Speak low

Speak low is a easy International recipe that serves 1. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by More Savory Goods on YouTube.

Prep: 3 min | Cook: PT0S | Total: 8 min

Cost: $11.77 total, $11.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon Matcha Powder (culinary grade, sifted)
  • 1 ounce Aged Rum (Bacardi aged rum or any dark rum)
  • 1 ounce White Rum (Bacardi white rum or any light rum)
  • 0.5 ounce PX Cherry Liqueur (Pedro Ximenez cherry liqueur, sweet)
  • 1 cup Ice (regular ice cubes for shaking; clear ice cubes for serving)

Instructions

  1. Whisk Matcha with Rum

    Add 1 tsp sifted matcha powder to a small bowl, pour in 1 oz aged rum and 1 oz white rum, then use a milk frother to whisk until the matcha is fully dissolved and the mixture is frothy.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Strain into Mixing Tin

    Pour the whisked mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a mixing tin to catch any remaining matcha particles.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Add Sweetener and Shake

    Add 0.5 oz PX cherry liqueur and a handful of regular ice to the mixing tin, then shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Prepare Glass

    Fill an old‑fashioned glass with clear ice cubes.

    Time: PT30S

  5. Double Strain into Glass

    Using a fine mesh strainer, double strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass over the clear ice.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
190
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Alcohol

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Speak low

Recipe by More Savory Goods

A velvety, almost chocolatey cocktail that blends earthy matcha with aged and white rum, sweetened with PX cherry liqueur. Inspired by Shingo Gokan's award‑winning Speak Low, this modern twist is perfect for a West Village night or any home bar.

EasyInternationalServes 1

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

Source Video
2m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.77
Total cost
$11.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fully dissolve the matcha with the milk frother
  • Shake the cocktail until the shaker is frosted
  • Double strain to achieve a silky texture

Safety Warnings

  • Consume responsibly; do not drink if under the legal drinking age.
  • Handle the shaker carefully to avoid spills and potential cuts from broken ice.
  • Alcohol can be flammable; keep away from open flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Speak Low Cocktail in modern cocktail culture?

A

The Speak Low Cocktail was created by Shingo Gokan and won the Bacardi competition in 2012, showcasing the then‑novel use of matcha in spirits. It represents a fusion of Japanese tea culture with classic rum cocktails, highlighting the rise of matcha as a mainstream ingredient.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of the Speak Low Cocktail in Shanghai versus the West Village?

A

In Shanghai, the original Speak Low often used locally sourced Chinese teas and a single type of rum, while the West Village version popularized by More Savory Goods adds PX cherry for a sweeter finish and uses both aged and white Bacardi rums for balance.

cultural
Q

How is the Speak Low Cocktail traditionally served in Shanghai cocktail bars?

A

Shanghai bars typically serve it in a chilled coupe glass without ice, focusing on the aromatic matcha‑rum blend. The West Village adaptation prefers an old‑fashioned glass with clear ice to keep the drink cold and visually striking.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Speak Low Cocktail traditionally associated with in contemporary cocktail culture?

A

The Speak Low Cocktail is popular at upscale cocktail evenings, tasting events, and celebrations that emphasize innovative ingredients, such as matcha‑infused drinks. Its elegant appearance makes it a favorite for brunches and after‑work gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic Speak Low Cocktail versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe calls for high‑grade matcha, aged rum, white rum (often Bacardi), and PX cherry liqueur. Substitutes can include other green tea powders, dark or spiced rum, and alternative cherry liqueurs like maraschino, though flavor will vary.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese‑inspired cocktails pair well with the Speak Low Cocktail in a tasting menu?

A

Pair the Speak Low with a yuzu‑sake highball, a saké‑infused Manhattan, or a ginger‑shiso mojito to continue the Japanese flavor thread while offering contrasting profiles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Speak Low Cocktail at home?

A

Common errors include not fully dissolving the matcha, over‑shaking which dilutes the drink, and failing to double strain, resulting in a gritty texture. Follow the critical steps for whisking, shaking until the shaker is frosted, and double straining.

technical
Q

Why does this Speak Low Cocktail recipe use a milk frother to whisk matcha instead of a traditional shaker?

A

A milk frother creates a fine, aerated emulsion that fully incorporates the matcha into the rum without creating large bubbles, giving the cocktail its signature velvety mouthfeel before it is shaken with ice.

technical
Q

Can I make the Speak Low Cocktail ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can whisk the matcha‑rum base ahead and keep it sealed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the PX cherry and ice, then shake and serve just before drinking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel More Savory Goods specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel More Savory Goods specializes in modern cocktail creations, ingredient deep‑dives, and approachable bar‑tech tutorials that blend classic techniques with contemporary flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel More Savory Goods' approach to cocktail making differ from other cocktail channels?

A

More Savory Goods focuses on clear, step‑by‑step visual explanations, often highlighting unusual ingredient pairings like matcha and rum, and emphasizes home‑bar accessibility with equipment most viewers already own.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

MATCHA MARTINI: The Next Big Thing?!
3

MATCHA MARTINI: The Next Big Thing?!

A vibrant green cocktail that swaps the espresso base of a classic Espresso Martini for a bold, silky matcha infusion. Combined with vanilla‑infused vodka, white rum, cane sugar syrup and a pinch of saline solution, this drink delivers espresso‑like intensity, subtle white‑chocolate notes, and a smooth foamy finish.

11 minServes 1$36
Japanese‑Inspired Cocktail
A Matcha Martini Is The Razzle Dazzle Your Next Cocktail Needs
4

A Matcha Martini Is The Razzle Dazzle Your Next Cocktail Needs

A vibrant, vegan-friendly Matcha Martini that combines earthy matcha, smooth vodka, almond milk, and a touch of vanilla. Shaken, dry‑shaken, and finished with a silky foam and a dusting of matcha, this cocktail is perfect for a modern twist on green drinks.

10 minServes 1$20
International
$300 Chocolate Bar?!
2

$300 Chocolate Bar?!

A guided tasting of the ultra‑luxury 2019 Harvest chocolate bar, one of the world's most expensive chocolates at $300 per bar. Follow the careful unwrapping, slicing, and tasting steps to experience its dark, complex flavor profile.

14 minServes 1$7
International
Upgraded Dalgona Coffee Recipe Home
2

Upgraded Dalgona Coffee Recipe Home

A layered coffee cocktail that combines a light, fluffy Dalgona coffee foam with vanilla oat milk and a blend of coffee liqueur, bourbon, dark creme de cacao, and hazelnut syrup. Served over clear ice in a chilled double‑rocks glass, this drink is sweet, aromatic, and perfect for coffee‑loving cocktail enthusiasts.

11 minServes 1$91
Modern Cocktail
DIY Matcha Martini
2

DIY Matcha Martini

A vibrant green martini that blends earthy matcha with sweet Canton Ginger liqueur, creamy coconut milk, gin, and a hint of amaretto. Topped with a light matcha‑ginger foam and a pinch of nutmeg, this cocktail offers a balanced mix of earthy, sweet, and nutty flavors—perfect for a modern Japanese‑inspired cocktail experience.

18 minServes 1$17
Japanese
CLARIFIED MATCHA PUNCH: Silky Smooth, Packed with Flavour!
5

CLARIFIED MATCHA PUNCH: Silky Smooth, Packed with Flavour!

A silky, luxurious cocktail that combines the earthy flavor of high‑quality matcha with a milk‑clarified rum base. Two versions are presented: a pineapple‑cinnamon‑infused punch with matcha mixed in, and a more neutral punch where the matcha is floated on top for a striking visual effect.

41 minServes 2$38
Fusion
Matcha version espresso martini
2

Matcha version espresso martini

A vibrant twist on the classic espresso martini that swaps coffee for earthy matcha. This cocktail blends vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, sweet vanilla syrup, and a splash of freshly whisked matcha, finished with a swirl of whipped cream for silky smoothness.

10 minServes 1$14
International
Matcha Martini 🍸
2

Matcha Martini 🍸

A vibrant, Japanese‑inspired cocktail that blends the earthy flavor of matcha with smooth vodka, sweet white chocolate liqueur, and a hint of vanilla. Quick to make, perfect for a sophisticated after‑dinner drink or a stylish party starter.

12 minServes 1$7
Japanese