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
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
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
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
Prepare Glass
Fill an old‑fashioned glass with clear ice cubes.
Time: PT30S
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Matcha Powder: green tea powder, matcha latte mix (unsweetened)
- Instead of Aged Rum: dark rum, spiced rum
- Instead of White Rum: light rum, white rum
- Instead of PX Cherry Liqueur: cherry liqueur, maraschino liqueur
- Instead of Ice: regular ice
Equipment Needed
- Milk Frother
- Mixing Tin
- Cocktail Shaker
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Old‑Fashioned Glass
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully dissolve the matcha with the milk frother
- Shake the cocktail until the shaker is frosted
- Double strain to achieve a silky texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality matcha for a smoother, less bitter flavor.
- Clear ice can be made by boiling water, cooling it, and freezing in silicone molds.
- Serve the cocktail in a chilled glass for an extra crisp mouthfeel.
Troubleshooting
Matcha remains clumpy after whisking.
Sift the matcha before adding and use a milk frother on high speed; you can also warm the rum slightly (no more than 30°C) to help dissolve.
Cocktail is too sweet.
Reduce the PX cherry liqueur to 0.25 oz or add a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness.
Drink is cloudy after shaking.
Ensure you double strain through a fine mesh; also make sure the ice is clean and not melting too quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: The whisked matcha‑rum base can be sealed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Not recommended; alcohol may become cloudy.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whisk the matcha with the rums ahead of time and keep the base sealed in the fridge; add ice and shake just before serving.
- Prepare clear ice cubes a day in advance for the best presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Speak Low Cocktail in modern cocktail culture?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Speak Low Cocktail in Shanghai versus the West Village?
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.
How is the Speak Low Cocktail traditionally served in Shanghai cocktail bars?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is the Speak Low Cocktail traditionally associated with in contemporary cocktail culture?
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.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic Speak Low Cocktail versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other Japanese‑inspired cocktails pair well with the Speak Low Cocktail in a tasting menu?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Speak Low Cocktail at home?
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.
Why does this Speak Low Cocktail recipe use a milk frother to whisk matcha instead of a traditional shaker?
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.
Can I make the Speak Low Cocktail ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel More Savory Goods specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel More Savory Goods' approach to cocktail making differ from other cocktail channels?
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.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
