Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries.
It’s made from finely ground green tea leaves and is known for its vibrant color and unique taste.
Recently, matcha has gained popularity worldwide, especially in drinks, thanks to its rich antioxidants, calming effects, and natural energy boost.
It’s a great way to stay focused without the jitters from coffee.
What’s even better is how versatile matcha is.
You can enjoy it hot or cold, as a latte, smoothie, or even mixed with lemonade.
Plus, it’s perfect for all diets, from vegan to keto.
In this post, we’ll show you 20 of our favorite matcha drink recipes you can easily make at home!
20 Matcha Drink Recipes: At A Glance
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Matcha Smoothie Bowl
- Matcha Lemonade
- Dalgona Matcha
- Matcha Milk Tea with Boba
- Matcha Hot Chocolate
- Matcha Banana Smoothie
- Vegan Mint Matcha Iced Tea
- Tropical Matcha Smoothie
- Matcha Affogato
- Blueberry Matcha Smoothie
- Matcha Soda
- Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk
- Matcha and Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
- Matcha Milkshake
- Matcha Ginger Beer
- Matcha Pudding
- Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Matcha Coffee
- Matcha Panna Cotta
Matcha Basics
Types of Matcha
There are two main types of matcha: ceremonial and culinary.
Ceremonial matcha is the highest quality and is traditionally used in tea ceremonies.
It has a smooth, delicate flavor and is best enjoyed on its own with hot water.
Culinary matcha, on the other hand, is slightly more bitter and less expensive.
It’s perfect for mixing into lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Tools for Making Matcha Drinks
To prepare matcha properly, traditional tools like a chasen (bamboo whisk) and chawan (matcha bowl) are often used.
These help achieve the smooth, frothy consistency that makes matcha drinks so enjoyable.
For a modern twist, many people now use handheld milk frothers to mix matcha into milk for lattes.
A fine mesh strainer is also useful to prevent clumps.
20 Best Matcha Drink Recipes
1. Iced Matcha Latte
A simple and refreshing classic made with matcha, milk, and ice.
Perfect for a midday boost.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-2 tsp sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
- ½ cup ice
- Instructions:
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha with 2 tbsp warm water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ½ cup ice.
- Pour 1 cup milk over the ice, then add the matcha mixture.
- Stir well and sweeten to taste.
2. Matcha Smoothie Bowl
A breakfast favorite packed with fruits and matcha for an antioxidant-rich start to your day.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen spinach or kale
- ½ cup almond milk (or any milk)
- Toppings: chia seeds, granola, sliced fruit
- Instructions:
- Blend 1 tsp matcha powder, 1 frozen banana, ½ cup spinach, and ½ cup almond milk until smooth.
- Pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
3. Matcha Lemonade
A tart and refreshing summer drink that combines the earthiness of matcha with the zing of lemon.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with ¼ cup warm water until dissolved.
- Add ¼ cup lemon juice, 1-2 tbsp sweetener, and the remaining cold water.
- Pour over ice and stir.
4. Dalgona Matcha
A trendy whipped matcha drink inspired by the viral Dalgona coffee, but with a green tea twist.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 egg whites or ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cold milk (any kind)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Whip 2 egg whites or heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in 1 tbsp matcha powder.
- Pour 1 cup cold milk into a glass with ice.
- Top with the whipped matcha mixture and serve.
5. Matcha Milk Tea with Boba
An Asian fusion drink that pairs matcha with chewy tapioca pearls for a sweet, fun treat.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp tapioca pearls (boba)
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Cook 2 tbsp tapioca pearls according to package instructions.
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with ¼ cup warm water until smooth.
- Combine matcha mixture with 1 cup milk and sweeten if desired.
- Add the cooked boba to a glass with ice, then pour in the matcha milk.
6. Matcha Hot Chocolate
A cozy drink that blends the sweetness of white chocolate with the earthiness of matcha.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 oz white chocolate (chopped)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Instructions:
- Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Stir in 2 oz white chocolate and continue stirring until melted.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with a little warm water until smooth, then add to the milk mixture.
- Sweeten with 1 tsp sugar if desired. Serve hot.
7. Matcha Banana Smoothie
A nutritious and energizing smoothie, perfect for a post-workout treat.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup almond milk (or any milk)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup ice
- Instructions:
- Blend 1 frozen banana, 1 tsp matcha powder, ½ cup almond milk, and ice until smooth.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired, and enjoy immediately.
8. Matcha Mint Iced Tea
A refreshing, plant-based iced tea with the cooling touch of mint.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or agave (optional)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Boil 1 cup of water and let cool slightly. Steep ¼ cup fresh mint leaves in the water for 5 minutes.
- Strain the mint leaves and whisk in 1 tsp matcha powder until fully combined.
- Add maple syrup for sweetness if desired, and pour over ice.
9. Tropical Matcha Smoothie
A delicious, tropical smoothie featuring the flavors of pineapple and coconut.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ banana
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- Instructions:
- Blend ½ cup frozen pineapple, ½ banana, 1 tsp matcha powder, and ½ cup coconut milk until smooth.
- For added texture and nutrition, sprinkle in chia seeds before serving.
10. Matcha Affogato
A fun and easy dessert-drink hybrid, combining warm matcha with creamy ice cream.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup hot water
- Instructions:
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with ¼ cup hot water until smooth.
- Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a bowl or glass.
- Pour the hot matcha over the ice cream and serve immediately.
11. Blueberry Matcha Smoothie
A refreshing, antioxidant-rich smoothie with the perfect combination of earthy matcha and sweet blueberries.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup oat milk (or any milk)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Instructions:
- Blend 1 tsp matcha powder, ½ cup frozen blueberries, 1 banana, 1 cup baby spinach, and ½ cup almond milk until smooth.
- Add honey if you prefer extra sweetness, and serve chilled.
12. Matcha Soda
A unique and bubbly matcha drink perfect for a refreshing twist.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1/2 cup water
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Dissolve 1 tsp matcha powder in a small amount of warm water.
- Fill a glass with ice and 1 tbsp simple syrup.
- Add 1 cup sparkling water, stir well, and enjoy the bubbly matcha twist.
13. Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk
A creamy, rich matcha latte made even more indulgent with coconut milk.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- Instructions:
- Heat 1 cup coconut milk over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with 2 tbsp warm water until smooth.
- Pour the matcha mixture into the warm coconut milk, add maple syrup, and stir.
14. Matcha and Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
A visually stunning drink with a color-changing effect from butterfly pea flowers.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Steep 1 tbsp butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain and cool.
- In a separate glass, whisk 1 tsp matcha with a small amount of warm water until smooth.
- Add ice to the butterfly pea flower tea and pour the matcha mixture on top, followed by the lemon juice for a striking color change.
15. Matcha Milkshake
A decadent, dessert-like milkshake that combines the creamy richness of ice cream with the earthy flavor of matcha.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk (any type)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Instructions:
- Blend 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 tsp matcha powder, and ½ cup milk until smooth.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired, and enjoy your creamy matcha treat.
16. Matcha Ginger Beer
A spicy and unique drink that combines the earthiness of matcha with the sharpness of ginger beer.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup ginger beer
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice (optional)
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with a small amount of warm water until smooth.
- Add the matcha mixture to a glass filled with ice.
- Pour 1 cup of ginger beer over the matcha, and stir. Add lime juice for a zesty twist.
17. Matcha Pudding
A creamy and smooth dessert, perfect for matcha lovers.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 cups coconut milk (or any milk)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups coconut milk, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the matcha powder, salt, egg yolks, and about 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Slowly whisk the matcha mixture into the milk, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate until set (at least 6 hours).
18. Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
A refreshing blend of sweet strawberries and earthy matcha for a fruity twist.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ½ cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or sweetener
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Blend ½ cup strawberries with ½ cup milk and 1 tbsp honey until smooth. Pour into a glass with ice.
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with ¼ cup warm water until dissolved.
- Top the strawberry mixture with the matcha and the remaining milk. Stir gently.
19. Matcha Coffee
A bold fusion of coffee and matcha for a double energy boost.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ½ cup brewed coffee (hot or cold)
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-2 tsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice (if making iced coffee)
- Instructions:
- Brew ½ cup coffee and let cool if making iced coffee.
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with 2 tbsp warm water until smooth.
- Combine the coffee, matcha, and milk in a glass. Sweeten to taste, and add ice if desired.
20. Matcha Panna Cotta
A silky Italian dessert combined with the unique flavor of matcha.
- Key Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 packet (2 tsp) gelatin
- Instructions:
- Heat 1 cup cream, 1 cup milk, and ¼ cup sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Whisk 1 tsp matcha with a small amount of warm water and stir into the cream mixture.
- Dissolve gelatin in 2 tbsp warm water, then add to the cream mixture. Stir well.
- Pour into molds and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha is packed with powerful antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate).
These antioxidants play a vital role in helping the body fight oxidative stress, which can damage cells.
EGCG, in particular, is known for its ability to support metabolism and aid in detoxification.
It helps the body flush out toxins and may even assist in burning fat more effectively.
Calming and Energizing
One of the unique benefits of matcha is its ability to both calm and energize.
This might sound contradictory, but it’s due to a compound called L-theanine.
L-theanine promotes relaxation by increasing the production of alpha waves in the brain.
These waves are linked to a state of relaxed alertness, making you feel calm without feeling drowsy.
At the same time, matcha contains a small amount of caffeine, which provides a gentle energy boost.
Together, these components create a balanced effect, helping you stay focused and calm.
Potential Heart Health Benefits
Studies have shown that matcha can help improve heart health in several ways.
For starters, matcha may help lower LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) while boosting HDL cholesterol, which is protective.
The catechins in matcha can also help strengthen blood vessels, making them more flexible and reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
How to Customize Matcha Drinks
Sweeteners
Matcha can be customized easily by adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
Natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, and maple syrup are popular options.
These add a hint of sweetness without overpowering the earthy flavor of matcha.
If you’re looking for low-calorie options, sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit work well and still enhance the flavor without added sugar.
Each sweetener brings a slightly different taste profile, so it’s worth experimenting to find which one you like best.
Add-ins
For an extra nutritional boost, you can add various superfoods and supplements to your matcha drinks.
Chia seeds are a popular choice because they add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Turmeric pairs well with matcha and adds anti-inflammatory benefits, creating a vibrant, golden-green drink.
You can also mix in protein powder to make your matcha drink more filling, especially after a workout.
Other common add-ins include collagen powder for skin health and spirulina for additional antioxidants.
Milk Choices
The choice of milk can significantly change the flavor and texture of your matcha drink.
Traditional dairy milk provides a creamy base, while plant-based alternatives offer various flavor profiles.
- Almond milk has a light, nutty taste and is a low-calorie option.
- Oat milk is thicker and creamier, making it a popular choice for lattes.
- Coconut milk adds a tropical flavor and richness, especially in iced drinks.
Conclusion
Matcha is such a fun and flexible ingredient to explore.
Whether you’re blending it into a smoothie, whisking up a latte, or trying something totally new, there’s always a way to make it your own.
Plus, with its health benefits and ability to fit into all kinds of diets, it’s easy to see why so many people love it.
Try out different recipes, experiment with flavors, and tweak them to suit your tastes.
You might just discover your next favorite drink!
So, grab some matcha, and start mixing things up!