful foam we’re looking for.
- Add a handful of ice cubes to your shaker and shake again really hard for another 15 seconds until the outside of your shaker gets frosty cold.
- Take your chilled glass out of the freezer. Hold your fine mesh strainer over the glass and slowly strain your cocktail. This catches any little bits of matcha or ice and makes your drink super smooth.
- For the finishing touch, dust a little matcha powder over the top using a small sieve, or garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Your cocktail is ready to serve.