11 Matcha Drink Recipes To Satisfy Your Bittersweet Green Tea Cravings

Matcha drink recipes

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Matcha, a finely ground powder form of green tea, has several health benefits. It is high in antioxidants and contains a compound called L-theanine, which is said to have an umami taste and prevent a “caffeine crash”. Besides the popular matcha latte, there are many other ways to incorporate matcha into drinks. Here’s a list of 11 matcha drink recipes to get you started.

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– Smoothies –

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1. Tropical matcha smoothie

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Image credit: @purechimp.asia

This recipe uses matcha powder, pineapples, frozen bananas, ginger, cucumbers, and coconut water to make a tropical smoothie. The frozen bananas provide a creamy base, while the coconut water and frozen pineapples make it refreshing and slightly tangy.

Image credit: The Green Creator

Pineapples contain vitamins and antioxidants that help to boost immunity. It also pairs well with matcha. Although there’s no added sugar in this recipe, it is naturally sweet because of the frozen fruits and coconut water. 

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1½ cup (about 130g) of frozen pineapples
• ¼ medium cucumber
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp of matcha green tea powder
• ½ -1 inch of fresh ginger
• 1¼ cup (about 140ml) of coconut water or normal water

Steps:

1. Add frozen banana slices, pineapples, coconut water, cucumber, ginger, and matcha powder to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth.
2. Add only as much coconut water as you need to help it blend.
3. Taste and adjust flavour as needed by adding more bananas for sweetness, or more matcha for an intense green tea flavour.
4. Serve. This smoothie is best when fresh, but you can keep this it in an air-tight bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Watch the original recipe here:

Video credit: The Green Creator

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2. Blueberry matcha smoothie

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Image credit: As Easy As Apple Pie

This smoothie recipe incorporates old fashioned oats, which are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Oats keep you feeling full for longer as it contains beta-glucan. Beta-glucan helps to slow down the rate of absorption of carbohydrates, which can stabilise blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. 

Image credit: @delightfulmomfood

You can have this in the morning to replace your usual breakfast without worrying about feeling hungry after just 1-2 hours. The sweetness from the blueberries and banana is enough to balance out the bitterness of the matcha, so no artificial sweetener or added sugar is required. 

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 155g) of frozen blueberries
• 1 cup (about 30g) of baby spinach
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup (about 240ml) of unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp of old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp of matcha powder

Steps:

1. Add all the ingredients into the blender and blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until thick and creamy.
2. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

Check out the detailed recipe by As Easy As Apple Pie. There’s also a similar recipe video:

Video credit: Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

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3. Avocado matcha smoothie

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Image adapted from: Two Purple Figs

Avocados are creamy and thick in texture, so you don’t even have to add milk to this smoothie. They also contain a variety of nutrients and healthy fat, and are low in carbs.

Image credit: @eina_1801

Image credit: @matchathursdays

Because avocado doesn’t have a strong flavour, it can pair well with matcha powder and the yoghurt without tasting weird. It is great as a quick breakfast before starting your day at work, or as a post-workout snack.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup (about 125ml) of vanilla yoghurt
• 1 tbsp of maple syrup or honey or agave
• ¼ tsp of matcha powder
• ½ cup (about 120ml) of water

Steps:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for a few seconds until thick and creamy.
2. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, omit water from the recipe.

Check out the original recipe from Two Purple Figs.

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4. Matcha smoothie bowl

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Image credit: @minimalistbaker

If you want to have a more satisfying and filling breakfast, opt for a smoothie bowl instead of just a regular smoothie. Making a smoothie bowl takes practically the same time, and you get to sit back and tuck into a hearty breakfast rather than having to quickly slurp up a smoothie. 

Image credit: @youcare.selfcare

Top it off with fresh fruits, nuts, chia seeds, or coconut flakes to add different mouthfeel and colour to the bowl. 

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen bananas
• ¼ cup of frozen pineapples (optional)
• ¾ – 1 cup of light coconut milk (canned or carton)
• 2 tsp of matcha green tea powder
• 1 cup of spinach or kale

Steps:

1. Add frozen bananas, pineapples, coconut milk, matcha powder, and spinach to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth.
2. Taste and adjust flavour as needed. Add more bananas, a touch of maple syrup, or stevia for more sweetness. Add more matcha for a more intense green tea flavour.
3. Serve in 2 bowls and finish with desired toppings
4. This smoothie is best consumed when fresh, though leftovers keep well for up to 24 hours if sealed and placed in the refrigerator.

Check out the original recipe by Minimalist Baker Recipes or refer to a similar recipe video below. 

Video credit: Cooking Cee

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5. Chocolate matcha smoothie

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Image credit: @matchaparadiseofficial

Those who aren’t fans of matcha can add cacao powder to their smoothies to make it more palatable. This recipe also uses peanut butter, which enhances the creamy texture of the smoothie, takes away most of the bitterness of matcha, and adds a nutty flavour. Additionally, peanut butter, avocado, and chia seeds contain healthy fats and keep you full.

This chocolate matcha smoothie is a healthy alternative to sweets or unhealthy snacks. It can still curb sweet cravings with its bittersweet taste.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ice
• 1 cup (about 235ml) of unsweetened almond milk
• ½ an avocado, pitted
• 1 frozen banana
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter
• 1 tsp of matcha powder
• 2 tbsp of cacao powder
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds (optional)

Steps:

1. Add all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend at the highest speed till thick and creamy.

Check out the original recipe by Whole Food Bellies..

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– Drinks –

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6. Matcha coconut

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Image adapted from: @nikonekomatcha

This matcha coconut drink is a refreshing thirst quencher that is great as a post-workout drink. Coconut water provides vitamin C and fibre, and helps to replenish the electrolytes that you lose during workouts.

Image credit: @in_detdao56

Although sugar syrup is used in this recipe, you can omit it if your coconut water is sweet enough. The hint of lime juice adds a tangy and sour kick to the drink, making it even more refreshing.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1½ tsp of matcha powder
• ½ cup (about 60ml) of coconut water
• 50ml of water
• 20ml of sugar syrup
• 2 freshly squeezed limes
• Ice
• Dehydrated coconut flakes as garnish (optional)
• Pandan leaf as garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Dissolve matcha powder in hot water and lightly froth with a bamboo whisk.
2. Add as much ice as you want into a glass.
3. Add freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. Pour sugar syrup over the ice. Skip this step if you don’t want it sweet.
5. Add coconut water.
6. Pour matcha into the glass.
7. Garnish with coconut flakes or your favourite toppings and a pandan leaf.

Watch the original recipe video here:

Video credit: Niko Neko Matcha

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7. Matcha cold brew

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Image credit: @mrmrstea

Matcha cold brew is extremely easy to make – all you need is cold water and matcha powder. Unlike cold brew coffee, you don’t have to let it steep overnight.

Image credit: @nomnompaleo

Matcha cold brew is suitable for beginners because mixing ground green tea in cold water takes away some of the bitterness that is usually released when matcha is prepared with hot water. 

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp of matcha powder
• 1½ cups (about 170ml) of cold water or coconut water
• 5 ice cubes

Steps:

1. Add matcha powder into your desired container, be it a pint-sized mason jar or a water bottle, as long as it has a tight lid.
2. Pour cold water or coconut water into the jar.
3. Add in the ice cubes.
4. Tightly twist the lid onto the jar. Shake well until all the matcha powder has been dissolved.

Check out the original recipe video here:

Video credit: Nom Nom Paleo

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8. Matcha mule

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Image credit: @chahinez_tbt

If you love both matcha and alcohol, try out this green tea-laced version of the Moscow mule, a cocktail that’s usually made with vodka, alcoholic ginger beer, and lime juice. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the ginger beer with ginger ale. It is cold, refreshing, and zesty.

Image credit: @dadsbar

Serves 1

Ingredients:

Cocktail version

• 1 lime
• 60ml of sugar syrup
• 1 tsp of matcha powder
• 60ml of warm water
• Ice cubes
• 60ml of sake
• 90ml of alcoholic ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Non-alcoholic version

• 1 lime
• 1 tsp of matcha powder
• 60ml of warm water
• Ice cubes
• 90ml of ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish

Steps:

Cocktail version

1. Squeeze out all the lime juice into a cup. Then, toss the lime into the cup.
2. Add sugar syrup and sake.
3. Dissolve matcha powder in a bowl with water and whisk.
4. Add ice cubes and ginger beer into the cup. Top with more matcha.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Non-alcoholic version

1. Squeeze out all the lime juice and add the lime into a cup.
2. Add ice cubes and ginger ale.
3. Dissolve matcha powder in a bowl with water and whisk with matcha whisk.
4. Add matcha into the cup with ice and ginger ale.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

The original recipe video can be found here:

Video credit: Honeysuckle

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9. Butterfly pea matcha lemonade

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Image adapted from: @nikonekomatcha

Besides being aesthetically pleasing with a vibrant blue colour, butterfly pea flower is also rich in antioxidants. It can help to build your immunity, fight inflammation, and even reduce redness and swelling of your skin. 

Image credit: @ohhowcivilised

As butterfly pea flower itself doesn’t have much of a taste, the matcha flavour will be quite intense in this drink. Add in honey or sweeteners if you prefer your drink to be sweeter.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1½ tsp of matcha powder
• 100ml of butterfly pea-infused water
• 100ml of sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Thyme for garnish

Steps:

1. Dissolve matcha powder in warm water and whisk with a matcha whisk.
2. Add ice cubes to a cup.
3. Pour in butterfly pea-infused water.
4. Add sparkling water.
5. Pour over dissolved matcha.

Watch the original video recipe here:

Video credit: Niko Neko Matcha

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10. Matcha hot chocolate

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Image credit: @jeniferbulcock

Matcha hot chocolate is a comforting and cosy drink that is the perfect accompaniment to a rainy night. Matcha itself can be bitter, especially when prepared with warm water, but the chocolate helps to sweeten up the drink.

Image credit: @miyuki_m.photography

It is a bittersweet and creamy drink that will satisfy both your chocolate and matcha cravings.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 16g of chocolate cubes
• 120ml of almond milk
• 2 tsp of matcha powder
• 120ml of water

Steps:

1. Add chocolate cubes into a microwave-safe container.
2. Add in almond milk to the chocolate and pop it into the microwave. Heat it to 65°C. You can replace almond milk with other milks of your choice.
3. Stir to melt and blend the chocolate mixture, then pour into a serving cup.
4. Add 120ml of water into a microwave-safe container. Pop it into the microwave and heat it to 70°C.
5. Sprinkle in matcha powder. Dissolve the matcha powder and froth it up using a milk frother or a matcha whisk.
6. Slowly pour the matcha into the serving cup over the chocolate milk.
7. Drink while warm.

Check out the original recipe video here:

Video credit: MosoGourmet 妄想グルメ

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11. Iced watermelon matcha

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Image credit: @jeepgocoffee

Watermelon and matcha may not seem to belong together, but this combo, which wouldn’t look out of place at a Christmas market, is a balance of natural sweetness from the watermelon and slight bitterness from the matcha. 

Watermelons are made up of 92% water, so it can keep your body hydrated and quench your thirst on a hot day.

Image credit: @pantenger

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of watermelon, seeded & cubed
• ½ cup of cold water
• 1 tsp of matcha powder
• Ice cubes
• Watermelon wedges for garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Puree the cubed watermelon in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
2. Combine water and matcha powder in a bottle and shake for about 10 seconds.
3. Pour the watermelon puree into 2 serving cups filled with ice. Then, add a layer of matcha. Pour any leftover watermelon foam on top of the matcha layer.
4. Garnish with watermelon wedges.

Read the original recipe on Oh, How Civilized.

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Matcha drink recipes

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The health benefits of matcha give us enough reason to make this ingredient a part of our lives. It is suitable at any time of the day, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a pick-me-up in the afternoon. Switch out your usual coffee for matcha and you might find that you’re more productive and alert.

Check out these other articles for more:

• Japanese teas
• Simple Japanese desserts
• Japanese cocktail recipes
• Japanese cooking channels
• Japanese anime recipes

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Cover image adapted from: @in_detdao56, @dadsbar, @ohhowcivilised