Matcha Lemonade
on Jun 17, 2023, Updated Oct 24, 2023
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This colorful, layered matcha lemonade is a fun twist on the classic half tea, half lemonade drink. It uses 4 ingredients and only takes 2 minutes to make!
Layered Matcha Lemonade
A vibrant and refreshing matcha lemonade is perfect for sipping on hot summer days.
This recipe is inspired by an Arnold Palmer, the classic half tea, half lemonade drink.
Instead of black tea, pre-sweetened matcha is used in this layered drink. Matcha’s vegetal, slightly bitter flavor nicely complements the sweet and tart lemonade.
The two ingredients layer beautifully so it’s a pretty beverage to serve at warm weather parties.
RELATED: Health Benefits of Matcha
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese green tea that’s been finely ground into a powder.
Because it’s a lot more labor intensive to process than other types of green teas, it’s usually more expensive.
Matcha can range anywhere from $10 – $80 a package or tin. The more vibrant the green, the more the matcha will cost since it’s higher in quality.
You want to use a nice green one for this matcha lemonade. It should not be too dull in color but you also don’t need to get a very expensive one.
Recipe Highlights
- Matcha lemonade is a chilled drink made with matcha, water, lemonade, and ice.
- A cocktail shaker is used to make the matcha, so you don’t need a whisk or other traditional matcha tools.
- Both the matcha and lemonade are sweetened, so there’s no need for additional sugar.
- This recipe is for a 16 ounce (2 cups) serving.
RELATED: Iced Matcha
Ingredient Notes
- Matcha: Sweetened matcha is used to make this drink, but you can also use unsweetened matcha.
- Lemonade: Use your favorite lemonade.
- Water: For the best tasting drink, always use filtered water.
- Ice: Make ice with filtered water if possible.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put water and matcha into cocktail shaker.
Always add water in first since the matcha can easily clump.
Step 2: Cover and shake.
Step 3: Pour lemonade into a cup with ice.
Step 4: Top with matcha.
RELATED: Matcha Bubble Tea
Recipe Notes
Use pre-sweetened or unsweetened matcha.
This recipe is made with a pre-sweetened matcha but you can swap out the sweetened matcha with 1 ½ teaspoon of regular matcha, which is unsweetened.
If you’re a seasoned matcha drinker, you may prefer using regular matcha (unsweetened) since you’re familiar with the taste.
If you’re new to matcha, the pre-sweetened matcha would be a better choice, to ease you into the vegetal, slightly bitter taste.
To make pretty layers, start with the lemonade.
The key to making a layered drink is the order of ingredients.
The sweetest ingredient should always go in first, followed by what’s less sweet. In this recipe, that means the lemonade, then the matcha.
The more of a difference in sugar levels, the more distinct the layers will be.
If you use regular, unsweetened matcha, the separation of the layer will be even more pronounced.
No cocktail shaker? Use a jar.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, any jar with a tight-fitting lid will work as long as it’s big enough to hold the matcha and water.
A wide-mouth water bottle or container with an air-tight lid will also work.
RELATED: Matcha Soda
Expert Tips
- The more expensive the matcha, the more green your matcha layer will be. If your matcha layer is more brown than green, it’s because the matcha is low quality.
- This recipe uses store-bought lemonade, but you can make your own. If you decide to use less sugar, the layers may not be as separated.
- Top with soda water to make it a sparkling drink.
- Place thinly sliced lemons to the cup make the drink extra pretty. Line them inside the cup first, then add the ice. The lemonade can be poured in next followed by the matcha.
Questions You May Have
Yes, since matcha is a green tea, this drink does have caffeine.
Matcha has a mellow grassy flavor with a slight bitterness. It can be an acquired taste.
It’s okay to drink matcha daily. The tea has known health benefits and contains antioxidants that are good for you. However, since it is caffeinated, those who are sensitive to caffeine may want to drink it in moderation.
Related
- Matcha Cold Foam
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Iced Watermelon Matcha
- Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Copycat
- Matcha Dalgona Coffee
- Matcha Milkshake
- Iced Pineapple Matcha
- Matcha Smoothie
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Matcha Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sweetened matcha
- ½ cup lemonade
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Put water and matcha into cocktail shaker.Make sure to add water in first since the matcha can easily clump.
- Cover and shake.Shake at least 10 times to fully combine.
- Pour lemonade into a cup with ice. Top with matcha from the cocktail shaker.
Notes
- The more expensive the matcha, the more green your matcha layer will be. If your matcha layer is more brown than green, it’s because the matcha is low quality.
- This recipe is made with a pre-sweetened matcha but you can swap out the sweetened matcha with 1 ½ teaspoon of regular matcha, which is unsweetened.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, any jar with a tight-fitting lid will work as long as it’s big enough to hold the matcha and water.
- This recipe uses store-bought lemonade, but you can make your own. If you decide to use less sugar, the layers may not be as separated.
- Top with soda water to make it a sparkling drink.
- Place thinly sliced lemons to the cup make the drink extra pretty. Line them inside the cup first, then add the ice. The lemonade can be poured in next followed by the matcha.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
