Pin It The first time I made these, my kitchen filled with this earthy, comforting aroma that made me pause mid-pour. I was experimenting with matcha lattes at the time and wondered what would happen if I took those grassy, creamy notes into cocktail territory. Now its become my go-to when friends come over for dinner parties, because people always ask about the beautiful green swirl in their glass.
Last winter, I served these at a small dinner gathering and watched my normally cocktail-skeptical friend's eyes light up after the first sip. She said it tasted like a fancy cafe drink and a night out had a beautiful collision, which honestly is the best description I've ever heard.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Choose a clean, neutral vodka that wont compete with the matchas delicate flavor
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious silky mouthfeel, though coconut cream adds lovely tropical notes if youre dairy-free
- Matcha powder: Sifting first is non-negotiable, learned this after one too many lumpy drinks
- Simple syrup: Start with half an ounce and adjust from there, personal sweetness preferences vary wildly
- Ice: A generous handful ensures proper dilution and that gorgeous frothy top
Instructions
- Sift your matcha:
- Use a fine mesh strainer to break up any clumps, this small step makes all the difference between smooth and chalky
- Combine everything:
- Add vodka, cream, simple syrup, and ice to your shaker, then seal it tight
- Shake vigorously:
- Give it 15 to 20 seconds of enthusiastic shaking until frost forms on the outside
- Strain and serve:
- Pour through a strainer into your chilled glass, watching for that beautiful pale green layer on top
Pin It My sister now requests these every time she visits, saying they remind her of this tiny matcha shop we found in Kyoto years ago. Food and drinks have this way of teleporting us back to moments we thought wed forgotten.
Finding Your Perfect Matcha
Ceremonial grade matcha really does shine here, but Ive used culinary grade in a pinch and it still creates something lovely. The key is buying from somewhere with high turnover, as stale matcha loses that vibrant, grassy brightness that makes this cocktail sing.
Dairy-Free Magic
Coconut cream creates an entirely different but equally delicious version, adding subtle tropical notes that somehow still work with the earthy matcha. Just know it will be slightly thinner and you might need an extra few seconds of shaking to get that frothy top.
Make It Your Own
Once you master the basic ratio, this becomes a canvas for experimentation. White chocolate liqueur creates a dessert-like version, while a drop of vanilla extract adds warmth on cold nights.
- Rim the glass with matcha sugar for extra sweetness
- Add a pinch of sea salt to deepen the flavors
- Try it with a shot of espresso for a matcha espresso martini
Pin It Theres something deeply satisfying about crafting a drink that looks this elegant with such simple ingredients. Cheers to bringing a little Zen to your cocktail hour.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this cocktail without dairy?
Yes, you can easily substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent matcha lumps in my cocktail?
Sift the matcha powder before adding it to the shaker. This removes clumps and ensures a smooth, well-incorporated drink.
- → What type of vodka works best for this martini?
A smooth, high-quality vodka works best. Most vodkas are gluten-free, but check the label if you have sensitivities.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
Start with the recommended 0.5 oz of simple syrup and adjust to taste. Add more for a sweeter drink or reduce for a more earthy, less sweet cocktail.
- → Should I use ceremonial or culinary grade matcha?
Culinary grade matcha works perfectly for cocktails and is more affordable. Ceremonial grade can be used but isn't necessary for mixed drinks.
- → How long should I shake the cocktail?
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and develops a frothy texture on top.