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Wet Hot Matcha Summer Cocktail

Jules Reyes

Catch up on some matcha-deserved rest and treat yourself to a refreshing matcha cocktail. This is the perfect send off for summer — say goodbye to those wet, hot summer nights! This recipe features our best-selling Teahouse Edition Ceremonial Matcha and vodka. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spirit or make a non-alcoholic mocktail by substituting in club soda. Share your pinkies up moment by tagging @jadeleafmatcha on Instagram!

What's in this cocktail?

  • Jade Leaf Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha
  • Japanese vodka (we used Haku Rice Vodka - but feel free to sub in your favorite vodka or spirit)
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Light agave syrup
  • Club soda
  • Ice (we made layered Labor Day themed ice cubes, but feel free to regular ice cubes)


Tools you'll need

 

 

  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
  • Cocktail strainer or stainless steel strainer
  • Muddler
  • Your favorite glassware

 

What kind of matcha should I use?

 

 

We used our Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha in this recipe for a vibrant green pop of color, but you can use other pure matcha offerings like Barista Edition or Culinary Grade .

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Tip: No matter what grade you use, don’t forget to sift your matcha to avoid clumps! 

 

 

How do I make the layered Labor Day Ice?

 

 

Prep your fancy Labor Day-inspired ice cubes one day before crafting the cocktails! It will take approximately 6-8 hours as each layer will require ample time to freeze completely.

 

STEP 1: Use a large ice cube silicone mold. Fill the bottom of each mold with 5-8 fresh or frozen blueberries. Pour in your preferred milk over the blueberries, filling the mold 1/3 of the way full. Place in freezer until completely frozen (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).

 

STEP 2: Remove ice tray from freezer. Place 3-5 slices of fresh strawberries above the frozen layer. Pour in cold water over the strawberries, leaving 1/3 of space in each mold. Place in freezer until completely frozen.

 

STEP 3: Remove ice tray from freezer. Blend 1 tsp of sifted matcha powder in 4 oz cold water. Whisk until frothy. Top off the frozen layers by pouring in a matcha layer until you reach the brim of each mold. Place in freezer until completely frozen. 

 

Wet Hot Matcha Summer Cocktail

 

Ingredients:

Makes 1 cocktail

  • 1/2 to 1 tsp Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha, sifted
  • 2 oz cool water
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
  • 1 tbs light agave syrup (or simple syrup)
  • 1 to 2 oz club soda
  • Ice
  • 1 fresh strawberry for garnish

 

Optional: Labor Day Ice Cubes

Makes 6 large ice cubes

  • Bottom Layer
    • 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
    • 1/2 cup dairy or plant milk
  • Middle Layer
    • 4-5 fresh strawberries, sliced
    • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Top Layer
    • 1 tsp Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha
    • 1/2 cup cold water

 

Directions:

 

 

  1. Add lime juice, agave, and sliced strawberries into a cocktail shaker or mason jar and muddle ingredients together. Add vodka and ice. Secure the top of your cocktail shaker or mason jar, shake for 15-20 seconds. Set aside.
  2. Make your matcha shot! Add matcha powder into 2 oz cool water. Whisk until frothy. Set aside.
  3. Add ice to your glass. Place a cocktail strainer over your shaker and pour cocktail over the ice. Add club soda. Then top off with your matcha shot.
  4. Garnish a strawberry (or lime wheel, fresh berries, mint leaves or anything you fancy).
  5. Pinkies up! Stir, sip, and enjoy.