matcha and whiskey might sound like an unusual pair, but they actually work surprisingly well together. look at it closely, and the tea & spirits mix isn’t as odd as it seems at first glance.
additionally, there’s no complicated technique behind it – it’s the kind of cocktail you can make at home without much fuss. once you see how the drink comes together, the whole idea feels much more approachable than it appears in text.
yet it still has a bit of a “special occasion” feel, making it a nice change if you enjoy experimenting with your drinks. let’s dive into what makes a matcha cocktail worth trying and how you can make one yourself.
what is a matcha cocktail?
a matcha cocktail is exactly what it sounds like – matcha mixed with alcohol to create a drink that’s a little different from the usual options. most people already know matcha as a finely ground japanese green tea powder.
and because it mixes straight into liquids, it works well in cocktails without any complicated steps. that practicality is one reason bartenders began using it in different drink ideas over the years.
as more experimenting happened, a range of matcha tea cocktail versions got created – some sweeter, some sharper – each taking matcha in a slightly different direction. no matter the approach, matcha offers a consistent base that’s easy to adjust depending on the spirit used. this flexibility is why it shows up in drinks featuring gin, brandy, wine and whiskey.
to try a matcha green tea cocktail at home without overcomplicating things, a whiskey-based version is a great place to start.
how to prepare a classic matcha cocktail
let’s check out how to make a classic whiskey-based matcha cocktail at home. but before getting started with our matcha drink recipe, let’s share what makes this drink appealing.
first, it’s visually outstanding – the bright green matcha layer is impressive in a glass. second, the flavours are well-balanced. lastly and very importantly, mixing all those ingredients in the right proportion to make this matcha green tea cocktail is straightforward. even if you’ve never shaken a cocktail before!
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
330 calories, 0g fat, 52g carbs, 2g protein
Recipe Category:-
drink
Cuisine:-
fusion
equipment:
- matcha bowl or regular small bowl
- matcha whisk or any other
- cocktail shaker
- strainer
- jigger or a measuring cup
ingredients
• 120 ml whiskey (japanese or your choice)
• ½ tsp matcha powder
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 30 ml honey syrup (equal parts honey + warm water)
• 240 ml chilled soda water/club soda
• ice
• optional garnish with lemon wheel or twist
before you get to our matcha drink recipe, we recommend that you review a brief note on the ingredients.
· matcha powder: ceremonial grade works best, though premium grade is fine too. avoid lower-grade cooking matcha – as it can be more bitter than needed for this cocktail.
· whiskey: japanese whiskey is traditional, but any smooth whiskey will work. adjust based on your taste preference.
· lemon juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the drink a bright, zesty note. bottled lemon juice won’t have the same freshness.
· honey syrup: make ahead by mixing equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. adjust sweetness to taste.
· soda water: use well-chilled soda water or club soda for the best fizz.
instructions
1. prepare the matcha base
start by whisking the matcha powder with the lemon juice and honey syrup in a small bowl or mug. use a small whisk, frother or even a spoon to break up any clumps and make a smooth paste. if it feels too thick, add a teaspoon or two of warm water to help it dissolve. getting this smooth ensures the matcha mixes evenly into the cocktail later.
2. fill the glasses
take two highball glasses and fill them generously with ice. the ice not only chills the drink but also keeps the soda water fizzy when you pour it in later.
3. add whiskey and matcha mixture
pour 60 ml of whiskey into each glass. then, divide the matcha-lemon-honey mixture between the two glasses. use a spoon and stir gently to start combining the flavours.
4. top with soda water
pour chilled soda water into each glass until nearly full. pour gently to maintain the carbonation. give the drink a light stir to incorporate the soda without losing the bubbles.
5. garnish and serve
finish with a lemon wheel on top of each glass. the garnish adds a fresh aroma and makes the drink look as good as it tastes. serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
exploring variations and creativity
let’s explore how matcha mixology works with various alcoholic spirits and gives us some creative cocktails.
- matcha margarita is a refreshing drink that perfectly combines the bold notes of tequila, the citrusy essence of triple sec, the earthy flavour of matcha and the zing of lime juice. it’s an extraordinary twist on the classic margarita.
- matcha whisky highball is another example of how versatile matcha is. when it’s combined with the warmth of whisky and complemented by the citrusy kick of lemon juice, it results in a fantastic blend. you can use either a japanese whisky or any one of your favourites.
- matcha mojito is a creative fusion of cuban and japanese flavours. in this drink matcha is combined with white rum, lime juice, soda water and fresh mint. it surpasses the classic mojito – making it a popular choice, especially during warm weather.
- matcha colada pushes the boundaries of matcha by blending it with coconut milk and white rum.
matcha cocktails vs. other green tea drinks
when you put a matcha cocktail next to other green tea drinks, the biggest difference comes down to the tea itself. firstly, matcha is whisked, not steeped! that means the whole powdered leaf goes into the drink. that gives it a stronger flavour and that impressive green colour. most other green teas are simply brewed, so their flavour stays lighter and more delicate.
because of this difference, the two end up being used in very different ways. a matcha cocktail has enough body and character to hold its own with spirits. so it fits well within social gatherings – dinner parties, weekend catch-ups or any time you want something a bit more interesting than the usual drink.
meanwhile, traditional green tea drinks – like green tea lattes or a simple brewed tea – tend to be part of everyday routines. a latte works well when you need a little energy, and a plain brewed tea when you want something to relax.
conclusion
a whiskey matcha tea cocktail shows just how well matcha works with spirits. its flavour is strong but flexible, so you can adjust sweetness, citrus or the type of spirit to suit your taste.
there are lots of ways to experiment, which might feel a bit overwhelming at first. you don’t need to be a pro – start with a simple matcha drink recipe and take it step by step. then try small tweaks until you find the combinations that suit your taste. maybe a slightly stronger whiskey, slightly less honey syrup or a bit more lemon juice works best for you.
grab your ingredients and enjoy your first homemade matcha cocktail!
faqs on matcha cocktail
q. can i make a non-alcoholic matcha cocktail?
a. absolutely! you can make a non-alcoholic matcha cocktail easily at home. all you have to do is combine ceremonial-grade matcha with lemon juice, some simple syrup and top it with soda water. shake with ice, pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon slice. it’s a tasty way to enjoy matcha without alcohol.
q. what's the significance of matcha in cocktail making?
a. matcha adds a fresh and distinctive flavour to cocktails. its finely powdered form blends easily and gives drinks a smooth texture. it also adds a nice green colour and slightly earthy flavour that works well with many spirits. matcha can make a regular cocktail feel a little different.
q. are there any specific garnishes that work best with matcha cocktails?
a. matcha cocktails can look and taste amazing with just a few simple garnishes. a piece of lemon adds freshness and a few edible flowers make the drink feel special. you can also add mint leaves or some berries for extra flavour and to make it look a bit nicer.
q. what's the origin of the matcha cocktail?
a. the matcha cocktail doesn’t have a documented origin. what we do know is that it grew out of japan’s long-standing matcha traditions. as matcha became more common globally, bartenders began using it in their own creations. they started mixing it into both familiar drinks and new ideas. over time, those experiments turned into matcha green tea cocktails popular today.
