This colorful, layered matcha lemonade is a refreshing twist on the classic half-tea, half-lemonade drink. It uses just four ingredients and takes only a couple of minutes to prepare. Cold, bright, and visually striking, this iced matcha lemonade is perfect for warm days, backyard gatherings, or when you want a caffeinated refresher with a pretty presentation.
Matcha Lemonade
This recipe is inspired by an Arnold Palmer—the classic half-tea, half-lemonade beverage—reimagined with matcha instead of black tea. Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea powder that adds vibrant color, gentle caffeine, and a vegetal note. Paired with sweet-tart lemonade, it makes a balanced, layered drink that’s as tasty as it is attractive.
Note from Jee
Matcha can be an acquired taste, so combining it with lemonade is an easy and delicious way to enjoy more green tea. This recipe shows options for both pre-sweetened and unsweetened matcha, so you can control sweetness and caffeine.
Recipe Summary
- Matcha lemonade is a caffeinated, layered iced beverage made with matcha, water, lemonade, and ice.
- A cocktail shaker (or jar with a tight lid) is used to dissolve the matcha quickly, so you don’t need a traditional bamboo whisk.
- If you use pre-sweetened matcha and a sweet lemonade, no extra sugar is required.
- Recipe yields one 16-ounce (2 cup) serving.
Ingredient Notes
- Matcha: You can use pre-sweetened matcha for convenience or unsweetened matcha if you prefer to control the sugar. Unsweetened matcha will produce a clearer separation between the green matcha layer and the lemonade.
- Lemonade: Use any refrigerated or freshly made lemonade you prefer. Sweeter lemonade helps the layers stay distinct.
- Water: Filtered water gives the best flavor when whisking or shaking matcha.
- Ice: Use fresh, filtered ice for the clearest, cleanest taste.
Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add water and matcha to a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid. Pour the water in first to prevent the matcha from clumping.
Step 2: Cover and shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy.
Step 3: Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the lemonade.
Step 4: Gently pour the shaken matcha over the lemonade so the two liquids layer. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Pre-sweetened or unsweetened matcha
If you use unsweetened matcha, use about 1 ½ teaspoons of the powder in place of a sweetened tablespoon. Unsweetened matcha produces a more pronounced separation between layers and allows you to control sweetness more precisely. If you’re new to matcha, a pre-sweetened variety can make the drink more approachable.
Layering tips
To create distinct layers, pour the sweeter ingredient first—here, that’s the lemonade—then add the less sweet matcha. The greater the sugar contrast, the clearer the separation. Pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon or by letting it run down the side of the glass for the best visual effect.
Equipment alternatives
No cocktail shaker? A jar or any container with a tight lid will work. A wide-mouth water bottle or mason jar can be shaken until the matcha is dissolved and frothy.
Expert Tips
- Higher-quality matcha tends to be greener and brighter. Cheaper matcha can look dull or slightly brown.
- If you make lemonade with less sugar, the layers may blend more readily; adjust sweetness if you want pronounced layering.
- To make the drink extra pretty, line the inside of the glass with thin lemon slices before adding ice and liquids.
Matcha Lemonade — Recipe Card
Matcha Lemonade
By: Jee Choe, Certified Tea Sommelier
This colorful, layered matcha lemonade is a fun twist on the classic half-tea, half-lemonade drink.
Prep Time: 2 minutes • Total Time: 2 minutes • Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or jar with tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sweetened matcha (or 1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened matcha)
- 1/2 cup lemonade
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Put water and matcha into a cocktail shaker or jar. Add water first to prevent clumping.
- Cover and shake vigorously at least 10 times until fully combined and frothy.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the lemonade. Gently top with the shaken matcha.
Notes
- Use higher-quality matcha for a greener layer. Lower-quality matcha may appear more brown than green.
- If you don’t have a shaker, a jar with a lid works as an alternative.
- Homemade or low-sugar lemonade will reduce layer separation; sweeter lemonade helps keep layers distinct.
- Add thin lemon slices inside the glass for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition (approximate)
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Sugar: 14 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Related
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- Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Copycat
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- Matcha Milkshake
- Iced Pineapple Matcha
- Matcha Smoothie