Save I discovered matcha martinis by accident during a quiet afternoon in my friend's kitchen, where she was experimenting with leftover matcha from her morning ritual. She combined it with vodka almost as a dare, added cream, and something clicked—suddenly this earthy powder transformed into something impossibly smooth and silky. The first sip felt sophisticated yet comforting, nothing like the bitter matcha lattes I'd known. Now whenever I make one, I'm transported back to that moment of casual kitchen magic, when we realized we'd stumbled onto something special.
I made these for my sister's dinner party last winter, and watching everyone's faces when they tasted that first sip—that genuine surprise and delight—reminded me why I love cooking for people. Someone said it tasted like drinking a cloud made of green tea, which became the running joke of the night. By the end of the evening, I'd made three rounds, and everyone was asking for the secret.
Ingredients
- Vodka (45 ml): Choose something smooth that won't overpower the delicate matcha—this isn't the time for a harsh grain alcohol.
- Heavy cream (30 ml): This is what makes the drink creamy and luxurious; it softens everything and creates that signature silky texture.
- Matcha powder (1 tsp): Buy culinary-grade matcha, not the thick whisking kind—sifting it first keeps lumps from ruining your martini.
- Simple syrup (15 ml): The sweetness should be gentle; you're enhancing, not masking, the matcha's natural earthiness.
- Ice cubes: Use plenty—the vigorous shaking needs enough ice to keep everything properly chilled.
- Matcha powder or white chocolate shavings: The garnish makes it feel finished and gives you a hint of what's to come.
Instructions
- Sift the matcha:
- Pour your matcha powder into the shaker and gently press it through a fine sieve to break up any hidden clumps. Lumpy matcha won't dissolve smoothly, no matter how hard you shake.
- Build your base:
- Add the vodka, cream, simple syrup, and a generous handful of ice to the shaker. You want the ice to fill about half the shaker so you get proper agitation and chilling.
- Shake with intention:
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds—you're looking for that frothy, well-blended texture that signals everything has come together. Your arms should feel the cold even through the metal.
- Strain into your glass:
- Pour through a fine strainer into a chilled martini glass, leaving the ice behind. If you want an extra-silky texture, strain twice, letting the liquid pass through the sieve again to catch any remaining matcha particles.
- Garnish and serve:
- A light dusting of matcha powder on top looks beautiful and reminds you what you're about to taste. Serve immediately while it's still cold.
Save There's something special about holding a martini glass that glows soft green in the evening light, knowing you made something this elegant yourself. It's the kind of drink that makes an ordinary night feel like a small celebration.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this cocktail is how flexible it is once you understand the basics. Some people prefer coconut cream for a tropical twist, while others swap simple syrup for honey for a rounder sweetness. The matcha base stays constant, but everything around it bends to what you're craving that day.
Dairy-Free and Dietary Adjustments
If dairy isn't for you, coconut cream creates the same luxurious mouthfeel and adds a subtle sweetness that plays well with matcha. Almond milk works too, though it's lighter—you might need to shake a bit longer to build the same creaminess. The vodka itself is typically gluten-free, but always check your brand if you're sensitive.
Timing and Temperature
This cocktail is one of those drinks where temperature matters more than you'd think. A pre-chilled glass makes all the difference, so pop yours in the freezer while you gather ingredients. The vigorous shaking isn't just about mixing—it's aerating the cream, which creates that cloud-like texture people can't stop talking about.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least five minutes before serving.
- Shake hard and fast; timidity shows in a flat, separated drink.
- Pour immediately after straining so you catch that perfect frothy moment.
Save Every time I make a matcha martini, I remember that afternoon of happy accidents in my friend's kitchen. It's become my go-to when I want to feel creative with minimal effort.
Cooking Questions
- → How is the matcha powder prepared for this drink?
Before mixing, the matcha powder is sifted to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth, even texture in the final drink.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream or almond milk can be used to maintain creaminess while accommodating dietary needs.
- → What is the purpose of simple syrup in this blend?
Simple syrup adds a light sweetness that balances the earthy matcha and smooth vodka, enhancing overall flavor harmony.
- → How should the drink be served?
After shaking with ice to chill and froth, strain into a chilled martini glass, and optionally garnish with matcha powder or white chocolate shavings.
- → Is this drink suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients used including vodka and dairy alternatives can be gluten-free, but verify vodka brand specifics if sensitive.