If you love creamy drinks with a tangy edge, Matcha Calpico is a fun and refreshing take on the classic Japanese soft drink. Combining the earthy, umami notes of matcha with the sweet-and-sour yogurt flavor of Calpico (aka Calpis), this homemade version is light, bright, and perfect over ice.
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What is Calpico?
Calpico [also known as Calpis in Japan] is a popular Japanese non-carbonated soft drink made from fermented milk, with a flavor that’s slightly tangy, sweet, and creamy, similar to yogurt.
It’s often served diluted with water or milk and is available in many fruit flavors.
There are many versions of Calpico, including ready-to-drink, concentrates (where you need to dilute with water), or fizzy/carbonated soda variations.
This version takes Calpico's sweet and tart flavor and pairs it with the earthy bitterness of matcha with a splash of carbonation for bubbly refreshment!
What's the difference between Calpico and Yakult?
Yakult is a probiotic drink with live cultures that is sweet, tangy, and creamier than Calpico.
Calpico does not contain any live probiotic cultures, and is more watered down compared to yakult.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese finely ground green tea.
If you're new to matcha, be sure to check out my Beginner's Guide to Matcha.
Why you'll love this recipe
Unique: matcha green tea and Calpico is a fun, balanced flavor combo!
Not too sweet: the flavors are naturally tangy and creamy which work well together.
Refreshing: and slightly bubbly, served over ice.
Customizable: easily adjust the amount of Calpico or green tea matcha to your taste.
Ingredients you'll need
- matcha: choose a high quality matcha powder for the best flavor and color
- hot water: about 80°C / 176°F
- Calpico/Calpis: a tangy and slightly sweet fermented milk
- carbonated/sparkling water
- ice cubes
Where to find?
You can find these ingredients at Japanese or Asian supermarkets. Find Calpico in the beverage aisle, or refrigerated section.
How to make matcha calpico
Prepare the matcha:
In a small bowl, sift matcha powder and whisk with hot water using a chasen (bamboo whisk) or milk frother until smooth and frothy.
Assemble:
Fill a serving glass with ice.
Pour in the Calpico.
Add in the sparkling water.
Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the sparkling water.
Give it a stir and enjoy immediately.
Expert tips
More matcha flavor? Double the matcha for a bolder taste.
Don't want it bubbly? Swap out the sparkling water with cold water.
Other matcha drink recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these matcha recipes:
Did you make this recipe?
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Matcha Calpico
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
Matcha:
- ½ teaspoon matcha sifted
- 2 tablespoon hot water about 80°C / 176°F
Calpico:
- 80 ml Calpico or Calpis (1 mini container)
- 125 ml carbonated/sparkling water
- ice cubes
Instructions
Prepare the matcha:
- In a small bowl, sift matcha powder and whisk with hot water using a chasen (bamboo whisk) or milk frother until smooth and frothy.
Assemble:
- Fill a serving glass with ice.
- Pour in the Calpico.
- Add in the sparkling water.
- Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the sparkling water.
- Give it a 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.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I've never heard of / tried Calpico, so I'm intrigued with this recipe - his beverage is certainly one of the most unique drink creations I've ever seen.
Michelle
Thanks Ben! Calpico is typically found at Asian supermarkets, so you may need to make a trip to one to find it! 🙂
Raymund | angsarap.net
Your combos coming out recently are out of this world! Like this, never had thought of combining this two and for some reason I am excited to try it.
Michelle
Ahh, thank you Raymund! So refreshing with the slightly tangy and creaminess of Calpico!