Save A friend handed me a bright green cocktail at a rooftop gathering last spring, and I nearly refused it thinking it was some kind of juice cleanse disguise. One sip changed everything. The earthy matcha wrapped around cold vodka and cream in a way that felt both indulgent and somehow virtuous, like dessert pretending to be sophisticated. I went home that night determined to crack the recipe, and after a few shaky attempts, I finally nailed the balance between bitter, sweet, and creamy.
I made a batch of these for a small dinner party last fall, and my usually cocktail-skeptical sister asked for the recipe before she even finished her glass. She told me later she served them at her book club, and now they call it the green dream. Something about the unexpected pairing makes people curious, then converts them halfway through the first sip. It became my secret weapon for impressing guests without spending an hour behind the bar.
Ingredients
- Vodka: The neutral backbone that lets the matcha shine without competing for attention, so choose a smooth mid-shelf bottle you would sip on its own.
- Heavy cream: This is what turns the drink into velvet, creating that frothy cloud on top when you shake it hard enough.
- Matcha powder: The star of the show, bringing earthy bitterness and that iconic green hue, but make sure to sift it or you will end up with chalky lumps.
- Simple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the matcha without turning this into a dessert drink, adjust based on your matcha brand since some are more bitter.
- Ice cubes: The colder and more aggressive your shake, the frothier and more luxurious the final pour.
- Matcha powder or white chocolate shavings: A tiny dusting on top makes it look like something you would pay too much for at a fancy bar.
Instructions
- Sift the matcha:
- Use a small sieve to break up any clumps in the matcha powder directly into your shaker. This step saves you from gritty surprises later.
- Add the liquids and ice:
- Pour in the vodka, cream, and simple syrup, then pile in enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Do not be shy with the ice, it is what creates that frothy magic.
- Shake with confidence:
- Seal the shaker tight and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the outside of the tin frosts over and your arms start to feel it. The vigorous motion emulsifies everything into a silky, airy texture.
- Strain and pour:
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, watching the pale green liquid cascade in. If you want it extra smooth, double strain through a fine sieve to catch any stray matcha bits.
- Garnish and serve:
- Dust a pinch of matcha powder over the top or add a few white chocolate shavings for contrast. Serve immediately while it is ice cold and frothy.
Save The first time I served this at a small gathering, someone asked if I had gone to bartending school. I laughed and admitted I had just been stubborn enough to remake it five times in one week until it tasted right. That compliment stuck with me more than it probably should have, but it reminded me that a little persistence in the kitchen can turn a simple idea into something people remember long after the night ends.
Making It Your Own
If dairy is not your thing, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and you will get a subtle tropical undertone that pairs beautifully with the matcha. I have also tried almond milk, but it does not froth quite as well, so expect a thinner texture. For a less sweet version, cut the simple syrup in half or skip it entirely if your matcha is on the milder side, tasting as you go is the best guide.
Choosing Your Matcha
Not all matcha powders are created equal, and using culinary grade versus ceremonial grade makes a noticeable difference here. Culinary matcha works perfectly fine and costs less, but ceremonial grade gives you a smoother, less bitter flavor that feels more luxurious. I keep both in my pantry and use the fancy stuff when I am trying to impress someone, and the everyday kind when I am just making one for myself on a quiet evening.
Serving and Presentation
This drink begs to be served in a classic V shaped martini glass, the wide rim shows off that gorgeous green color and makes the garnish pop. If you do not have one, a coupe glass works beautifully too and feels a little more vintage. I like to serve these alongside something salty, like roasted nuts or a small cheese board, since the slight bitterness of the matcha plays nicely against savory bites.
- Chill your glass ahead of time so the cocktail stays cold and frothy longer.
- Use a small tea strainer to dust the matcha garnish evenly, it looks cleaner than shaking it from the tin.
- Serve immediately after shaking, the froth settles quickly and you lose that airy top layer if it sits too long.
Save This little green cocktail has become my go to whenever I want to surprise someone or treat myself after a long day. It is proof that you do not need a fully stocked bar or years of practice to make something that feels special and tastes even better.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this cocktail dairy-free?
Yes, absolutely. Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for an equally creamy and delicious dairy-free version without compromising the drink's texture or flavor.
- → How do I prevent lumps in the matcha powder?
Sift the matcha powder in your cocktail shaker before adding other ingredients. This removes clumps and ensures a smooth, well-blended drink. For extra smoothness, double-strain through a fine sieve before serving.
- → What type of vodka works best?
Any premium quality vodka works well. Choose a smooth, neutral-flavored vodka to let the earthy matcha shine. If you're gluten-sensitive, verify your vodka brand is certified gluten-free.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Control sweetness by increasing or decreasing the simple syrup to your preference. Start with 15 ml and adjust upward for a sweeter cocktail, or reduce for a more balanced, earthy profile.
- → Why is vigorously shaking important?
Vigorous shaking for 15-20 seconds chills the drink rapidly and creates the signature creamy, frothy texture that makes this cocktail special. Proper technique ensures all ingredients are well-incorporated and perfectly blended.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
For best results, prepare immediately before serving to maintain the frothy texture and optimal chill. However, you can pre-measure ingredients and chill your martini glass in advance for quick assembly.