3 Matcha Cocktails for summer

3 Matcha Cocktails for summer is a medium Japanese‑Inspired Cocktail recipe that serves 1. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by The Educated Barfly on YouTube.

Prep: 9 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 19 min

Cost: $41.67 total, $41.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.125 tsp Matcha Powder (sifted to prevent clumping)
  • 1 oz Water (room temperature, for dissolving matcha)
  • 0.75 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, homemade or store‑bought)
  • 3.5 oz Soda Water (chilled, for Heishi Mochi cocktail)
  • 7 dashes Peychaud's Bitters (high‑proof, adds anise and spice notes)
  • 1.5 oz Gin (London dry or Kyoto‑style dried gin)
  • 1 tsp Matcha Powder (sifted, for First Lady cocktail)
  • 0.5 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau (or any orange‑flavored triple sec)
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (for First Lady cocktail)
  • 1 large Egg White (pasteurized if concerned about salmonella)
  • 2 leaves Basil Leaves (fresh, gently pressed)
  • 1.25 oz Gin (Kyoto distillery Kenobi Dried Gin or Roku Gin)
  • 0.125 tsp Matcha Powder (sifted, for Yuzu Salty Dog)
  • 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (prefer fresh; bottled juice acceptable)
  • 0.5 oz Yuzu Juice (can substitute with a mix of lemon‑lime juice)
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (for Yuzu Salty Dog)
  • pinch Salt (for rimming the glass)
  • 1 slice Grapefruit Wheel (for garnish and rim)
  • Ice (crushed or cubed as needed for each drink)

Instructions

  1. Sift Matcha for Heishi Mochi

    Place 1/4 tsp matcha powder into a tea strainer and sift into a small mixing bowl to eliminate clumps.

    Time: PT30S

  2. Create Matcha Base

    Add 1 oz room‑temperature water and 0.75 oz simple syrup to the sifted matcha. Whisk vigorously until fully dissolved and a thin foam forms.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Assemble Heishi Mochi Bitters & Soda

    Fill a chilled highball glass with ice, pour the matcha mixture over the ice, then slowly add 3‑4 oz chilled soda water to maintain layers. Top with 6‑7 dashes of Peychaud's bitters.

    Time: PT45S

  4. Sift Matcha for First Lady

    Sift 1 tsp matcha powder into the shaker tin to avoid clumps.

    Time: PT20S

  5. Add Remaining First Lady Ingredients

    To the shaker, add 1.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz Cointreau, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 1 egg white, and 2 lightly bruised basil leaves.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Dry Shake

    Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds without ice to emulsify the egg white.

    Time: PT10S

  7. Add Ice and Shake Again

    Add a large ice cube and a smaller “cheater” cube, reseal, and shake for another 10‑12 seconds until the mixture is well‑chilled and frothy.

    Time: PT12S

  8. Strain and Garnish First Lady

    Strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf placed on top of the foam.

    Time: PT30S

  9. Prepare Glass for Yuzu Salty Dog

    Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a grapefruit slice, dip the rim into a shallow dish of salt, then set a fresh grapefruit wheel on the outside for garnish.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Mix Yuzu Salty Dog Base

    In a shaker tin, combine 1.25 oz gin, 0.125 tsp sifted matcha, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz yuzu juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Add ice and shake briefly (5‑6 seconds) to chill.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Layer and Serve Yuzu Salty Dog

    Strain the mixture over fresh ice in the salted rim glass, allowing the gin‑matcha layer to sit atop the citrus blend. Garnish with the grapefruit wheel.

    Time: PT30S

  12. Final Presentation

    Serve all three cocktails side‑by‑side, allowing guests to experience the progression from low‑ABV soda to a frothy sour and finally a layered salty‑citrus drink.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Egg

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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3 Matcha Cocktails for summer

Recipe by The Educated Barfly

Three refreshing, matcha‑infused cocktails inspired by Julia Momose’s *The Way of the Cocktail*. The set includes a low‑ABV Heishi Mochi Bitters & Soda, a frothy First Lady gin sour, and a vibrant Yuzu Salty Dog. Each drink showcases the earthy, vegetal flavor of matcha paired with complementary spirits, citrus, and bitters.

MediumJapanese‑Inspired CocktailServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$41.67
Total cost
$41.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sift matcha powder before any liquid to avoid clumping.
  • Dry shake the egg white for the First Lady to create a stable foam.
  • Layer soda water slowly over the matcha base in the Heishi cocktail.
  • Rim the Yuzu Salty Dog glass with salt for flavor contrast.

Safety Warnings

  • Bitters contain alcohol; consume responsibly.
  • Raw egg white may carry salmonella – use pasteurized eggs if concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of matcha cocktails in Japanese‑inspired mixology?

A

Matcha has been used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies for its calming, health‑boosting properties. Modern mixologists incorporate it into cocktails to blend traditional Japanese flavors with Western spirits, creating a bridge between ceremonial tea culture and contemporary bar culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of matcha‑based drinks in Japan?

A

In Japan, matcha is traditionally served as a hot tea, but regional variations include cold matcha drinks like matcha‑shiro (milk‑based) and matcha‑soda. Cocktail adaptations, such as the Heishi Mochi, are modern interpretations that honor the vegetal flavor while adding carbonation or spirits.

cultural
Q

How is the Heishi Mochi Bitters & Soda traditionally served in Japanese bars?

A

While not a classic Japanese bar drink, the Heishi Mochi concept mimics the Japanese practice of balancing bitter, sweet, and umami. It is typically served in a chilled highball glass with ice, layered soda, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters on top.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the First Lady cocktail associated with in modern cocktail culture?

A

The First Lady, with its elegant foam and botanical gin base, is popular at cocktail parties, brunches, and upscale gatherings where a sophisticated sour is desired. Its bright citrus and herbal notes make it a fitting celebratory drink for spring and summer events.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for the Yuzu Salty Dog and what can be substituted?

A

Authentic Yuzu Salty Dog calls for fresh yuzu juice, high‑quality gin, and Japanese matcha. If yuzu juice is unavailable, a blend of lemon‑lime juice with a dash of grapefruit can approximate its bright, slightly bitter profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the First Lady cocktail?

A

Common errors include over‑shaking, which breaks the delicate foam, and under‑sifting the matcha, leading to a gritty texture. Also, using too much ice can dilute the balance; a large cube plus a smaller “cheater” cube provides dilution without over‑watering.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a dry shake for the egg white instead of shaking with ice from the start?

A

A dry shake emulsifies the egg white proteins before dilution, creating a stable, glossy foam. Adding ice later cools the drink without collapsing the foam, resulting in a silky texture.

technical
Q

Can I make any of these matcha cocktails ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

You can pre‑mix the matcha‑water‑simple syrup base for the Heishi Mochi and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The First Lady and Yuzu Salty Dog should be assembled fresh, but you can store the gin‑matcha mixture for the Salty Dog in a sealed bottle for a few hours.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Educated Barfly specialize in?

A

The Educated Barfly focuses on creative, well‑researched cocktail recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often highlighting unique ingredients like matcha and exploring spirits from around the world.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Educated Barfly's approach to Japanese‑inspired cocktails differ from other cocktail channels?

A

The Educated Barfly emphasizes scientific precision, detailed ingredient sourcing, and cultural context, whereas many channels prioritize visual flair. This channel often dives into the history of ingredients like matcha and pairs them with rigorous technique.

channel

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