Matcha Lemonade (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
on Jan 09, 2021
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Looking to freshen up a hot summer day? Matcha Lemonade is a great way to start your day off bright. Bright green, that is. This refreshing and sweet iced matcha green tea lemonade is a copycat of the Starbucks’ favorite that’s similar to the classic Arnold Palmer drink. It’s so easy and takes a few minutes to make!
Matcha is a great alternative to coffee because it gives you an energy boost without the harsh caffeine crash. I love adding matcha to drinks: Iced Pineapple Matcha, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and this matcha lemonade are my favorites!
Matcha lemonade was initially introduced to Starbucks as part of a collaboration with Lady Gaga in a campaign for her Born This Way Foundation, but was such a hit, it was added to the menu permanently. Earthy matcha balances out the sweetness of the lemonade, without overpowering its signature tartness.
What is Matcha Lemonade?
According to Starbucks’ website, Matcha lemonade has “finely ground Teavana® matcha green tea combined with crisp lemonade, then shaken with ice, creates a refreshingly sweet, delicious drink that’s a delightfully vibrant, green-hue.” It’s similar to the classic Arnold Palmer drink that’s half tea and half lemonade mixed together.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Matcha Powder – Use high-quality fresh matcha powder for the best flavor and color. Old matcha powder has less flavor with a dull green color. You can find it at most local grocery stores or order online from Amazon.
- Lemonade –I used the store-bought lemonade to save time, but you can make homemade lemonade if you prefer.
- Sugar – Adjust the amount of sugar to your desired level of sweetness. You can sub simple syrup or honey. Alternatively use stevia for a healthy drink.
You’ll also need hot water to make the green tea, and ice for serving.
How to Make Matcha Lemonade
1. Make Matcha Green Tea: Add matcha powder and sugar to a cup, and pour hot water on top. Whisk until everything is completely dissolved. Chill the tea in the refrigerator.
2. Mix the Matcha Tea with Lemonade: In a medium-large pitcher, mix together the lemonade and matcha tea.
3. Adjust more sugar if needed: Taste the drink and add more sugar to your desired sweetness. Mix well.
4. Serve: Fill a glass halfway with ice and pour the mixture into the glass. Serve and enjoy immediately.
What’s the Best Matcha to Use For This Recipe?
Matcha powder is a highly concentrated form of green tea and packed with antioxidants. The tea leaves are crushed into a fine powder, matcha powder, which is then added to hot liquid making a strong, grassy tea. When iced, this tea can be added to lemonade for a twist on the summer staple.
When buying a matcha powder, look for “ceremonial grade”, as opposed to “culinary”. This matcha is meant to be brewed as tea and not just used for flavoring.
Matcha can get pretty expensive, but you don’t have to spend a lot for this recipe. For quality matcha, try to look for a powder that is stone-ground and comes from Japan.
Tips for the Best Matcha Green Tea Lemonade
- The key to making the perfect matcha tea is to make sure there are no clumps. I recommend using hot water to dissolve the powder instead of mixing the matcha powder with the lemonade directly.
- Matcha powder gives your drink a nice green color. You can adjust the amount to make the color lighter or darker.
- You can customize the sweetness of your matcha lemonade. Start with a small amount of sugar, taste, and gradually add more for the perfect subtle touch.
Variations
- Matcha Lemonade with Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a great way to add another level to this drink, especially if you’re a fan of creamier beverages. Just add the desired amount to taste.
- Sparkling Matcha Lemonade: Sparkling lemonade can instantly make this drink feel fancy. You can experiment with different ratios of lemonade to sparkling water, or if you’re a fan of bubbles and making the lemonade yourself, swap out regular water for the carbonated option of your choice.
- Strawberry Matcha Lemonade: Strawberries to add a ice fruity flavor to the drink. You can often buy strawberry lemonade at the store or online. Alternatively, you can add the berries yourself. Chop up some strawberries and either muddle them in the bottom of the glass for a more rustic look or blend them with the lemonade for a smoother drink.
What Does Matcha Lemonade Taste Like?
Matcha itself has a slightly bitter and very strong, grassy taste. The lemonade balances this out with its sweetness. What you get in the end is a super refreshing, slightly earthy, slightly tart, and cold drink.
Is Matcha Green Tea Lemonade Good For You?
Matcha and lemons both have their fair share of health benefits. Matcha is packed with antioxidants and lemons are a good source of Vitamin C. Both have been shown to have qualities that can reduce the risk of certain cancers and encourage weight loss. Of course, this recipe does call for sugar, however, it can easily be swapped out with the sweetener of your choice.
Does A Matcha Lemonade Have Caffeine?
Yes, this matcha lemonade is lightly caffeinated as matcha contains caffeine, but less than coffee or black tea.
How Many Calories Does it Have?
According to Starbucks, a grande (16-oz) Matcha Lemonade has 120 calories, a tall cup has 90 calories, and a venti has 170 calories.
If You Love This Recipe Try Out These Starbucks Copycat Recipes
Matcha Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder, (You can use more powder if you prefer a darker green color and more intense flavour)
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 2 cups lemonade, (store-bought or homemade*)
- 2 teaspoons sugar, (You can use 1 teaspoon of sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add matcha powder and sugar to a small bowl or cup.
- Pour hot water on top. Whisk until completely dissolved. Chill the tea in the refrigerator.
- In a medium-large pitcher, mix together the lemonade and matcha tea.
- Optional: You can add more sugar to your desired sweetness. (It’s important to start with a small amount, and gradually add more.)
- Fill a glass halfway with ice and pour the mixture into the glass. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- *How to make homemade lemonade: Place 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let the sugar dissolve and remove from heat. Make 1/2 cup lemon juice by juicing 2-3 lemons. Pour the juice and the syrup into a jar, then add 1 to 1.5 cups of cold water. Taste, and add more water if necessary.
- Matcha powder gives your drink a nice green color. You can adjust the amount to make the color lighter or darker.
- Start with a small amount of sugar, taste, and gradually add more for the perfect subtle touch. Use stevia for a healthy option.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
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