23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2024)

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By Jee Choe

5 from 1 vote

on Jul 01, 2023, Updated Sep 16, 2023

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Iced matcha latte, matcha Frappuccino, matcha milkshakes, oh my! If you’re looking for delicious matcha green tea drink recipes, you’ll find them all here.

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Matcha?
  • Tea Sommelier’s Tips
  • 5 Health Benefits of Matcha
  • 23 Matcha Drink Recipes
  • 23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes Recipe

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a powdered green tea that comes from Japan. Since it is finely ground, matcha is traditionally made into a drink by whisking it in hot water and not by steeping.

Matcha usually costs more than other types of tea since there’s a lot more work involved to make it.

Matcha is traditionally served with something sweet so adding a sweetener will enhance the flavor of your drink.

RELATED:Best Matcha Brands for Lattes

Tea Sommelier’s Tips

The brighter the color, the higher the quality.

If you’re looking for high quality matcha, make sure to get one that’s a bright, vivid green.

It’ll likely be more expensive than lower quality matcha that does not have as strong of a green color.

Less expensive matcha will look more tan or brown than a neon green.

You don’t always need to get the most expensive matcha.

If you plan on mixing the matcha into a drink or use it for baking, there’s no need to get the priciest option.

The brightest green matcha within the $20-$30 range works perfectly in lattes and desserts.

Grades are a marketing ploy.

Ceremonial and culinary grades are only given to matcha sold outside Japan and it’s purely done for marketing purposes in the US.

However, ceremonial grade matcha will most likely be higher in quality (and cost more) than culinary grade.

Real matcha comes from Japan.

The super cheap matcha (almost brown in color) are usually from outside Japan and are basically knock-offs.

Make sure to read the label to verify the matcha is from Japan.

Store matcha at the right temperature to help it last.

Matcha should be stored at room temperature or placed in the refrigerator.

It should go in an airtight, opaque container away from heat, moisture, and light.

No fancy equipment is needed to make matcha drinks.

You don’t need to get a whisk to make iced matcha drinks.

Shaking matcha and water in a co*cktail shaker also works beautifully and creates a lump-free matcha every time.

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (3)

My Matcha Pick

Photo Credit: Harney.com

A great matcha for making all kinds of matcha drinks. Get 10% off your entire order with code OHC. Plus, free shipping!

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5 Health Benefits of Matcha

1. Contains Antioxidants

Studies have shown that matcha is loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which stop free radicals from damaging cells.

This can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer or diabetes.

2. Promotes Heart Health

Antioxidants are also great for our hearts since they protect healthy cells from inflammation.

It’s also been shown that green tea may help lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

3. Supplies Steady Energy

Matcha is higher in caffeine than other green teas since the actual leaves are consumed, making it more potent.

However, because it contains a molecule called L-theanine, it provides a steady increase in energy rather than the quick boost you typically get from other caffeinated drinks, like coffee.

4. Boosts Brain Function

Since it helps with alertness, L-theanine is also good for the brain

A 2021 scientific review showed that it can enhance concentration and focus.

5. Helps With Relaxation

Like lavender, matcha also has calming qualities, again thanks to L-theanine.

It can relax the body and mind since it doesn’t cause the usual caffeine jitters.

23 Matcha Drink Recipes

1. Iced Matcha Latte

Iced matcha latte can be made at home in just 5 minutes.

No special tools like a bamboo whisk are needed. Just shake the ingredients together in a co*cktail shaker.

This version is layered to make it even prettier. The key to separated layers is adding the sweetest component into the glass first.

Ingredients: Matcha, honey, milk, water, ice

ICED MATCHA LATTE

2. Matcha Lemonade

This fun twist on a classic Arnold Palmer swaps black tea for matcha!

Matcha's slightly bitter, vegetal flavor is a nice complement to sweet and tart lemonade.

Depending on your taste, you can use pre-sweetened or unsweetened matcha. Either way, it's a beautiful drink to sip on during the summer months.

Ingredients: Matcha, lemonade, water, ice

MATCHA LEMONADE

3. Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Copycat

Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte is one of the easiest drinks to recreate at home.

All you have to do is add powdered green tea, simple syrup, milk, and ice in a co*cktail shaker and shake. To prevent clumps, sift the matcha powder first.

You can also customize this drink by using vanilla syrup or serving it with cold foam.

Ingredients: Matcha, simply syrup, milk, water, ice

STARBUCKS ICED MATCHA LATTE

4. Matcha Bubble Tea

This matcha bubble tea is tastes just like the ones you get at the boba shop, if not better!

The secret to making a great bubble tea is serving tapioca balls while they're still quite warm. In this recipe, they're cooked in a dark brown sugar syrup for a touch of sweetness.

The boba goes at the bottom of the glass, followed by milk, then finally the matcha to create gorgeous layers.

Ingredients: Matcha, dark brown sugar, oat milk, tapioca balls, water, ice

MATCHA BUBBLE TEA

5. Matcha Ice Cubes

Make and freeze a batch of these matcha ice cubes and have iced matcha lattes ready in an instant!

These cubes combine matcha with sweetened condensed milk and water and easily melt into a glass of milk to make a delicious drink. The smaller the cubes, the faster they melt.

You can also pour the mixture into a popsicle mold as a fun summer treat.

Ingredients: Matcha, sweetened condensed milk, water

MATCHA ICE CUBES

6. Strawberry Matcha Latte Bubble Tea

This delicious strawberry matcha latter bubble tea combines strawberry syrup with matcha, milk, and bouncy tapioca balls.

Never make boba ahead of time since the tapioca balls start to harden within a few hours. The drink is best made right before you want to drink.

Ingredients: Matcha, strawberry syrup, oat milk, tapioca balls, water, ice

STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE BUBBLE TEA

7. Matcha Cold Foam

Starbucks offers matcha cold foam as a secret menu item, but you can also make a copycat at home.

All that's needed is matcha, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup. Instead of a blender, you can use a French press.

It gets the same creamy, yet airy texture that makes the cold foam pourable. Add it to iced matcha lattes and other iced drinks to make them even more decadent.

Ingredients: Matcha, vanilla syrup, milk, water, ice

MATCHA COLD FOAM

8. Matcha Smoothie

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (11)

This recipe gives a green smoothie a caffeinated boost with matcha.

Frozen banana and date syrup adds natural sweetness and helps offset the earthy taste of the powdered green tea.

Baby spinach adds to the bright green color and adds plenty of vitamins. This is a delicious and energizing smoothie.

Ingredients: Matcha, date syrup, oat milk, baby spinach, frozen banana

MATCHA SMOOTHIE

9. Dunkin’ Iced Matcha Latte Copycat

A Dunkin' Iced Matcha Latte copycat is so easy to make at home. It's ready in minutes using just 4 ingredients.

This recipe uses the exact same pre-sweetened matcha that Dunkin' uses so the flavor is an exact match.

You can customize the drink with any milk of your choice.

Ingredients: Matcha, milk, water, ice

DUNKIN’ ICED MATCHA LATTE

10. Matcha Hot Chocolate

Matcha hot chocolate is a warm and cozy drink that's perfect on chilly fall and winter days.

To maintain matcha's green color, the recipe uses white chocolate. It tastes like an even richer, more decadent version of a matcha latte.

For the smoothest, creamiest hot chocolate, simmer the milk and sift the powdered green tea.

Top with toasted marshmallows for a sweeter touch.

Ingredients: Matcha, white chocolate, honey, milk, salt, marshmallows

MATCHA HOT CHOCOLATE

11. Matcha Latte

A homemade matcha latte will always be better than the ones you get at stores.

This recipe uses honey as a sweetener, but you can Increase or leave it out depending on how you like your matcha latte.

Use a French press or electric milk frother to recreate the frothy milk that cafes make without the hefty price tag.

Ingredients: Matcha, honey, milk, water

MATCHA LATTE

12. Iced Watermelon Matcha

Matcha is delicious with sweet fruit and watermelon is no exception.

Since watermelon is naturally sweet, there's no need to add sugar.

Blend the fruit and add to the cup first, followed by the matcha.

This will create a layered drink that's great for serving at summer parties.

Ingredients: Matcha, watermelon, water, ice

ICED WATERMELON MATCHA

13. Matcha Dalgona Coffee

This recipe gives trendy Dalgona coffee a matcha makeover. It's sweet drink that's loaded with caffeine.

A handheld milk frother Is used to make both parts of the drink.

Once both are ready, assemble the show-stopping cup by pouring in the matcha, ice, milk, and finally the fluffy coffee.

Use a vibrant matcha to make this as pretty and colorful as possible.

Ingredients: Matcha, instant coffee, sugar, milk, water, ice

MATCHA DALGONA COFFEE

14. Matcha Soda

There's nothing more refreshing than a bubbly drink!

This recipe features a from-scratch matcha syrup that you can use to make a homemade matcha soda. Simply top it with sparkling or seltzer water.

It's a great alternative to serve at warm weather gatherings instead of the usual juices and sodas.

Ingredients: Matcha, sugar, seltzer water, ice

MATCHA SODA

15. Matcha Protein Shake

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (18)

This is not your average protein shake. Matcha powder not only gives it a lovely green color, but also has added health benefits.

The drink is sweetened with date syrup and it will not only keep you full, but also provide a boost of energy and antioxidants from the matcha.

Oat milk is especially delicious with matcha, but you can use cow's milk or soy milk for even more protein.

Ingredients: Matcha, date syrup, oat milk, protein powder

MATCHA PROTEIN SHAKE

16. Iced Matcha Rose Latte

Learn to make an Instagram-worthy iced matcha rose latte at home with a handful of ingredients.

A store-bought rose hibiscus concentrate gives the drink its pretty pink color and floral aroma. It balances out the grassy notes of matcha quite nicely.

Finish the drink by topping with edible dried rose petals.

Ingredients: Matcha, rose hibiscus concentrate, rose petals, milk, ice

ICED MATCHA ROSE LATTE

17. Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Copycat

This delicious copycat of the Starbucks Matcha Frappuccino takes minutes to make in a blender.

It uses a homemade Frappuccino base syrup that can be made ahead so you'll have some ready whenever you crave this frozen beverage.

To get the creamiest texture, add the ice to the blender last.

Top with fresh whipped cream that's super soft and fluffy.

Ingredients: Matcha, Frappuccino base, vanilla syrup, milk, heavy cream, ice

STARBUCKS MATCHA FRAPPUCCINO

18. Matcha Ginger Beer

Matcha and ginger are a flavor pairing that's so good together. They come together to make this non-alcoholic version of matcha beer that's refreshing and unique.

Ginger beer has a more intense, less sweet flavor than ginger ale, which is why it works so nicely with matcha.

Not only is this delicious, but the cold drink has the prettiest green color.

Ingredients: Matcha, ginger beer

MATCHA GINGER BEER

19. Iced Matcha

This iced matcha is the perfect drink for purists. It contains no sweeteners and simply combines matcha with cold water.

Because there are so few ingredients, using filtered water is important since it removed impurities. That way the flavor of the matcha will truly shine.

Ingredients: Matcha, water, ice

ICED MATCHA

20. Matcha Ice Cream Float

Root beer floats are an iconic ice cream treat. This recipe puts a twist on it by using a matcha soda instead of root beer.

Matcha and vanilla ice cream taste wonderful together and the seltzer water adds a refreshing fizziness.

If you want to double the matcha flavor, you can also use matcha ice cream.

Ingredients: Matcha, sugar, vanilla ice cream, seltzer water, water

MATCHA ICE CREAM FLOAT

21. Matcha Milkshake

To get a perfectly creamy milkshake, there needs to be a balanced ratio of ice cream to milk. This recipe has that, plus a pretty green color from matcha.

The ice cream is sweet enough to counter some of the bitterness in the powdered green tea.

Just remember that matcha has caffeine, so don't serve this late at night if you're sensitive to it.

Ingredients: Matcha, vanilla ice cream, milk, sea salt

MATCHA MILKSHAKE

22. Matcha Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Matcha butterfly pea flower lemonade is a mesmerizing cold drink that goes from blue to purple.

The color-changing effect comes from the butterfly pea flower, which reacts with acidic ingredients. Once the lemonade is added, the color will begin to turn.

Also featuring matcha and lemonade, this drink tastes as great as it looks.

Ingredients: Matcha, butterfly pea flowers, lemon juice, sugar, water, ice

MATCHA BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER LEMONADE

23. Thick Matcha Affogato

Affogato is a classic Italian treat that covers a scoop of ice cream with espresso.

This recipe puts a luscious green twist by using a thick and rich matcha syrup.

Its consistency is closer to melted chocolate, ideal for pouring over ice cream.

Don't forget to chill the cup before serving so the ice cream doesn't melt too quickly.

Ingredients: Matcha, vanilla ice cream, water

THICK MATCHA AFFOGATO

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23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (27)

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5 from 1 vote

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes

By: Jee Choe

Matcha drinks are surprisingly easy to make at home, like this layered iced matcha latte recipe below.

Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup milk, (any kind)
  • cup cold water
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon matcha
  • ¾ cup ice

Instructions

  • Combine milk and honey in a co*cktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds.

    Pour milk in first, then the honey. Shake vigorously.

  • Pour sweetened milk into a cup then add ice.

  • Rinse the co*cktail shaker. Combine water and matcha in the co*cktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds.

    Add water first, then matcha, otherwise the matcha can easily clump. Shake vigorously.

  • Slowly pour matcha into the glass with milk and ice.

    Pour matcha on top of the ice, not directly into the milk to get a cleaner layered look. Stir before drinking.

Notes

23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes

  1. Iced Matcha Latte
  2. Matcha Lemonade
  3. Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Copycat
  4. Matcha Bubble Tea
  5. Matcha Ice Cubes
  6. Strawberry Matcha Latte Bubble Tea
  7. Matcha Cold Foam
  8. Matcha Smoothie
  9. Dunkin’ Iced Matcha Latte Copycat
  10. Matcha Hot Chocolate
  11. Matcha Latte
  12. Iced Watermelon Matcha
  13. Matcha Dalgona Coffee
  14. Matcha Soda
  15. Matcha Protein Shake
  16. Iced Matcha Rose Latte
  17. Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Copycat
  18. Matcha Ginger Beer
  19. Iced Matcha
  20. Matcha Ice Cream Float
  21. Matcha Milkshake
  22. Matcha Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
  23. Thick Matcha Affogato

Nutrition

Calories: 166Carbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 249mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 496IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 215mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Japanese

Tried this recipe?Mention @ohhowcivilized or tag #ohhowcivilized!

About Jee Choe

Welcome! I'm a certified Tea Sommelier and a self-proclaimed bubble tea and iced tea master. I'm all about making tea EASY and DELICIOUS.

Read More About Me

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23 Delicious Matcha Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2024)

FAQs

Is matcha good for weight loss? ›

It is generally recommended to drink 1 to 2 cups of matcha tea per day for weight loss. This is because matcha tea contains caffeine and EGCG, which work together to boost metabolism and promote fat burning. Keep in mind that matcha tea is part of a balanced diet.

Is it good to drink matcha every morning? ›

Sipping matcha daily can have a positive impact on your energy levels and overall health. Unlike coffee, matcha provides a less jittery pick-me-up.

What mixes well with matcha? ›

As promised, here are some of our favorite matcha flavor pairings you must try!
  • Tahini.
  • Umami-Rich Vegetables.
  • Meat.
  • Mizuba Matcha Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Larb. Fish & Shellfish.
  • Black Sesame.
  • Dark Chocolate.
  • White Chocolate.
  • Banana.
Oct 23, 2023

What are the side effects of matcha? ›

Side Effects of Matcha Tea
  • Can Make You Feel Nervous and Anxious.
  • May Mess with Your Sleep.
  • Can Cause Stomach Discomfort.
  • Can Make You Dehydrated.
  • Can Lead to Anemia.
  • Contains Tannins That Can Stain Your Teeth.
  • May Expose You to Toxic Elements.
  • Drinking It with Milk May Negatively Impact Iron Absorption.
Feb 20, 2024

What is the healthiest way to drink matcha? ›

If you want to reap all the health benefits that come hand-in-hand with matcha green tea, the best way to drink matcha is with as little sugar and honey as possible. A little bit never hurts every once in a while, but making a habit of drinking real, organic matcha will help you feel great all day long.

Why should you not drink matcha on an empty stomach? ›

Consuming matcha green tea on an empty stomach can temporarily raise stomach acid levels in our bodies and upset our stomach lining. Despite higher quality matcha powder having less astringent tannins, we all react differently to the same amount of exposure.

What time should I not drink matcha? ›

Overall, there is no one best time to have Matcha. If you love Matcha, feel free to enjoy it whenever you feel like a cup! The only time to avoid Matcha is right before sleeping. The effects of caffeine take time to wear off, so if you like to have Matcha in the evening, make sure you drink it several hours before bed!

Why is Starbucks Matcha so expensive? ›

#1 Matcha only grows in specific geographic locations

Although it is possible to find some high quality matcha produced in other countries, the best matcha in the world all comes from Japan. This really limits the production capability to a small geographic location and a handful of talented farmers.

Does Starbucks use real matcha? ›

Not quite — your favorite chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin' do use real green tea powder in their matcha drinks but with all the added sugars used in their powder blend, it's technically not traditional Japanese matcha green tea powder and therefore it lacks a lot of the health benefits that real ceremonial ...

Is matcha healthier than coffee? ›

While coffee and matcha both have their own health benefits, matcha is better for you overall and has fewer potential side effects. It's gentler on the body and is good for you in so many different ways. Like its cousin, green tea, matcha is full of powerful antioxidants (polyphenols).

What not to mix with matcha? ›

Good matcha changes everything, of course. Please don't put milk in your good matcha, especially if you're drinking it for health reasons.

What can I add to my matcha to make it taste better? ›

Matcha's grassy, umami flavor can be an acquired taste. If you're new to making it, don't hesitate to add a few drops of maple syrup or honey. You also might want to sweeten your tea if your matcha powder is particularly bitter.

What fruit pairs best with matcha? ›

Fruits: Matcha goes well with a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, mangoes, watermelon, pears, blueberries, etc. Nuts and seeds: almonds, pistachios, cashews, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc. Dairy: Milk is a common ingredient that is added to matcha.

Does matcha burn more fat than coffee? ›

Coffee can be helpful when it comes to weight loss, but it lacks a few nutrients that matcha has in abundance. For example, coffee does not contain catechins which are thought to aid with fat oxidation. So the answer to the question is matcha better than coffee when it comes to weight loss appears to be yes again.

Does matcha cleanse your body? ›

The best and healthiest way to detox our bodies is with matcha, which has many benefits relating to detoxifying our bodies and restoring gut health. Matcha contains antioxidants, the micronutrient polyphenols, and chlorophyll that help to cleanse the body full of toxins.

What tea is good to lose belly fat? ›

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and various substances that are beneficial for health. Many studies have proven that green tea can help burn fat and help you lose weight. The presence of caffeine, which is well-known stimulant is said to aid fat burning and improve exercise performance in numerous studies.

Is matcha high in calories? ›

In terms of caloric content, one teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder contains about 5 calories. Since matcha is typically consumed in small quantities, the calorie count per serving remains relatively low and is almost non-existent.

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