Looking for a quick and refreshing drink that’s both energizing and easy to make?
Matcha soda is the perfect blend of vibrant green tea and fizzy sparkling water.
It’s lighter than an iced matcha latte and takes just minutes to prepare.
Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and gives you a smooth energy boost without the caffeine crash of coffee.
This simple drink is a delicious, healthy alternative to sugary sodas—perfect for any time of day!
Here’s how to easily make this refreshing drink at home!
How to Make Matcha Soda: At A Glance
- Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl.
- Add 2 ounces of hot water (below boiling) and whisk until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in 6 ounces of sparkling water.
- Combine the matcha mixture with the sparkling water.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Why Matcha Soda?
Health Benefits
Matcha soda offers more than just a refreshing fizz.
It’s packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins, which are known for their health benefits.
Catechins help your body fight off damage from free radicals and support overall wellness.
These antioxidants can also boost brain health and cognitive function.
The chlorophyll in matcha gives it its vibrant green color and may aid in detoxification.
Another key benefit of matcha is the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm, focused alertness.
Unlike the jittery feeling you might get from coffee, matcha provides steady energy without the crash.
This makes it a great option for people looking to stay energized and focused throughout the day.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, matcha soda is a smart choice.
By using sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit, you can enjoy a fizzy drink with virtually no calories.
Monk fruit is a natural sweetener that won’t cause spikes in blood sugar, making it perfect for those following a low-sugar or keto-friendly diet.
Customization
One of the best things about matcha soda is how customizable it is.
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding maple syrup, honey, or even monk fruit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in other flavors like lavender syrup, a splash of citrus, or muddled mint leaves.
These additions can elevate the drink and make it even more enjoyable.
Ingredients Needed
Core Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (preferably ceremonial grade): Ceremonial matcha offers a bright green color and smooth, earthy flavor without bitterness.
- 6 ounces sparkling water (or club soda, unflavored): Adds the fizz and refreshing feel to the drink. Use unflavored varieties to keep the matcha taste pure.
- Optional sweeteners (adjust to taste):
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Simple syrup (start with 1-2 teaspoons): These sweeteners balance matcha’s earthiness while allowing you to adjust sweetness as needed.
Additional Ingredients for Variations
- Fresh mint (3-4 leaves, muddled): Adds a cool, fresh twist to the matcha soda.
- Citrus (a splash of lemon or lime juice): Citrus brings a zesty note that pairs well with the matcha’s earthy flavor.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): For a warm, comforting undertone.
- Whipped cream (optional, for matcha cream soda): Turn your matcha soda into a dessert-like treat by topping it with a spoonful of whipped cream.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Basic Matcha Soda Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a refreshing matcha soda at home:
- Sift the matcha: Place 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl. Use a fine-mesh strainer to sift the matcha, which helps remove any clumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Mix with hot water: Add 2 ounces of hot water (just below boiling, around 176°F or 80°C) to the matcha. Using a bamboo whisk or a small whisk, mix the matcha vigorously in a zigzag motion until it’s fully dissolved and frothy.
- Combine with sparkling water: Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Pour in 6 ounces of sparkling water or club soda.
- Pour matcha over ice: Gently pour the matcha mixture into the glass of sparkling water. Stir lightly to combine, but avoid over-stirring to keep the carbonation intact.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your matcha soda fresh to ensure the sparkling water remains fizzy.
Recipe Variations
- Matcha Cream Soda: Add a fun twist by topping your matcha soda with whipped cream for a creamy, dessert-like treat.
- Muddled Mint: For a refreshing herbal note, muddle 3-4 fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the glass before adding ice and sparkling water.
- Fruit Syrup: Sweeten the drink and add flavor by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of fruit syrup (such as strawberry or lavender) into the matcha mixture before combining with the sparkling water.
Expert Tips
Matcha Preparation
One of the most important steps when making matcha soda is using the right water temperature.
If the water is too hot, it can make the matcha taste overly bitter.
Always use water that’s just below boiling, around 176°F (80°C), to get the best flavor.
This ensures the matcha retains its smooth, earthy taste without bitterness.
When mixing the matcha with sparkling water, be sure to stir gently.
Over-stirring can cause the carbonation to dissipate, making the drink flat.
A light stir will help mix the ingredients without losing that refreshing fizz.
Customization Tips
Matcha soda is incredibly versatile.
You can easily adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
If you prefer a less sweet drink, use just a little maple syrup or honey.
For a sweeter taste, add more or use flavored syrups like lavender or vanilla.
These flavors can complement the matcha, adding a unique twist.
Herbs like mint also work well in matcha soda.
Muddle a few mint leaves in the glass before adding the matcha mixture for a refreshing herbal note.
Storage and Serving
For the best results, matcha soda should be enjoyed immediately after preparation.
The carbonation from the sparkling water can quickly lose its fizz if left sitting for too long.
If you’re preparing the drink ahead of time, you can make the matcha syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When ready to serve, simply mix the syrup with sparkling water for a quick and easy matcha soda.
Health Considerations
Caffeine Content
One of the great things about matcha is that it offers a more balanced and sustained energy boost compared to coffee.
A typical serving of matcha contains about 35 mg of caffeine, which is significantly lower than the 80-100 mg you would get from a cup of coffee.
This makes matcha a better option for those who want to avoid the jitteriness or the sharp crash that often comes after drinking coffee.
As mentioned earlier, the caffeine in matcha is also balanced by L-theanine, which promotes calm and focused alertness, giving you energy without anxiety.
Sugar-Free Options
If you’re health-conscious or trying to limit your sugar intake, matcha soda can still be a great choice.
As we briefly mentioned earlier, you can easily swap out traditional sweeteners like maple syrup or honey with monk fruit.
Monk fruit is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Conclusion
Matcha soda is a versatile and refreshing drink that combines health benefits with endless customization options.
It’s easy to make, filled with antioxidants, and provides a balanced energy boost without the caffeine crash.
Whether you like it sweet or prefer adding unique flavors like mint or citrus, this drink can be tailored to suit your tastes.
So, give it a try and experiment with different ingredients to make your perfect matcha soda!
