Easy, light, and refreshing spin on the popular espresso tonic. This yuzu matcha tonic recipe features delicious ceremonial grade matcha, yuzu juice and bubbly tonic water.
If you are looking for a refreshing way to update your morning routine, this yuzu matcha tonic recipe is made for you! The bright green earthy ceremonial matcha pairs perfectly with the citrusy yuzu, floral honey, and sweet and slightly bitter bubbly tonic water.
This matcha tonic recipe only takes 5 minutes and has the perfect balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and floral notes.
Matcha tonic is a cold refreshing drink made with matcha tea mixed with bubbly tonic water and ice. It is a variation of the popular espresso tonic. It has become increasingly popular in coffee and tea shops.
Matcha is a type of green tea that contains high amounts of caffeine, L-theanine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Matcha tonic is a lighter variation than the traditional matcha milk tea latte.
Ingredients
You can find all of the ingredients for this yuzu matcha tonic at your local grocery store or online.
Matcha Powder: use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder for the richest matcha flavor. A high-quality matcha powder is bright green and will froth up when whisked.
Hot Water: use hot but not boiling water that reaches a temperature between 158-175°F (70-80°C). Water that is too hot could burn the matcha powder which causes that more bitter flavor.
Yuzu Juice: is typically bottled and sold online or in Japanese grocery stores. Yuzu has a complex flavor profile that is sour, and citrusy with notes of floral and herbal undertones.
Honey: adds a floral, fruity, sweetness.
Light Tonic Water: I used light tonic water from Fever Tree that has subtle botanical flavors and a crisp flavor.
Substitutions
Juice: instead of yuzu juice, you can use a different type of citrus such as lemon, grapefruit, lime, tangerine, or orange.
Sweetener: alternatively you can use simple syrup, agave, or a sweetener of your choice.
Tonic water: instead of regular flavored tonic water, you can experiment with other flavors.
How to Make a Yuzu Matcha Tonic
Here are the step-by-step photo instructions for how to make this yuzu matcha tonic. See the recipe card below for full measurements and detailed instructions.
In a small matcha bowl or mixing bowl, sift the matcha powder.
Then add in the hot water.
Whisk the matcha with a matcha whisk in a side-to-side motion until frothy and fully combined.
In a small serving glass, add the yuzu juice, and honey and mix until combined. Then add the tonic water, and ice, and top with the freshly brewed matcha.
Expert Tips
Use a kitchen scale. Matcha is such a fine powder that it is nearly impossible to measure the correct amount using a measuring spoon. The most precise way is to use a kitchen scale.
Make sure the water is between 158-175°F (70-80°C). Matcha powder is a delicate tea leaf that requires warm-hot but not boiling water to brew. Any hotter than this the matcha could burn and turn bitter.
Sift the matcha. Sifting the matcha will prevent large clumps of matcha.
Whisk the matcha until frothy. You know that you have high-quality fresh matcha powder when you whisk the matcha there is an aerated frothy layer at the top. Whisk the matcha with a matcha whisk until all the clumps have dissolved completely and the matcha is frothy.
Adjust the sweetness. If you’d like a sweeter matcha tonic, add more honey to taste.
Storage Instructions
This yuzu matcha tonic recipe is best served immediately. Once matcha is exposed to air the color and flavor will drastically change over time. I recommend making the matcha fresh before drinking.
Pairing Suggestions
This matcha tonic is great to have on its own but why not pair it with a delicious snack or dessert for a mid-day pick-me-up?
Yes! Matcha contains about 19-44 mg of caffeine per gram of matcha powder. So 2-4 g of matcha could contain anywhere between 38-176 mg of caffeine. It also contains L-theanine which helps with mental clarity, reduces anxiety, and creates a calming effect.
What kind of matcha do I use?
Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality grade of matcha that yields the most vibrant in color, and most rich-tasting matcha. It is the ideal type of matcha to use for the best-tasting matcha flavor.
What is tonic water?
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink in which quinine is dissolved. It was created as a prophylactic against malaria. But today, it is often sweetened and used in cocktails and mocktails.
Easy, light and refreshing spin on the popular espresso tonic. This yuzu matcha tonic recipe features delicious ceremonial grade matcha, yuzu juice and bubbly tonic water.
Brew the matcha. In a small matcha bowl or mixing bowl, sift the matcha powder. Then add in the hot water and whisk the matcha in a side to side motion until frothy and fully combined.
Assemble. In a small serving glass, add the yuzu juice, honey and mix until combined. Then add the tonic water, ice, and top with the freshly brewed matcha. Enjoy!
Notes
See the above Expert Tips section above for more guidance.
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