A Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe might sound unexpected, but the combination works remarkably well. Earthy matcha softens the sharp edges of whiskey, while subtle sweetness and citrus keep the drink balanced. The result is smooth, layered, and modern without losing the soul of a classic Old Fashioned.
This cocktail takes about five minutes to make and requires no special bar tools. If you already enjoy matcha in lattes or desserts, this drink feels like a natural extension rather than a novelty.
In this first part, we focus on why matcha works in cocktails, which ingredients matter most, and how to build a reliable foundation for a consistently good Matcha Old Fashioned.
Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 oz warm water
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- orange peel for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, whisk matcha powder with warm water until fully dissolved.
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and aromatic bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with orange peel and serve immediately.
Notes
Why Matcha Works in an Old Fashioned
Matcha brings bitterness, umami, and softness all at once. Unlike harsh bitters or syrups, matcha integrates into the drink instead of sitting on top of it. When whisked properly, it creates a smooth body that pairs naturally with whiskey.
The Matcha Old Fashioned works because both elements share depth. Whiskey provides warmth and structure, while matcha adds balance and a clean finish. Together, they create a cocktail that feels intentional rather than experimental.
Choosing the Right Matcha for Cocktails
For cocktails, culinary grade matcha is often the best choice. It has enough bitterness to stand up to alcohol without overpowering the drink. Ceremonial grade matcha is smoother but can get lost once mixed with whiskey.
Look for matcha that is bright green and finely ground. Dull or brownish tones usually indicate older matcha that will taste flat or dusty.
If matcha is already part of your routine in simple blends like an Activia yogurt smoothie, using it in cocktails feels like a natural next step.
The Best Whiskey for a Matcha Old Fashioned
Bourbon is the safest and most approachable option. Its natural sweetness complements matcha’s bitterness and keeps the drink smooth.
Rye whiskey can work if you prefer spice, but it creates a sharper profile. If using rye, slightly increase the sweetener to keep the drink balanced.
Avoid heavily smoky or peated whiskeys. Matcha already brings complexity, and too much smoke can overpower the drink.
Sweeteners That Work With Matcha
Liquid sweeteners dissolve best in this cocktail.
Good options include:
- Simple syrup
- Light honey syrup
- A small amount of maple syrup
Start with less than you think you need. Matcha naturally rounds out bitterness, so heavy sweetness can quickly throw the drink off balance.
Citrus and Bitters Choices
Orange peel is the best citrus option for this recipe. Expressing the oils over the glass adds brightness without acidity.
One or two dashes of aromatic or orange bitters is enough. More than that can clash with matcha’s bitterness and muddy the flavor.
How to Prepare Matcha for Cocktails
Never add dry matcha directly to alcohol. It will clump and create a gritty texture.
Instead:
- Whisk matcha with a small amount of warm water
- Mix until completely smooth
- Let it cool slightly before adding it to the cocktail
This step takes under a minute and makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
A Matcha Old Fashioned is:
- Smooth rather than sharp
- Earthy but clean
- Lightly sweet with a dry finish
It feels lighter than a traditional Old Fashioned while still delivering warmth, which makes it ideal for early evening drinks.
It also pairs well with cozy, comforting meals. Something rich like Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup balances the drink’s bitterness and brings out its depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Using too much matcha
- Skipping the whisking step
- Over sweetening
- Choosing harsh, low quality whiskey
This cocktail rewards restraint and balance.
Making This Drink Part of Your Rotation
Once you make it a couple of times, this Matcha Old Fashioned becomes second nature. It is not a novelty drink, but a repeatable, reliable option when you want something familiar with a modern twist.
Because it takes only five minutes, it works just as well for a quiet night in as it does for casual hosting.
Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe Step by Step
This Matcha Old Fashioned Recipe is intentionally simple. Once you make it once, you won’t need to reference it again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 oz warm water
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange peel
- Ice
This balance keeps the drink smooth and layered without masking the matcha.
How to Make It in 5 Minutes
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk the matcha with warm water until completely smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour in the prepared matcha mixture.
- Stir gently for about 20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
That’s it. No shaking, no complicated techniques.
Matcha Old Fashioned Variations Worth Trying
Once you master the base, small tweaks can change the personality of the drink without breaking it.
Lighter, Less Sweet Version
Reduce the simple syrup by half and increase the bitters slightly. This version leans into matcha’s natural bitterness and works well as a pre dinner cocktail.
Maple Matcha Old Fashioned
Swap simple syrup for a small amount of maple syrup. Keep it subtle. This variation feels warmer and pairs well with fall flavors.
Lower Alcohol Option
Use 1½ oz bourbon instead of 2 oz and add a splash of cold water. The structure stays intact, but the drink becomes more session friendly.
When to Serve a Matcha Old Fashioned
This cocktail shines in relaxed settings.
Best moments:
- Early evening drinks
- Small dinner parties
- Slow weekends at home
It works particularly well when paired with meals that already feel intentional. Structured planning styles like this high protein meal prep for the week approach make it easy to enjoy a thoughtful drink without overdoing it.
Glassware and Ice Matter More Than You Think
Use a rocks glass and one large ice cube whenever possible. Large ice melts slower, keeping the drink balanced instead of watery.
Thin glassware works better than heavy crystal here. The goal is clean and modern, not ornate.
What This Cocktail Pairs Well With
Matcha’s bitterness loves contrast.
Good pairings include:
- Creamy dishes
- Light desserts
- Simple savory snacks
A refined dessert like Earl Grey tea cheesecake complements the matcha notes beautifully without competing for attention.
For lighter evenings, this cocktail also fits naturally into plant forward meals. Something simple and balanced like low carb vegetarian meal prep style dishes keeps the whole experience clean and cohesive.
Common Fixes If Something Feels Off
If the drink tastes too bitter:
- Reduce matcha slightly
- Add a few drops of simple syrup
If it tastes flat:
- Increase bitters by one dash
- Use a fresher matcha
If texture feels gritty:
- Whisk matcha longer
- Sift matcha before mixing
Small adjustments go a long way here.
How to make a matcha old fashioned?
To make a Matcha Old Fashioned, whisk matcha powder with warm water until smooth, then stir it with bourbon, a small amount of sweetener, and bitters over ice. Strain into a rocks glass and finish with orange peel. The key is fully dissolving the matcha before adding alcohol so the drink stays smooth, not gritty.
What is the 30/20/10 rule for matcha?
The 30/20/10 rule for matcha refers to preparation balance rather than a strict recipe. It typically means using high quality matcha within 30 days of opening, whisking with water around 20 seconds, and consuming it within about 10 minutes of preparation. This helps preserve matcha’s flavor, color, and texture, especially when using it in drinks or cocktails.
What alcohol goes well in matcha?
Whiskey, especially bourbon, pairs best with matcha in cocktails because its warmth and natural sweetness balance matcha’s earthy bitterness. Vodka works for lighter matcha cocktails, while gin can pair well if used carefully. For a Matcha Old Fashioned, bourbon creates the smoothest and most balanced result.
How to make matcha the traditional way?
Traditional matcha is made by sifting matcha powder into a bowl, adding hot water, and whisking briskly with a bamboo whisk until smooth and lightly frothy. The goal is a uniform texture with no clumps. This method is also the best foundation when adapting matcha for cocktails, including a Matcha Old Fashioned.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Recipe proves that classic cocktails can evolve without losing their identity. The matcha adds depth, not novelty, and the result feels intentional, modern, and surprisingly easy to repeat.
Five minutes is all it takes to turn a familiar pour into something thoughtful. Once it earns a place in your rotation, it tends to stay there.