Save to Pinterest My friend texted me at 10 p.m. asking if I could make something green and elegant for her dinner party the next evening. I stared at my pantry, spotted the matcha tin I'd bought months ago for lattes, and thought: why not shake it with vodka? The result was so unexpectedly smooth and striking that three guests asked for the recipe before dessert even arrived. Sometimes the best drinks come from a midnight brainstorm and a willingness to experiment.
I served this at a small gathering where half the guests were skeptical about matcha in a cocktail. One sip changed the entire mood. By the end of the night, we'd gone through a full tin of matcha powder, and someone joked that we should open a pop-up bar. That evening taught me that unusual flavor combinations often become the most memorable ones.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Choose a smooth, neutral vodka since it lets the matcha shine without competing flavors, and always measure precisely for balance.
- Heavy cream: This gives the cocktail its luxurious, velvety texture, but coconut cream works beautifully if you want a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical note.
- Matcha powder: Use culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor and color, and always sift it first to avoid clumps that can ruin the smooth finish.
- Simple syrup: Start with less than you think you need because matcha has natural bitterness that a little sweetness enhances without overpowering.
- Ice cubes: Use plenty of ice when shaking to chill the drink quickly and create that frothy, airy top layer everyone loves.
- Matcha powder or white chocolate shavings: A light dusting on top adds visual drama and hints at the flavor waiting inside the glass.
Instructions
- Sift the matcha:
- Place the matcha powder in your cocktail shaker and sift it gently to break up any lumps. This small step prevents grainy texture and ensures a silky, smooth drink.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the vodka, cream, simple syrup, and a generous handful of ice to the shaker with the matcha. Make sure the ice reaches nearly to the top for proper chilling.
- Shake vigorously:
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside feels icy cold and you hear the ice breaking up. This creates the frothy layer that makes the cocktail so visually appealing.
- Strain and serve:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, watching the pale green liquid cascade smoothly. For an extra-refined finish, double-strain through a fine sieve to catch any remaining matcha bits.
- Garnish and enjoy:
- Dust the top lightly with matcha powder or add a few white chocolate shavings for contrast. Serve immediately while the drink is still cold and frothy.
Save to Pinterest One evening, I made this for my sister who claimed she hated anything matcha-flavored. She took one cautious sip, paused, then finished the entire glass without saying a word. When she finally looked up, she just asked if I could make another. That quiet moment of surprise was better than any compliment she could have given.
Adjusting Sweetness and Creaminess
The beauty of this cocktail is how adaptable it is to your personal taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with just half an ounce of simple syrup and taste before adding more. For a lighter version, reduce the cream to half an ounce and add a splash of milk, or try oat milk for a subtly nutty flavor. I once made a batch with coconut cream for a vegan friend, and the tropical undertone paired surprisingly well with the earthy matcha.
Serving Suggestions
This martini works wonderfully as a pre-dinner cocktail or a sophisticated dessert drink. I like to serve it alongside light appetizers like cucumber rolls or shrimp tempura to keep the Japanese-inspired theme going. If you are hosting a cocktail party, set up a small matcha bar with different garnishes like edible flowers, candied ginger, or even a tiny square of dark chocolate on the rim. The presentation alone will have your guests reaching for their phones to snap photos.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after shaking, you can pre-measure your vodka, cream, and simple syrup in a sealed container and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to four hours. When you are ready to serve, just add the matcha powder and ice, then shake. I have done this for parties, and it saves so much time when guests start arriving all at once.
- Store leftover matcha powder in an airtight container away from light to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- If you have leftover simple syrup, it keeps in the fridge for up to a month and works great in iced coffee or tea.
- Always shake each drink individually rather than batching them to maintain that signature frothy texture.
Save to Pinterest This cocktail has become my go-to whenever I want to impress without stressing. It is simple enough for a quiet night at home but elegant enough to serve at any celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this cocktail without dairy?
Yes, this cocktail is easily adaptable. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version without compromising the creamy texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent matcha powder from clumping in the shaker?
Sift the matcha powder before adding it to the cocktail shaker to remove lumps. This ensures a smooth, evenly blended drink with no gritty texture.
- → What type of vodka works best for this drink?
Any quality vodka works well, but choose brands labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivities. The vodka's smoothness complements the earthy matcha without overpowering it.
- → How can I make this cocktail extra smooth?
Double-strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve after pouring from the shaker. This removes any remaining matcha particles and ice chips for a silky texture.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely. Start with 15 ml of simple syrup and adjust to your preference by adding more for sweetness or reducing it for a more earthy matcha flavor.
- → What garnish options work best?
Dust the finished drink with matcha powder for an elegant finish, or top with white chocolate shavings for added sweetness and visual contrast against the creamy surface.