Gin & Jade: A Beautiful Matcha Martini Experience
Gin & Jade: A Beautiful Matcha Martini Experience! is a easy Contemporary recipe that serves 1. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by The Elixir Lounge on YouTube.
Prep: 3 min | Cook: 1 min | Total: 10 min
Cost: $54.67 total, $54.67 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz Hendrick's Gin (London dry gin, chilled)
- 0.75 oz Ora Almond‑Flavored Simple Syrup (Thick almond‑flavored syrup)
- 2 g Ceremonial Grade Matcha (Vibrant green, sifted before use)
- 2 oz Hot Water (Heated to 168°F)
- 1.5 oz Unsweetened Almond Milk (Adds creaminess with minimal almond flavor)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (For shaking and dilution)
Instructions
Sift Matcha
Place 2 g of ceremonial grade matcha into a fine mesh strainer over a small bowl and sift to remove any clumps.
Time: PT30S
Whisk Matcha
Add 2 oz hot water (168°F) to the sifted matcha and whisk gently in a zig‑zag motion until a light foam forms, about 15‑20 seconds.
Time: PT45S
Temperature: 168°F
Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz Hendrick's gin, 0.75 oz Ora almond syrup, the whisked matcha, 1.5 oz unsweetened almond milk, and a cup of ice.
Time: PT1M
Shake Cocktail
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10‑12 seconds until the mixture is well‑chilled and frothy.
Time: PT30S
Strain and Serve
Double‑strain the shaken cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass, ensuring a smooth, ice‑free drink.
Time: PT30S
Garnish with Matcha Dust
Using the fine mesh strainer, lightly dust the surface of the drink with a pinch of sifted matcha for a vibrant finish.
Time: PT15S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan
Allergens: Almond
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Hendrick's Gin: London dry gin, any quality gin
- Instead of Ora Almond‑Flavored Simple Syrup: almond syrup, simple syrup with almond extract
- Instead of Ceremonial Grade Matcha: culinary grade matcha
- Instead of Unsweetened Almond Milk: oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk
Equipment Needed
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Bamboo Matcha Whisk
- Cocktail Shaker (Boston shaker)
- Martini Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sift Matcha
- Whisk Matcha
- Double strain into glass
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ceremonial grade matcha for the brightest color and most delicate flavor.
- Chill the martini glass and the shaker beforehand for a crisp, cold cocktail.
- A bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) creates the best micro‑foam compared to a metal whisk.
Troubleshooting
Matcha clumps in the drink.
Always sift the matcha through a fine mesh strainer before whisking and whisk gently to fully dissolve any remaining particles.
Drink is not frothy enough.
Whisk the matcha until a light foam forms and shake the cocktail longer (12‑15 seconds) with plenty of ice.
Cocktail tastes overly bitter.
Add a touch more Ora almond syrup (up to 0.25 oz) or use a slightly sweeter almond milk.
Drink is too sweet.
Reduce the Ora syrup to 0.5 oz or increase the gin by 0.25 oz.
Storage
Refrigerator: If any cocktail remains, store in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; give a gentle shake before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed immediately; does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑sift the matcha and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prepare the matcha tea in advance and keep it chilled; give it a quick whisk before using.
- Chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5‑10 minutes for an extra‑cold presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of matcha in Japanese tea ceremony culture?
Matcha has been central to Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) for centuries, symbolizing mindfulness, hospitality, and the appreciation of seasonal beauty. The powdered green tea is whisked with hot water to create a frothy, vibrant drink that embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
How does the Gin and Jade Matcha Martini reflect modern fusion of Japanese and Western cocktail traditions?
The Gin and Jade combines the Japanese ritual of whisked matcha with a classic Western gin martini, marrying the earthy, grassy notes of ceremonial matcha with botanicals of Hendrick's gin. This fusion creates a balanced, contemporary cocktail that honors both cultures.
What traditional regional variations of matcha‑based drinks exist in Japan?
In Japan, matcha is traditionally served as a hot tea, but there are regional cold variations like matcha latte, matcha smoothies, and even matcha‑flavored sweets. Some regions add sweetened red bean paste or mochi, while modern bars experiment with spirits, similar to this martini.
What occasions or celebrations is matcha traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Matcha is often enjoyed during tea ceremonies, seasonal festivals, and special gatherings such as weddings and tea house events. It is also served during the Japanese tea ceremony on auspicious occasions to promote calm and focus.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic matcha tea versus the Gin and Jade cocktail?
Traditional matcha tea uses only high‑quality ceremonial matcha powder, hot water (around 160‑175°F), and sometimes a bamboo whisk. The Gin and Jade adds Hendrick's gin, Ora almond‑flavored simple syrup, and unsweetened almond milk to transform the tea into a cocktail while keeping the matcha as the star flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Gin and Jade Matcha Martini?
Common errors include skipping the sift, which leads to clumpy texture; whisking too aggressively, which can over‑aerate the matcha; using water that’s too hot, which burns the delicate flavor; and shaking insufficiently, resulting in a flat, un‑frothy drink.
Why does this recipe use a fine mesh strainer for both sifting matcha and double‑straining the cocktail?
The fine mesh strainer removes any undissolved matcha particles before whisking, ensuring a smooth base, and double‑straining after shaking eliminates ice shards and residual matcha, giving the final martini a silky, clear appearance.
Can I make the Gin and Jade Matcha Martini ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prepare the whisked matcha tea in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Store the gin, Ora syrup, and almond milk separately, then combine and shake just before serving to retain the frothy texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Gin and Jade Matcha Martini is done?
The cocktail should have a light, velvety foam on top, a vivid emerald hue, and a smooth, ice‑free surface. A thin dusting of matcha on the foam adds visual contrast and signals proper frothing.
What does the YouTube channel The Elixir Lounge specialize in?
The YouTube channel The Elixir Lounge focuses on creative cocktail recipes, mixology techniques, and modern twists on classic drinks, often incorporating unique ingredients like matcha, herbs, and artisanal syrups.
How does the YouTube channel The Elixir Lounge's approach to cocktail creation differ from other mixology channels?
The Elixir Lounge blends bar‑back fundamentals with experimental flavors, emphasizing ingredient quality (e.g., ceremonial matcha) and visual presentation, whereas many other channels stick to traditional recipes without such cross‑cultural experimentation.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
