Step aside, traditional mixers, additives, and botanicals – a new trendy ingredient is about to make its way into your cocktails. And it is none other than matcha! Taking over the internet, one drink at a time, matcha’s association with spirits can definitely be quite polarizing. But if you’re okay with experimenting, and looking to ace that matcha cocktail, here are some helpful tips you must keep in mind. These tips are practical, helpful, and can definitely help you make a delicious matcha cocktail.
Ceremonial-grade matcha is considered to be the finest quality of matcha. It is made with the finest, youngest tea leaves, and is known for delivering smoother, less bitter flavor compared to culinary-grade matcha.
The latter is more affordable and accessible but can be earthier in its flavor. While culinary-grade matcha would work just fine in a matcha cocktail, its ceremonial-grade counterpart can really uplift the drink effortlessly.
Have you tried making matcha or a matcha cocktail and realized that your drink has clumps of matcha powder? If the answer is yes, you’re probably skipping the most essential step in achieving silky, smooth matcha – sifting. This step is extremely important to achieve evenness in your drink and keep those green clumps at bay.
Sift the matcha powder into a bowl and then you can whisk it with warm water before adding it to your cocktail. Along with sifting, whisking it with warm water can help make the texture of the powder even smoother.
Also Read: 10 Dive Bars In Mumbai That Are Always Packed (And Totally Worth It)
Matcha lends a rich, earthy, and nutty flavor by itself and if you want your matcha cocktail to shine, look no further than using natural ingredients instead of artificial ones. Why use artificial sweeteners when you can use fruit-based ingredients like pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon zest, etc? Sweet fruit juices can balance the earthy, herbal matcha flavors.
And if you’re looking for a more complex or interesting flavor profile, consider using rose and lavender extracts, oat milk, coconut water, and other ingredients. There is so much room for experimentation!
Dark spirits such as whisky and some rum variants can mask the green color of matcha and sometimes can make the cocktail a little underwhelming in taste. In comparison, light spirits, like vodka, gin, etc, keep the matcha green intact. They also lend their crisp, robust flavor to the matcha cocktail.
Vodka is neutral, for the most parts, and lets the matcha shine. Gin, on the other hand, complements well with the matcha, thanks to its own botanicals. Tequila is bold, robust, and makes for a great base spirit. And sake’s also not a bad option - the rice wine can further enhance an all-Japanese cocktail experience.
A cocktail shaker - for matcha? Yes, it might sound a little absurd, but a cocktail shaker can enhance the flavor, texture, and the visual appeal of a drink. Use a cocktail shake filled with ice and shake it for about 10-20 seconds.
You’ll get a luscious, creamy, and frothy top layer once you pour the contents out in a glass. After all, who doesn’t love their cocktail to have a frothy white top?
Also Read: Best Bars In North Goa For Sunset Drinks
Matcha cocktails, for the most part, can generate questionable glances at you - but if you present them right, the glances might just turn into looks of sheer excitement! Add visual appeal to your matcha cocktails using edible, bright flowers, using citrus zest, and making an evenly coated matcha rim on your glass.
You can also take inspiration from Japanese cuisine and use it as garnish. An example would be adding small matcha-flavored marshmallows or mochi on a stick.
Matcha cocktails can be fun when you know the right tips and tricks. And that is what exactly we’ve helped you with in this article. So the next time you’re making a matcha cocktail at home, or trying out matcha cocktails for beginners, remember to make use of these tips. We’re sure your matcha drink won’t disappoint!
