Yuzu Matcha Martini: A Green Twist to Cocktail Hour

Yuzu Matcha Martini Recipe by a Bartender

Yuzu Matcha Martini Recipe by a Bartender

Nio Team

Servings

1

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Calories

190

Cuisine

Japanese

Category

Drink

This vibrant yuzu matcha martini blends earthy matcha with bright citrus and smooth vodka for a perfectly balanced cocktail. This refreshing drink is light, aromatic and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you serve it straight up or try an on the rocks yuzu matcha martini, the combination of fresh yuzu juice and finely whisked matcha creates a silky texture and a stunning green hue that’s guaranteed to impress.


Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon ceremonial grade matcha

  • 1 oz yuzu juice (fresh is best)

  • 2 oz vodka

  • 1/2 oz simple syrup 

  • Ice

  • lemon slice

Directions

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    1. Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl to remove clumps. Add 1–2 tablespoons of cool water and whisk until completely smooth and lump-free. This ensures your yuzu matcha martini has a silky texture instead of grainy matcha sediment.

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    1. Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Add the whisked matcha, yuzu juice, vodka and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and lightly frothy.

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    1. For a classic yuzu matcha martini, strain into a chilled martini glass. If you prefer an on the rocks yuzu matcha martini, strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass for a slower-sipping version.

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    1. Finish your yuzu matcha martini with a twist of lemon peel or a thin slice of yuzu for a bright citrus aroma and an Instagram-worthy presentation.

    Explanation of the Ingredients of the Yuzu Matcha Martini

    Yuzu matcha martini recipe ingredients including matcha powder, yuzu juice, and spirits

    Yuzu

    So what exactly is the fruit being used in this yuzu matcha martini? Yuzu is a fragrant citrus fruit from East Asia and it's commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It looks like a small, bumpy grapefruit, but it tastes like a lemon, lime and grapefruit combined.

    Matcha

    Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder made from shaded tea leaves that are stone-ground into a fine powder. Unlike loose leaf tea, you consume the whole leaf when you drink matcha, which gives it a bold green color, a creamy texture, and a signature umami taste.

    Why Does Matcha Work in a Martini?

    Matcha brings a rich, grassy depth and a slightly sweet, savory finish that pairs surprisingly well with citrus and clean spirits. If you're curious about 👉 What Does Matcha Taste Like, that signature umami quality is exactly what makes it shine in a cocktail. In a yuzu matcha martini, it adds body and complexity so the drink tastes more like a crafted cocktail than a simple flavored vodka mix.

    Martini

    A martini is a classic cocktail traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth and served very cold. Today, the word "martini" is also used for modern variations that keep the same idea: a chilled, spirit-forward drink served in a martini glass, often with a signature flavor twist. For more matcha cocktail inspiration, check out 👉 Matcha Martini Recipe.

     

    What Does "On the Rocks" Mean?

    Yuzu matcha martini served on the rocks in a lowball glass with ice

    In cocktail language, "on the rocks" simply means the drink is served over ice. Instead of being strained into a chilled martini glass, an on the rocks yuzu matcha martini is poured directly onto fresh ice in a lowball (rocks) glass.

    The ice keeps it cold and slightly dilutes the cocktail as you sip, which can soften the matcha's intensity and make the yuzu feel even brighter. It's a more relaxed, slower-sipping version of the same drink, perfect if you prefer a smoother finish. If you enjoy experimenting with 👉 Matcha Margarita Recipe and other matcha-based cocktails, the on the rocks style is well worth trying.

    Want to explore more creative ways to use matcha? Browse our full matcha range or discover 👉 Matcha Benefits to understand why this ingredient goes far beyond the teacup.

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