This vibrant matcha mocktail combines earthy green tea flavors with tropical pineapple and refreshing mint for a perfect alcohol-free treat. Ready in just 15 minutes!
The Perfect Green Refreshment for Matcha Lovers
Have you ever craved something refreshing and special but wanted to skip the alcohol? This matcha mocktail is exactly what you’ve been searching for! The vibrant green color isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it delivers an energizing boost thanks to the matcha powder, while the tropical pineapple juice adds just the right amount of sweetness.
I first created this recipe when my sister (who absolutely loves matcha lattes) came over for a summer get-together and wanted something more exciting than plain iced tea. The combination of earthy matcha with sweet pineapple and bright mint leaves creates such a perfect balance that it’s become one of our favorite refreshments for afternoon gatherings. The best part? It’s so simple to make but looks incredibly impressive when served!
Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just starting to explore its unique flavor profile, this mocktail provides a delicious introduction that balances the grassiness of matcha with tropical sweetness. And the hint of mint? It adds that perfect finishing touch that makes this drink truly special!
Refreshing Matcha Mocktail
Ingredients
To prepare the matcha:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (see my tips below for selecting the best matcha!)
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- ½ teaspoon honey (see Note 1)
To make the mocktail:
- 7 mint leaves
- 3 oz pineapple juice (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 oz coconut water (about 2 tablespoons, can be replaced with pineapple juice)
- 1 oz lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 oz soda water (optional – see Note 2)
- Ice cubes
- Additional mint leaves or a pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
To prepare the matcha:
- Whisk the matcha powder and boiling water together in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps. (Pro tip: Use a traditional bamboo matcha whisk if you have one, but a small regular whisk works great too!)
- Add the honey and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
To make the mocktail:
- Add the cooled matcha mixture to your shaker. Clap the mint leaves between your hands a few times (this releases their aromatic oils!) and add them to the mixture.
- Pour in the pineapple juice, coconut water, and lemon juice. Add a few ice cubes, replace the lid on your shaker, and shake well to combine all the flavors.
- Strain the mixture over fresh ice in a serving glass. You can leave as is for a smooth texture, or add a little soda water and stir if you prefer some bubbles and extra refreshment.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves or a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1: I love using honey in this recipe for its natural sweetness that complements the matcha, but you can easily replace it with a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup, regular sugar, monkfruit, Stevia, etc. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level!
Note 2: Love bubbles? You can add a little soda water to this mocktail for extra refreshment! Lemon sparkling water works perfectly too and adds another subtle layer of citrus flavor.
What are my best tips for making the perfect matcha mocktail?
After making this mocktail countless times (it’s such a crowd-pleaser!), I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
- Quality matcha matters – Look for ceremonial or high-quality culinary grade matcha with a vibrant green color. Lower quality matcha tends to be bitter and can ruin the delicate balance of flavors in this drink.
- Temperature control is key – While you need boiling water to initially dissolve the matcha, be sure to let the mixture cool before adding it to the other ingredients. Hot matcha added directly to cold ingredients can create clumps.
- Fresh mint makes a difference – Don’t skip the step of clapping the mint leaves between your hands! This simple technique releases the aromatic oils and significantly enhances the flavor without making the drink taste “too minty.”
- Shake it properly – A good, vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds helps fully integrate all the flavors. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly!
- Serve immediately – This mocktail tastes best when freshly made. The bright flavors and beautiful color are at their peak right after mixing.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize this matcha mocktail to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Make it sweeter: Add an extra dash of honey or your preferred sweetener if you like a sweeter drink.
- Boost the tropical flavor: Replace the coconut water with coconut cream for a richer, more dessert-like mocktail.
- Add some berries: Muddle a few strawberries or raspberries in the bottom of the glass before pouring in the mocktail for a fruity twist.
- Go herbal: Try using basil instead of mint for an interesting herbal variation that pairs beautifully with the matcha.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of your favorite plant-based milk (coconut milk works wonderfully!) for a creamier texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This matcha mocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep some components ahead of time:
- The matcha mixture (without honey) can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For gatherings, prepare a large batch of the base mixture (everything except the soda water and ice) and store it in the fridge for up to 8 hours. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and top with soda water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mixes well with matcha?
Matcha pairs beautifully with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, citrus flavors like lemon and lime, herbs like mint and basil, and creamy ingredients like coconut milk. The earthy, grassy notes of matcha are complemented by both sweet and tart flavors, making it incredibly versatile in drinks! In this recipe, the combination of pineapple, mint, and a touch of honey creates a perfect balance that lets the matcha shine without overwhelming your taste buds.
What is best to drink matcha with?
Matcha is traditionally enjoyed with a small sweet treat in Japanese tea ceremonies. Still, in modern drinks, it pairs wonderfully with citrus juices, coconut water, pineapple juice, and even creamy plant-based milks. The key is finding flavors that balance matcha’s natural grassiness. This mocktail combines several ideal companions – the sweetness of pineapple juice, refreshing mint, and a touch of honey – creating a perfectly balanced drink that highlights matcha’s unique flavor profile.
What not to mix with matcha?
Avoid mixing matcha with strongly acidic ingredients without buffers, as they can make it taste overly bitter. Also, robust flavors like cinnamon or heavy spices can overwhelm matcha’s delicate flavor profile. In our recipe, we balance the acidity of lemon juice with sweet pineapple and honey, which preserves the beautiful matcha flavor while creating a harmonious drink.
What is the perfect match with matcha?
The perfect match with matcha depends on whether you’re going for a sweet or savory application. Still, honey, coconut, pineapple, and mint (as used in this recipe) create what I consider the ideal flavor combination. The natural sweetness of pineapple juice complements matcha’s earthiness, while mint adds a refreshing brightness that elevates the entire drink. My family always comments on how perfectly balanced this combination is – it’s become our go-to matcha pairing!
For more information about the health benefits of matcha, check out this comprehensive guide from Healthline
Time to Enjoy Your Matcha Mocktail!
So there you have it – a refreshing matcha mocktail that’s not only beautiful to look at but delivers an amazing flavor experience! I love serving this at weekend gatherings or just treating myself to something special after a long day. The vibrant green color always catches everyone’s eye, and the balanced flavors keep them coming back for more.
Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just curious about trying something new, this mocktail is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of matcha drinks. It’s so easy to make but feels wonderfully sophisticated when you’re sipping it!
Have you tried this refreshing matcha mocktail? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And if you come up with any delicious variations, I’d love to hear about those too. Don’t forget to check out my other matcha-inspired recipes for more ways to enjoy this incredible superfood!
PrintGreen Matcha Mocktail
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The perfect refreshing drink with earthy matcha, zesty lemon, and tropical pineapple – delicious and alcohol-free!
Ingredients
To prepare the matcha:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- ½ teaspoon honey (see Note 1)
To make the mocktail:
- 7 mint leaves
- 3 oz pineapple juice (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 oz coconut water (about 2 tablespoons, can be replaced with pineapple juice)
- 1 oz lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 oz soda water (optional – see Note 2)
- Ice cubes
- Additional mint leaves or a pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
To prepare the matcha:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and boiling water until smooth and lump-free.
- Pro tip: A traditional bamboo whisk works best, but a small regular whisk will do just fine!
- Stir in the honey until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
To make the mocktail:
- Add the cooled matcha mixture to a cocktail shaker.
- Clap the mint leaves between your hands a few times to release their oils and add to the shaker.
- Pour in the pineapple juice, coconut water, and lemon juice.
- Add a few ice cubes, seal the shaker, and shake well to mix.
- Strain over fresh ice in a serving glass.
- For a sparkling version, top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with extra mint or a pineapple wedge. Serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1: Honey adds a nice natural sweetness, but feel free to substitute with maple syrup, sugar, monkfruit, Stevia, or your preferred sweetener. Adjust to taste.
Note 2: Like a bubbly drink? Add a splash of soda water for extra refreshment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 250ml
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 47mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g