This recipe for Iced Matcha Coconut Water is hydrating and refreshing, combining the grassy flavor of matcha green tea with the natural sweetness of coconut water.
Matcha green tea and coconut are one of my favorite flavor pairings, as seen in my matcha coconut snowballs, or matcha coconut loaf.
What is matcha?
Matcha is the powdered form of finely ground green tea leaves.
Green tea originated in China and has been enjoyed in East Asian cultures for numerous centuries.
The focal point of the Japanese tea ceremony tradition revolves around the meticulous process of preparing, serving, and relishing the powdered green tea, a practice that has gained heightened popularity in more recent times.
For more reading on this green tea, read my Beginner's Guide to Matcha.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a sweet, slightly vegetal, grassy flavor.
Why you'll love this recipe
This Matcha Coconut Water recipe is:
Easy to make: with only a few ingredients, it's super quick and delicious drink to whip up.
Energizing and different: a great variation for when you want something other than a matcha latte or plain matcha tea.
Vegan, gluten free and dairy free: naturally free from any dairy products.
The coconut water is naturally sweet and refreshing and pairs well with the earthy flavors of matcha green tea.
Ingredients you'll need
- coconut water: you can use any natural coconut water; the one I'm using is naturally pink in color, but you can use regular coconut water which is clear in color
- matcha powder: use a high-grade ceremonial matcha green tea powder for the best flavor and color
- water
- ice
How to make matcha coconut water
Heat up water in a kettle.
In a small heat-safe bowl, add in matcha powder.
Pour hot water (about 80°C/176°F) into the matcha powder and whisk.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour in coconut water.
Carefully pour the matcha over the coconut water.
Stick in a straw, stir and enjoy immediately.
How to store
It's best to enjoy the Matcha Coconut Water as soon as its prepared.
If making a larger batch, blend the coconut water and matcha together and store in the refrigerator without ice.
Be sure to give the mixture a good stir before serving as the matcha powder will settle.
FAQs & expert tips
How to create the layers?
The key to creating the layers is using hot water to brew the matcha portion and floating it on top of the ice cubes, as in my Matcha Espresso Fusion.
Why is the coconut water pink?
The pink hue of this coconut water is attributed to the presence of polyphenol oxidase (antioxidants) -- these polyphenols transform into a pink shade upon contact with oxygen and exposure to sunlight, in a similar manner to apples being exposed to oxygen.
This particular coconut water also does not contain any additives such as ascorbic acid or vitamin C, which is typically added to prevent the coconut water from turning color (pink, in this case).
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes, matcha does have caffeine. However, it is rich in healthy antioxidants, and l-theanine, which is an amino acid that slows down the absorption of caffeine.
Can I add sweetener?
If you're new to enjoying matcha, you can add a little sweetener of your choice to the matcha coconut water.
Can I swap the coconut water for coconut milk?
Yes, you can definitely change it up and turn it into a matcha coconut latte.
Other matcha drink recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes
Matcha Tea Lemonade (Starbucks Copycat)
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Iced Matcha Coconut Water
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Instructions
- Heat up water in a kettle.
- In a small heat-safe bowl, add in matcha powder.
- Pour hot water (about 80°C/176°F) into the matcha powder and whisk.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in coconut water.
- Carefully pour the matcha over the coconut water.
- Stick in a straw, stir and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
David @ Spiced
This reminds me of those waters that some of the fancy hotels always keep in the lobby for guests. I've always thought to myself, "I should make this at home." Put that one into this category, too! It sounds delicious and refreshing!