Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe lovers, this one’s for you. Discover the bold twist your weekend cocktail routine didn’t know it needed. You’ve had the classic. Maybe even the smoky version. But this green tea cocktail is next level a smooth, earthy blend of matcha and bourbon that’s as photogenic as it is flavorful.
It’s smooth. It’s earthy. It’s photogenic. And most importantly? It’s absurdly simple to make. This is your guide to mixing a cocktail that makes whiskey and matcha feel like soulmates.
What Exactly Is a Matcha Old Fashioned?
If the classic old fashioned is a leather armchair in drink form, the matcha version is the same armchair, but reupholstered in emerald velvet with a scented candle on the side table.
This drink keeps the bones of the original: whiskey, bitters, something sweet. But then it adds matcha, that finely ground green tea powder beloved by Zen monks, baristas, and anyone with a wellness habit. The result? A cocktail that’s equal parts cozy and unexpected.
It’s not a matcha latte pretending to be a cocktail. And it’s not whiskey drowned in vegetal vibes. It’s balanced. Thoughtful. A little mysterious.
Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.25 tsp matcha powder
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- ice cubes for mixing and serving
- orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Add matcha powder and simple syrup to a mixing glass.
- Stir until the matcha is fully dissolved and smooth.
- Add bourbon, bitters, and ice to the glass.
- Stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy immediately.
Notes
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Why You’ll Love This Matcha Drink Recipe
- It’s a cocktail you and your matcha-loving friend will enjoy
- It looks fancy with minimal effort, always a win
- It’s bitter, bold, and slightly sweet, like your favorite playlist
- It uses ingredients you likely already have
- It’s a conversation starter in liquid form
Matcha brings earthiness and umami. Whiskey adds depth and fire. The syrup rounds it out, and a citrus twist keeps it fresh. Every sip gives you something new, a slow unravel of flavors that lingers in the best way.
Let’s Talk Ingredients Like They’re Characters
Imagine your drink is a cast. Everyone has a role.
Whiskey is the lead actor. Bourbon gives you warmth and vanilla notes. Rye adds spice and snap. Choose your protagonist wisely.
Matcha is the scene-stealer. Use ceremonial-grade if you want bold color and smooth flavor. Culinary-grade works too, just sift it well.
Simple Syrup is the friendly sidekick. It balances the intensity without overpowering. If you like experimenting, try honey or maple syrup.
Bitters are the plot twist. Go classic with Angostura or get fancy with orange or cardamom bitters.
Citrus Peel is your red-carpet finishing touch. It doesn’t talk much, but it shines in every photo.
How to Make It Like a Pro (Without Needing a Bar Cart)
You don’t need bar school to pull this off. Just a little prep and the right steps.
- Activate the matcha. Mix a small amount of matcha with a splash of hot water and whisk until smooth. No clumps allowed.
- Stir the base. Combine whiskey, matcha, and simple syrup in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and diluted just enough.
- Bitters come next. Add 2–3 dashes of bitters and give it one final stir.
- Strain and pour. Use a strainer to pour the mix into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Finish with flair. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in. Or get wild with a lemon twist and a sprig of mint.
Tips to Nail It Every Time
- Sift your matcha. It makes the drink smoother and prettier.
- Use quality ice. One big cube looks sleek and melts slower.
- Warm the glass slightly. It helps mellow the first sip and brings out subtle flavors.
- Pre-mix the matcha. Never just drop powder into alcohol. That’s chaos in a cup.
- Taste and tweak. Too bitter? Add a touch more syrup. Too sweet? Add a bit more whiskey. Own your mix.
- ORGANIC MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER4oz (113g) Resealable Bag50+ Servings
- IMPORTED FROM JAPANThis bag contains certified organic, culinary-grade matcha powder from Japan.
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Creative Variations You’ll Want to Try
Because one good idea always sparks five more.
The Maple Matcha
Swap simple syrup for maple. Add a dash of cinnamon bitters. Serve it by a fireplace.
The Smoky Green
Use a smoky whiskey like Laphroaig. Add chocolate bitters. It’s a campfire in Kyoto.
The Cold Brew Kick
Add a splash of cold brew concentrate. Wake up your happy hour.
The Tokyo Mule Twist
Add ginger syrup and a splash of soda. Serve it long over crushed ice.
The Zero-Proof Hero
Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Keep the vibe, ditch the buzz.
Feel like mixing it up with something lighter on summer nights? This gives a similar playful twist as the Watermelon Martini, except ours is green, whiskey-based, and Instagram-ready all year round.
Food Pairings That Make It Shine
This drink plays well with contrast. Pair it with:
- Dark chocolate with sea salt
- Aged cheese and honey on crackers
- Grilled tuna or sushi
- Miso-glazed veggies or eggplant dip
- Roasted nuts with rosemary
The matcha’s umami loves rich, salty flavors, but for a sweeter contrast you can’t beat pairing it with something indulgent like a White Chocolate and Baileys Mousse. The creamy decadence balances the cocktail’s earthy bitterness in a perfect dessert dance.
Why It’s a Photographer’s Dream
That deep green swirl. That glowing citrus rim. That perfect cube of ice just floating there like it owns the glass.
This cocktail practically poses itself.
Pro tips for Instagram glory:
- Use a lowball glass with clean lines
- Natural light, always
- Garnish with something fresh and high-contrast (orange, mint, even an edible flower)
- Minimal background clutter, let the drink speak
Healthier Than It Looks? Sort Of
While this isn’t a detox drink, it’s nice knowing your cocktail has a little something extra. If you already love matcha in its cozy form, you’ll also enjoy how it shines in something like a Hot Strawberry Matcha Latte, same vibrant green, but served warm and comforting before it goes boozy.
FAQ
What is a Matcha Old Fashioned?
A Matcha Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic whiskey cocktail, using matcha powder to add earthy, umami-rich depth. It’s a modern take on a matcha drink recipe that blends tradition with trend.
Can you use culinary-grade matcha in cocktails?
Yes, but sift it first and use slightly less than ceremonial grade. When developing a matcha old fashioned recipe, clarity and flavor come from how well you prepare your powder.
What whiskey works best with matcha?
Smooth bourbons pair beautifully with matcha’s green notes, but a spicy rye can create contrast. If you’re experimenting with any matcha old fashioned, go with a whiskey you’d sip neat.
Is matcha good in alcoholic drinks?
Surprisingly, yes. Matcha brings a unique depth that balances the strength of alcohol, making it a great addition to a matcha drink recipe that isn’t overly sweet.
How can I batch this for a party?
Pre-mix everything except the citrus and ice. Store in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge. Shake or stir with ice just before serving. Matcha settles quickly, so always give it a stir before pouring.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a mixologist or matcha master to pull this off. This matcha old fashioned recipe is more than a trend. It’s a delicious way to elevate your home bar and surprise yourself and your guests with something unexpected.
So next time you feel like shaking things up, do it with green powder and golden whiskey. Raise your glass. Snap a photo. Then sip slowly and savor every unexpected second.