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!

Green Matcha Mocktail Recipe

Description

The perfect refreshing drink with earthy matcha, zesty lemon, and tropical pineapple – delicious and alcohol-free!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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