Matcha Margarita Recipe: How to Make a Vibrant Green Cocktail

This matcha margarita is bright, refreshing, and delicious. The earthy umami of matcha balances nicely with a touch of sweetener, Cointreau, and blanco tequila to make a vibrant, somewhat healthier cocktail. Because matcha contains caffeine, this margarita works equally well for brunch or an afternoon pool party, girls’ night, or any time you want a flavorful twist on a classic.

matcha margarita garnished with a slice of lime in a small glass with a gold cocktail shaker in the background

Why You’ll Love This Matcha Margarita Recipe

I’m a self-proclaimed margarita queen and love a classic, but I also enjoy experimenting with new flavors. This matcha margarita started as one of those experiments and turned out so well I make it again and again. Matcha is versatile, packed with antioxidants, and carries caffeine similar to coffee, so this cocktail has a pleasant lift while staying unexpectedly fresh.

The slightly grassy, savory notes of matcha pair well with citrus and orange liqueur, and the drink can be adapted many ways. Below you’ll find ingredient guidance, simple preparation steps, FAQs, and serving ideas. Make it on ice, batch it for a crowd, or blend it for a frozen version—the base recipe is easy to scale.

Matcha Margarita Ingredients

This margarita is straightforward and uses common cocktail ingredients plus matcha powder. Keep quality tequila and good matcha on hand for the best flavor.

  • Blanco tequila
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Cointreau or other orange liqueur
  • Agave syrup (or honey/simple syrup)
  • Matcha powder

What Kind of Matcha Powder Do I Use?

Matcha comes in ceremonial, culinary, and ingredient grades. Ceremonial is best for drinking straight and is a lovely option here, but culinary grade is more affordable and works great in cocktails. Avoid the lowest ingredient grade typically reserved for baking. In short: culinary grade is a solid, cost-effective choice for this margarita.

How to Make Matcha Margs

pouring tequila into the cocktail shaker

Step 1: Fill + Shake

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, agave syrup, and matcha powder. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

adding agave and lime juice to the cocktail shaker

Step 2: Strain

Strain the margarita into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

adding matcha powder to the cocktail shaker and shaking it

FAQs

What other alcohol pairs well with matcha?

Matcha’s savory, earthy notes work with many spirits. Try it with a smoky whiskey, a flavored vodka, or rum (a matcha-twist on a mojito would be fun). Taste preferences vary, so experiment to discover your favorite pairing.

What does matcha do for you?

Matcha is a concentrated green tea rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. It also contains caffeine—often comparable to a cup of coffee—so it can give you a gentle energy boost when enjoyed in moderation.

What can I use leftover matcha for?

Leftover matcha is versatile: bake it into cakes or cupcakes, stir it into a latte by mixing a small amount with warm water before adding milk, or blend it into smoothies for color and a mild caffeine lift.

straining the matcha cocktail into an old fashioned glass over ice

Variations

  • Rim the glass with Tajín or add jalapeño slices for a spicy matcha margarita.
  • Use vanilla chai syrup for a matcha chai margarita with warm spice notes.
  • Muddle berries with lime juice to add a fruity dimension.
  • Add a splash of Baileys or another cream liqueur to make a creamy, iced-matcha-latte–style cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

This margarita works for evening cocktails or as a lively brunch drink. Its fresh green color and bright flavor make it a lovely accompaniment to lighter brunch fare. Consider serving alongside pastries, savory quiche, or lemon-forward baked goods for a balanced spread.

Pair it with muffins, cinnamon rolls, lemon loaf, or a quiche for a satisfying brunch menu.

an old-fashioned glass full of a green margarita with a lime wedge on top for garnish, and match powder in the background

More Margarita Recipes To Try

  • Blood Orange Margaritas
  • Cara Cara Orange Margaritas
  • Raspberry Margarita
  • Italian Margarita
  • Grapefruit Rosé Gold Margarita

If you make this Matcha Margarita, tag the creator on social media and share your photos—it’s always fun to see variations and how people style the drink.

matcha margarita garnished with a lime slice

Matcha Margarita

Recipe By Elizabeth Van Lierde
5
5
Servings: 1 margarita
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This Matcha Margarita is refreshing and bright. The matcha’s earthy notes pair wonderfully with sweetener, Cointreau, and tequila to create a vibrant cocktail that’s great for brunch or any gathering.

ingredients

 

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur
  • ½ oz agave syrup
  • ½ tsp matcha powder

instructions

 

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, agave syrup, and matcha powder. Shake for 15–20 seconds.
  • Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

notes

Ingredient Note: If you don’t have agave, honey or simple syrup work well as substitutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: matcha margarita ingredients, matcha margarita recipe, spicy matcha margarita

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matcha margarita garnished with a lime slice