Matcha Gin Sour

The Matcha Gin Sour blends earthy green tea flavor with the sharp brightness of lemon and the smoothness of gin. The egg white gives it a silky, foamy texture, making this a refreshing and slightly creamy drink with a modern twist on the classic sour.

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Tasting Notes

The Matcha Gin Sour offers a smooth balance of bright citrus, mild sweetness, and green tea depth. The lemon juice adds freshness, while the simple syrup rounds out the tart edge. Gin contributes subtle herbal flavors that pair well with the earthy, grassy profile of matcha. The egg white brings structure and a soft texture, creating a silky foam that rests on top of the drink. This cocktail feels both modern and clean, ideal for those who enjoy layered but easygoing flavor combinations. Each sip brings citrus up front with tea bitterness and botanical notes lingering gently at the finish.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare a Matcha Gin Sour correctly, you’ll need a few standard bar tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for combining the ingredients and building the drink’s signature foam. A mesh strainer ensures a smooth pour without leftover solids or matcha clumps. A jigger allows for precise measuring, and a small whisk or frother helps dissolve the matcha powder. A citrus press makes it easy to get fresh lemon juice. Serve this cocktail in a coupe or Nick and Nora glass, which highlights its frothy top and bright color. Chilling the glass ahead of time helps maintain the drink’s temperature.

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white

Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with a splash of warm water until smooth and no clumps remain.
• Add the matcha mixture, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to your shaker.
• Shake everything without ice for about 15 seconds to help build the foam.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Let it sit for a moment so the foam settles on top.
• Dust with matcha powder and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use ceremonial-grade matcha for better taste and color
• Whisk the matcha fully with lemon juice before adding other liquids
• Always dry shake first for proper foam
• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled
• Simple syrup should be a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio
• Chill your serving glass before pouring
• Avoid over-shaking after ice is added 15 seconds is enough
• Double strain to ensure a smooth pour
• If matcha clumps, use a milk frother to dissolve it
• For lighter sweetness, reduce simple syrup by 0.25 oz

When to Serve

The Matcha Gin Sour is well suited for relaxed early evenings, casual get-togethers, or as an opening drink at a dinner party. Its fresh flavor and light texture make it a great option in spring or summer, but it works year-round for those who enjoy tea-based cocktails. The drink’s unique green hue and creamy foam also give it strong visual appeal, which works well for cocktail hours or brunch events. Since the drink is balanced rather than overly strong, it won’t overpower the palate and fits easily into many settings that call for something thoughtful but easygoing.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin: Roku Gin, The Botanist, Bombay Sapphire
• Matcha Powder: Ippodo, MatchaBar, Encha
• Simple Syrup: Homemade or Liquid Alchemist
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed from ripe lemons

Similar Cocktails

• Aperol Fizz
• Empress Mango Spritz
• Frangelico Sour
• Limoncello Gin Fizz
• Aperol Negroni Sour