This easy recipe for Starbucks Matcha Tea Lemonade is a bright, invigorating and refreshing lemonade flavored with matcha green tea.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder consisting of finely milled green tea leaves.
Traditionally, matcha is used in tea ceremonies, but has become popular in drinks such as matcha lattes, and in baking such as matcha chiffon cake.
Check out my Beginner's Guide to Matcha for more information on this vibrant green tea and how I use it in these matcha recipes.
What is a matcha tea lemonade?
Matcha tea lemonade is a beverage from Starbucks consisting of brewed matcha green tea mixed with lemonade.
It's usually served iced and lightly sweetened with liquid cane sugar or simple syrup.
Why you'll love this recipe
Easy to make: this green tea lemonade recipe is delicious and quick to whip up.
Refreshing: the taste of this drink is bright, refreshing and invigorating from the crisp tanginess of the lemonade mixed with the earthy green tea.
Economical and customizable: it costs way less to make it at home and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Equipment you'll need
- cocktail shaker: or you can use a large mason jar with a secure lid
Ingredients you'll need
For this recipe, you'll need:
- matcha powder: unsweetened matcha green tea powder; choose a high-quality matcha for the best flavor -- preferably ceremonial grade matcha
- lemonade: is a drink consisting of lemon juice, water and sweetener; you can make your own lemonade using fresh lemon juice, water and sugar, or use store-bought
- ice cubes
- simple syrup: or any sweetener such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc; optional, to your taste
How to make matcha lemonade
Brew the matcha tea:
In a heat-proof vessel, add in matcha powder and ¼ C hot water (about 176°F/80°C).
Whisk until the matcha powder has dissolved.
Assemble the drink:
In a tall cocktail shaker with a lid or mason jar with secure lid, add in ice cubes, ¼ C matcha tea, 1 C lemonade.
Add in sweetener if using.
Secure the lid onto the jar and give it a good shake.
Pour the shaken matcha tea lemonade along with the ice into a tall glass, give it a stir with a straw and enjoy.
You can garnish with a few lemon slices if you wish.
Variations
You have the option of incorporating sweeteners like simple syrup, maple syrup, honey, or agave.
Instead of lemonade, try adding yuzu citrus juice, mint, or for additional fizz, sub in sparkling/carbonated water (but don't shake the drink if using sparkling water).
You can use your own homemade lemonade if you have fresh lemons on hand.
Combine ¼ C fresh lemon juice with ¼ C granulated sugar and ½ C hot water in a tall glass. Stir in 1 C cold water, or more to your taste.
In case you don't have fresh lemons available, you can swiftly prepare lemonade by using bottled lemon juice -- mix 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 tablespoon sugar and ¼ C hot water. Stir in ¼ C cold water.
Notes
Starbucks uses matcha powder that is already sweetened. This recipe uses pure unsweetened matcha powder.
You can change the ratio according to your taste: add more lemonade for a more tangier drink, or add more sweetener if you prefer a sweeter drink.
FAQs
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Matcha does contain caffeine.
However, it is high in antioxidants and contains l-theanine, an amino acid that slows down caffeine absorption.
Why does my matcha taste bitter?
If you're new to matcha, you may want to start with ½ teaspoon of matcha and gradually increase as you get used to the flavor.
Choose a high-quality matcha -- it should not look dull in color, and have a bright, slight vegetal taste.
The temperature of the hot water can affect the flavor of matcha -- once the water has come to a boil, let it cool down for about 5 minutes, so it reaches a temperature of about 80 C. This will prevent the tea from being scorched, which can add an unpleasant flavor.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Feel free to increase the recipe and make a large pitcher and keep it in the fridge. Be sure to give it a stir before pouring as the matcha powder will settle to the bottom.
Can I omit the lemonade?
Yes, you can omit the lemonade for a regular iced Matcha Tea.
Other Starbucks copycat recipes
Be sure to check out these Starbucks copycat drink recipes:
Starbucks Iced Passion Tea Lemonade (2 Ingredients)
Iced Doppio Espresso with Oat Milk (Starbucks Copycat)
Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade (Starbucks Copycat)
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Matcha Tea Lemonade (Starbucks Copycat)
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder unsweetened
- ¼ C hot water about about 176°F/80°C
- 1 C ice cubes
- 1 C lemonade
- simple syrup optional, to your taste
Instructions
Brew the matcha tea:
- In a heat-proof vessel, add in matcha powder and ¼ C hot water.
- Whisk until the matcha powder has dissolved.
Assemble the drink:
- In a tall shaker with a lid or mason jar with secure lid, add in ice cubes, matcha tea, and lemonade.
- Add in sweetener if using.
- Secure the lid onto the jar and give it a good shake.
- Pour the shaken matcha tea lemonade along with the ice into a tall glass, give it a stir with a straw and enjoy.
Notes
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
When lemonade can be healthier 🙂 Great idea to incorporate matcha tea - and terrific colour!
Dawn
I didn't even realize they had a matcha tea lemonade! There's no need for store-bought, I can just make some at home. Looks super refreshing and delicious!
David @ Spiced
We don't go to Starbucks very often at all, but their drinks do sound delicious. I love the lemon + matcha combination here. This would be perfect for a warm summer afternoon!