Beat the heat with this vibrant Matcha Lemonade, whisking bright citrus and earthy green tea powder into a perfectly balanced summer sipper. Just shake or stir everything together with cold water for an energizing drink that’s ready in moments. It’s the ideal refresher for sunny afternoons, offering a cooling lift wherever you lounge.
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Ingredients for Matcha Lemonade
For the matcha base
- Hot water – Just enough to dissolve the matcha into a smooth paste.
- High-quality matcha powder – Don’t skimp here; the better the matcha, the richer the flavor.
For the lemonade
- Fresh lemon juice – Always use fresh for that bright, zesty kick.
- Granulated sugar – Adjust to your sweetness preference, but this amount creates the perfect balance.
To assemble
- Cold water – Keeps everything refreshing and perfectly diluted.
- Ice cubes – Essential for serving it chilled and crisp.
- Lemon slices – A simple yet beautiful garnish that makes it feel extra special.
Cook Time for Refreshing Matcha Lemonade
I love a recipe that comes together in a flash, and this iced Matcha Lemonade is a perfect example. It’s one of my top summertime beverage ideas because you can have a pitcher ready in just ten minutes, with no cooking involved. The total time is so quick, you can whip it up on a whim when friends drop by.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
If you’re looking for another quick and zesty drink, you might enjoy my Lemon Ginger Tonic, which is just as simple to prepare.
How to Make Iced Matcha Lemonade
Making this sweet and tangy iced green tea drink is wonderfully straightforward. The key is getting that matcha paste perfectly smooth before you mix everything together. I’ll walk you through each simple step.
Step 1: Whisk the Matcha Paste
In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of hot water with 1 tablespoon of matcha powder using a bamboo whisk or small whisk until the mixture becomes a smooth, lump-free paste with a vibrant green color.
Step 2: Create the Sweet Lemon Base
In a large pitcher, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. Stir vigorously with a long spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a slightly thick, sweet lemon mixture. This is the foundation of your homemade lemonade sweetened with sugar.
Step 3: Combine Matcha and Lemon
Pour the prepared matcha paste into the pitcher with the lemon-sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the mixture becomes a uniform, light green liquid with no streaks.
Step 4: Add Water and Chill
Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir well with a spoon until the matcha, lemon juice, sugar, and water are fully blended into a smooth, consistent lemonade.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Fill serving glasses with 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour the matcha lemonade evenly into each glass over the ice, and garnish with a fresh lemon slice on the rim of each glass. You now have a beautiful chilled citrus beverage with matcha powder ready to serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making this cooling drink with lemon slices and ice countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to help you customize it perfectly. Here are my favorite ways to tweak this classic.
- Flavor Swap: For a herbal twist, muddle a few fresh basil or mint leaves in the pitcher before adding the water. It adds a wonderful aromatic layer that complements the matcha beautifully.
- Diet Tweak: To make a sugar-free version, simply replace the granulated sugar with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener, like monk fruit or erythritol. Alternatively, try my naturally sweet Watermelon Basil Juice.
- Texture Fix: If you don’t have a whisk, you can shake the matcha powder and hot water in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid until it’s perfectly smooth. It works like a charm!
- Storage Tip: The matcha-lemon base (without water and ice) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the cold water and ice just before serving for the freshest taste. For more great ideas, browse our full collection of healthy drink recipes.
Matcha Lemonade
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon high-quality matcha powder
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from about 3-4 lemons
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
Equipment
- small bowl
- large pitcher
- measuring cups
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of hot water with 1 tablespoon of matcha powder until no lumps remain and a smooth, vibrant green paste forms.
- In a large pitcher, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, stirring vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour the smooth matcha paste into the pitcher with the lemon-sugar mixture and stir thoroughly to combine into a uniform green liquid.
- Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fill serving glasses with 1 cup of ice cubes, pour the matcha lemonade over the ice, and garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This homemade Matcha Lemonade isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with goodness that makes you feel as good as it tastes. I love knowing that my refreshing summer sipper is doing something wonderful for my body too.
Matcha brings powerful antioxidants called catechins, which according to the National Institutes of Health can help protect your cells from damage. Combined with vitamin C from fresh lemons, this chilled citrus beverage with matcha powder becomes a real wellness boost in a glass.
For those watching their sugar intake, you’ll be pleased to know this homemade lemonade sweetened with sugar can easily be adapted with natural alternatives. If you’re looking for other healthy options, try my infused water recipes or this vibrant green lemonade smoothie for variety.
A Lighter Version of Matcha Lemonade
Sometimes I want all the flavor of my favorite Matcha Lemonade recipe without the full sugar content. Over the years, I’ve perfected some simple swaps that keep that bright, energizing taste while making it a bit lighter.
Instead of granulated sugar, try using raw honey or maple syrup – they blend beautifully with the matcha’s earthy notes. For a completely sugar-free version, stevia or monk fruit sweetener work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust gradually since some alternatives are sweeter than sugar.
If you enjoy experimenting with healthier drink options, you might love my lemon chia fresca or this refreshing apple cider vinegar drink. Both offer that same tangy satisfaction with health-conscious ingredients.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve had many friends and family members with different dietary needs around my table, so I’ve learned how to adapt recipes thoughtfully. When my cousin started managing her blood sugar, we discovered some wonderful ways to enjoy our favorite drinks without compromise.
For a truly sugar-conscious version of this Matcha Lemonade, I recommend using liquid stevia – start with just a few drops and taste as you go. Another diabetic-friendly option is erythritol, which dissolves well and doesn’t have that aftertaste some artificial sweeteners do.
Remember that portion control matters too – sometimes a smaller glass of the real thing satisfies more than a large glass of substitutes. And always use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice, as the natural flavor shines through without needing as much sweetener.
How to Serve Matcha Lemonade
I’ll never forget the first time I served this iced Matcha Lemonade at our family reunion. My aunt Louise, who’s particular about her tea, took one sip and her eyes lit up. “This tastes like summer in a glass,” she declared, and now it’s become our signature welcome drink for warm-weather gatherings.
For special occasions, I love serving this sweet and tangy iced green tea drink in tall glasses with thin lemon wheels perched on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint. It pairs wonderfully with light salads, grilled chicken, or my favorite cardamom lemonade for those who want variety.
If you’re hosting a brunch or afternoon get-together, consider offering this cooling drink with lemon slices and ice alongside some savory snacks. It also makes a wonderful companion to my pickle lemonade for those who enjoy bold flavor combinations.
However you choose to serve it, this refreshing Matcha Lemonade always brings a touch of elegance and freshness to any table. It’s become my go-to for making ordinary moments feel just a little more special.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ll never forget the time my niece Maya tried making her first batch of Matcha Lemonade and called me in a panic. “Aunt Eli, it’s clumpy and bitter!” she said, and I knew exactly what went wrong. Over the years, I’ve seen these same simple mistakes turn what should be a refreshing Matcha Lemonade into something less than delightful.
First, never add matcha powder directly to cold water – it will clump every time. Always whisk your matcha with a small amount of warm water first to create a smooth paste, then add your cold ingredients. Second, don’t squeeze your lemons too hard – the bitter pith from the white part can make your homemade lemonade recipes turn unpleasantly sharp.
Finally, avoid using bottled lemon juice if you can help it. Fresh lemons give that bright, authentic flavor that makes this iced Matcha Lemonade so special. If you’re looking for other citrus drink ideas, my lemon ginger tonic and this vibrant green tea lemonade both celebrate fresh ingredients beautifully.
According to the USDA, proper handling of citrus fruits preserves their nutritional value and flavor. Trust me – taking these simple precautions will make your chilled citrus beverage with matcha powder taste like it came from your favorite café.
How to Store Matcha Lemonade
My grandmother always said a well-stocked refrigerator is a happy kitchen, and she’d always have a pitcher of something refreshing waiting for company. I’ve adopted her habit of keeping a batch of this Matcha Lemonade ready for those impromptu visits from neighbors or family.
Store your Matcha Lemonade in a sealed pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator – it will keep beautifully for 2-3 days. The color might darken slightly as the matcha settles, but just give it a gentle shake before serving. I don’t recommend freezing it as the texture can become grainy when thawed.
For individual portions, try pouring into ice cube trays to make Matcha Lemonade ice cubes that won’t water down your drink. If you enjoy make-ahead beverages, you might also love my charcoal lemonade or this refreshing grapefruit apple cider vinegar drink – both store wonderfully for quick healthy options.
Try This Matcha Lemonade Yourself
I still remember the first summer I perfected this Matcha Lemonade recipe – my kitchen felt like a little lemonade stand from my childhood, filled with the scent of citrus and the vibrant green of whisked matcha. There’s something magical about creating this refreshing Matcha Lemonade that transports me back to simpler times.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a moment of quiet refreshment on a busy afternoon, this sweet and tangy iced green tea drink has a way of making ordinary days feel special. It’s become my go-to for summer beverage ideas that please both the eye and the palate.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore my watermelon basil juice, this delightful green tea lemonade drink recipe, or browse through these 25 healthy drinks recipes for more variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is matcha good with lemonade?
Absolutely! The earthy notes of matcha balance beautifully with the bright acidity of lemonade. This combination creates a uniquely refreshing Matcha Lemonade that’s both energizing and satisfying. I find it’s the perfect way to enjoy matcha during warmer months.
Why is Gen Z obsessed with matcha?
I think younger generations appreciate matcha for both its health benefits and visual appeal. The vibrant green color makes for beautiful social media content, while the sustained energy without coffee jitters fits well with wellness trends. This chilled citrus beverage with matcha powder offers both aesthetic and functional benefits they love.
Is matcha lemonade healthy?
When made with quality ingredients, Matcha Lemonade can be quite healthy! Matcha provides antioxidants while lemons offer vitamin C. The key is controlling the sweetener – I recommend starting with less sugar and adjusting to taste. For a healthier version, try my lemon chia fresca as an alternative.
Why was matcha lemonade discontinued?
Some commercial versions get discontinued due to ingredient costs or shifting consumer trends, but the beauty of this refreshing Matcha Lemonade is how easy it is to make at home! Homemade versions often taste better anyway since you control the quality and sweetness. Nothing beats fresh lemons and good matcha powder.
More Refreshing Summer Sippers
If you loved this Matcha Lemonade, you’ll adore these other vibrant drinks that keep you cool all season long.
- Lemon Ginger Tonic – A zesty, immune-boosting beverage with a spicy kick that awakens your senses.
- Watermelon Basil Juice – Sweet summer watermelon meets aromatic basil in this unexpectedly perfect flavor pairing.
- Pickle Lemonade – Don’t knock it till you try it – this bold tangy-sweet combination surprisingly hits the spot.
- Cardamom Lemonade – Warm, aromatic cardamom transforms classic lemonade into an exotic treat that feels luxurious.
