Save to Pinterest My friend Miko taught me this recipe during a cozy dinner party last winter. She'd just returned from Tokyo and was obsessed with finding ways to incorporate matcha into everything. The first sip stopped all conversation at the table—that earthy, creamy hit followed by the gentle warmth of vodka. Now it's the only cocktail I make when I want to impress someone without spending hours at the bar.
I served these at my sister's birthday last month and watched my aunt—a self-proclaimed 'matcha skeptic'—polish off two glasses. She kept asking what the secret ingredient was, half-convinced I'd used some fancy vanilla infusion. The best part was watching everyone's eyes light up at that first sip, that moment of pleasant surprise when something unexpected works beautifully.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Choose a clean, neutral vodka that won't compete with the matcha's delicate flavor
- Heavy cream: This creates that luxurious mouthfeel that makes the drink feel special
- Matcha powder: Invest in ceremonial-grade if you can—it makes a noticeable difference in smoothness
- Simple syrup: Homemade syrup dissolves more easily than store-bought versions
- Ice cubes: Use fresh ice for the cleanest taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Matcha:
- Sift the matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer directly into your cocktail shaker to break up any stubborn clumps
- Build The Foundation:
- Pour in the vodka followed by the heavy cream and simple syrup
- Shake It Up:
- Add a generous handful of ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker frosts over
- The Double Strain:
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled martini glass to catch any remaining matcha particles
- The Final Touch:
- Dust the top with a pinch of matcha or white chocolate shavings for that Instagram-worthy finish
Save to Pinterest This cocktail became my go-to for celebrating small victories. There's something about that vibrant green hue that feels inherently joyful, like you're drinking good fortune. I've started a tiny tradition of making these whenever friends need cheering up—they work every single time.
Finding Your Perfect Balance
Start with less simple syrup than you think you need—you can always add more, but you can't take it back. The first few times I made these, I accidentally oversweetened the drink, which completely masked the matcha's beautiful earthiness. Now I add just 10ml initially and taste before adding more.
The Dairy Question
Coconut cream creates a fascinating tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with matcha's grassy notes. Almond milk is lighter but can sometimes separate oddly with the matcha—cashew milk has been my most successful non-dairy alternative. Each option creates a slightly different drink, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. The glass should be cold enough that frost forms on the outside when you pour in the drink. I also keep a small plate of white chocolate squares nearby—it complements the matcha flavors beautifully. These little touches transform a simple drink into an experience.
- Pair with light desserts like vanilla bean shortbread or green tea cookies
- Consider adding a tiny drop of vanilla extract for a cream-café dimension
- The drink doubles easily—just multiply everything by your number of guests
Save to Pinterest Cheers to finding new ways to enjoy ancient ingredients. This matcha martini has become a little ritual in my home, a moment of calm and beauty in even the most chaotic weeks.
Common Questions
- → What does matcha taste like in a cocktail?
Matcha brings earthy, grassy notes with subtle bitterness that balances beautifully with the creamy sweetness. The flavor is smooth and sophisticated, adding depth without overpowering the vodka base.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich tropical twist, or use almond milk for a lighter version. Both alternatives maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent matcha clumps in my drink?
Always sift matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer before adding to your shaker. This removes lumps and ensures smooth incorporation. Shaking vigorously with ice also helps disperse the powder evenly throughout the mixture.
- → What type of vodka works best?
A clean, neutral vodka works best to let matcha flavors shine. Avoid heavily flavored or pepper-infused vodkas that might compete with the delicate tea notes. Standard premium vodka provides the ideal canvas.
- → Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
This cocktail is best served immediately while frothy and cold. However, you can pre-mix the vodka, cream, and syrup (without ice) and store refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice and matcha just before serving, then shake vigorously.
- → What garnishes complement this drink?
A light dusting of matcha powder adds visual appeal and reinforces flavor. White chocolate shavings create an elegant contrast and enhance the creamy sweetness. For something different, try a small pinch of sea salt to elevate flavors.