Save to Pinterest I discovered matcha martinis on a rainy afternoon in a tiny Tokyo bar, where the bartender casually mixed this emerald-hued drink like it was the most natural thing in the world. The creamy sweetness caught me off guard—I'd expected something bitter and austere, but instead found myself mesmerized by how the earthy matcha played against smooth vodka and cream. Back home, I spent weeks trying to recreate that exact moment, and somewhere between my third and fourth attempt, I nailed it. Now it's my favorite way to transition from afternoon tea drinker to evening sophisticate without abandoning what I love about matcha itself.
I made this for my sister's book club once, and watching their faces light up when they realized matcha was the secret ingredient felt like a small victory. One friend who swears she doesn't like green tea came back for seconds, which tells you everything you need to know about how approachable this cocktail is.
Ingredients
- Vodka (45 ml or 1.5 oz): Choose a smooth, neutral vodka—this is where quality actually matters because there's nowhere to hide.
- Heavy cream (30 ml or 1 oz): This creates the silky mouthfeel that makes the drink feel special; coconut cream or almond milk work beautifully if you're avoiding dairy.
- Matcha powder (1 tsp): Sift it first, always, or you'll end up with little green specks floating around instead of a smooth blend.
- Simple syrup (15 ml or 0.5 oz): Start conservative and taste as you go—some matcha powders are less bitter than others, so you may need less sweetness than you'd expect.
- Ice cubes: Use plenty of them; you want the shake to get properly cold and frothy, not just wet.
- Matcha powder or white chocolate shavings (for garnish): Optional, but a light dusting on top feels ceremonial and looks Instagram-worthy.
Instructions
- Sift the matcha first:
- Pour your teaspoon of matcha powder into the cocktail shaker and gently work it through a fine sieve or small strainer, breaking up any clumps. This takes barely thirty seconds but prevents that grainy texture that ruins an otherwise beautiful drink.
- Combine and chill:
- Add the vodka, cream, simple syrup, and a generous handful of ice to the shaker. You want the shaker to feel cold and heavy in your hands.
- Shake with conviction:
- This is not a gentle stir—shake vigorously for fifteen to twenty seconds, listening for the sound to shift from ice clattering to a more muffled, frothy sound. That's your signal that the mixture is getting properly aerated and cold.
- Strain into elegance:
- Pour through a regular cocktail strainer into a chilled martini glass, keeping the motion smooth and deliberate. If you're feeling ambitious, double-strain through a fine sieve to catch any remaining matcha particles.
- Garnish and serve:
- A whisper of matcha powder across the top or a few white chocolate shavings turn this into something you'll actually want to photograph. Serve immediately before the ice melts and dilutes all your careful work.
Save to Pinterest There's something almost meditative about watching the matcha transform from a dry powder into a frothy, creamy elixir. It reminds me that small acts of intention in the kitchen—even in something as quick as a five-minute cocktail—create moments that feel richer than they have any right to.
The Art of the Perfect Shake
A proper shake is the difference between a cocktail and a drink. When you hear the ice move from sharp clattering sounds to a softer, whooshing sound, you've reached the sweet spot—cold, frothy, and perfectly mixed. The temperature matters far more than people realize; a lukewarm matcha martini is genuinely unpleasant, so invest in a chilled glass and don't skip this step.
Making It Your Own
Sweetness is deeply personal, and this drink rewards experimentation. Some people love it almost austere with just a whisper of simple syrup, while others want more dessert energy. The beauty of matcha is that it's naturally slightly sweet on its own, so you have room to play without things spiraling into candy territory.
Dairy-Free and Flavor Variations
If you're avoiding dairy, coconut cream creates a tropical vibe while almond milk keeps things lighter and more delicate. I've experimented with oat milk too, and it works nicely if you want something neutral. The important thing is that whatever you use needs to be creamy enough to contribute texture, not just liquid.
- Coconut cream gives the drink an unexpected tropical undertone that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
- For a less sweet version, try using unsweetened almond milk and cutting the simple syrup to just a few dashes.
- If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny drop of vanilla extract adds depth without overwhelming the matcha's subtle earthiness.
Save to Pinterest This cocktail proves that sometimes the most memorable drinks are the ones that surprise you by being exactly what you didn't know you needed. Make one for someone you like and watch their expression shift from curiosity to delight.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Dairy-free options like coconut cream or almond milk work well as creamy alternatives.
- → How do I adjust the sweetness?
Simply add more or less simple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
- → Why is sifting matcha important?
Sifting removes lumps, ensuring a smooth texture in the shaken mixture.
- → Can I prepare this cocktail ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed immediately after shaking for optimal froth and chill.
- → What garnish options enhance this drink?
Dusting with matcha powder or white chocolate shavings complements the flavors beautifully.