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Refreshing Spin on Cocktails: The Matcha Martini

drinks

By Penelope W.

- Oct 22, 2025

Matcha, a beloved green tea powder from Japan, has been causing a stir in the food and beverage scene. Known for its nutritious properties, high antioxidant levels and striking green hue, matcha is versatile and lends itself to a myriad of culinary applications. Although traditionally served as a hot beverage, it has recently been making waves in the cocktail industry.

Over the past decade, this vibrant, umami-packed powder has been incorporated into a variety of recipes from pastries to lattes. The trend has now reached the domain of cocktail bars, with mixologists finding new ways to incorporate matcha into their concoctions, a prime example being the emerging Matcha Martini. Much like the Lychee Martini, there is no official recipe for a Matcha Martini, leaving bartenders to get creative.

A particular interpretation from Suntory Global Spirits has caught the spotlight for its distinct profile. This take revolves around a simple 2:1:1 method, with a base of Japanese Haku Vodka supplemented by equal parts of fresh lime juice and house-made matcha syrup. Distilled from 100% Japanese white rice and bamboo-charcoal filtered, the selected vodka has a subtle grain sweetness and silky texture. This sophisticated and nearly botanical quality beautifully complements the robust, earthy characteristics of matcha.

The homemade matcha syrup is a show-stopping addition. Exhibiting a complex interplay of grassy, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors, it delivers a rich umami punch. Balanced out by the zesty lime juice, it results in a Matcha Martini that is layered, enticing and refreshingly different.

Making the martini is simple: Combine 2 ounces of vodka, ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice and a similar quantity of your prepared matcha syrup in an ice-loaded cocktail shaker. Shake well until chilled and strain twice into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.

For the matcha syrup, dissolve 2 tablespoons of matcha in 2 cups of water, using a whisk to eliminate clumps. Strain the liquid, reserving the matcha-infused water. Return this to the stove over medium-high heat, mix in 2 cups of sugar until completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool before using and it can be stored for up to two weeks.

This Matcha-thème cocktail blends the rich heritage of Japanese beverages with contemporary mixological techniques, ushering in a new era of healthier, more adventurous drinking experiences.