A bunch of lemons.

How to Make Matcha Lemonade: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Drink

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 8 min

Are you looking for a vibrant, refreshing drink to elevate your summer days? Learning how to make matcha tea lemonade offers the perfect blend of zesty fresh lemon juice and the earthy richness of matcha green tea powder. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, providing numerous health benefits such as powerful antioxidants and energy-boosting effects.


This matcha lemonade recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with high-quality matcha powder, delivering a delicious, energizing drink packed with powerful antioxidants.


Whether you’re inspired by the Starbucks matcha lemonade or want to craft your own homemade lemonade, this super simple recipe is ideal for cooling down on a hot summer day while enjoying the numerous health benefits of matcha.

A bunch of lemons.

Ingredients Needed for Matcha Lemonade

You’ll need a few simple yet high-quality ingredients to make the perfect matcha tea lemonade. Using fresh, natural elements ensures your drink is bursting with flavor while delivering the health benefits matcha is known for. Here’s what you’ll need:


  • High-Quality Matcha Powder: Choose ceremonial-grade matcha for a rich, smooth taste and vibrant green color.

  • Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds that bright, zesty flavor essential for the perfect lemonade.

  • Water (Filtered or Spring Water Preferred): Pure water helps enhance the clean, refreshing taste of the matcha mixture.

  • Natural Sweeteners (Honey, Agave Syrup, or Stevia): Use your preferred sweetener to naturally customize your drink’s sweetness.

  • Ice Cubes (Optional): For a cool, refreshing drink, add ice cubes to keep it chilled on a hot summer day.

"This matcha lemonade recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with high-quality matcha powder, delivering a delicious, energizing drink packed with powerful antioxidants.”

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making matcha lemonade is a super simple process that blends vibrant flavors with ease. Follow these steps to create a delicious, refreshing drink in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Matcha Green Tea Powder

Start by sifting 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl. Sifting the matcha helps remove any clumps, ensuring a smoother texture for your drink. This step is key to getting that finely ground powder perfectly incorporated.


Next, add a small amount of hot water—just below boiling temperature—to the matcha. Whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a milk frother until the matcha mixture forms a smooth, frothy paste. The goal is to create a lump-free, rich green tea base that blends seamlessly with the lemon juice.


Step 2: Prepare Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice


Take fresh lemons, cut them in half, and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled varieties for the best flavor.


Depending on your taste preference, you’ll need about 1/4 to 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. The bright acidity of the lemon juice perfectly balances the earthy notes of the matcha, giving your lemonade a refreshing zing.

Freshly-whisked matcha.

Step 3: Mix Lemon Juice and Sweetener

In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add your chosen natural sweetener, like honey, agave syrup, or stevia. The combination of tangy lemon juice and your sweetener creates the base for this delicious drink.


Stir the mixture well until the sweetener fully dissolves. This ensures that every sip of your matcha lemonade is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, delivering a refreshing drink you’ll love.

Step 4: Combine Matcha and Lemon Mixture

Next, carefully add the prepared matcha paste to the lemon juice and sweetener mixture. The earthy richness of matcha green tea powder complements the lemonade's vibrant, citrusy flavor.


Stir thoroughly until the matcha is fully incorporated. You want a smooth mixture with no clumps, creating a vibrant green tea lemonade that’s refreshing and energizing.

Lemons being squeezed.

Step 5: Add Water and Adjust

Fill the pitcher with about 4 cups of cold water to dilute the matcha lemonade mixture. Stir well to blend everything evenly, giving you a perfectly balanced drink.


Taste the lemonade and adjust it to your liking. If it’s too tart, add more sweetener; if you want more lemon flavor, squeeze in additional lemon juice. This step lets you customize the drink to your preferred taste for maximum refreshment.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

To serve your matcha lemonade, start by filling glasses with ice cubes if you prefer a colder, extra-refreshing drink. The ice adds a nice chill, perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.


Carefully pour the matcha lemonade over the ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for a decorative and flavorful touch. Now, sit back, relax, and savor this delicious blend of zesty lemon and rich matcha.

Yummy matcha drink with ice.

Tips for the Perfect Matcha Lemonade

Making matcha lemonade is super simple, but a few essential tips can elevate the flavor and texture of your drink, transforming it from good to exceptional:


  • Use High-Quality Matcha Powder for the Best Flavor and Health Benefits: Opt for ceremonial-grade matcha powder for a rich, smooth taste and vibrant color. High-quality matcha enhances the flavor and boosts the health benefits, providing more antioxidants and nutrients.

  • Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: Sweetness is key to balancing the tanginess of the lemon and the earthiness of matcha. Start with a small amount of sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness. This way, you can tailor the flavor to suit your taste.

  • Consider Straining the Lemonade for a Smoother Drink: To achieve a silky texture, strain the lemonade mixture to remove any pulp from the lemon juice or clumps of matcha. This extra step results in a smooth, luxurious drink that’s easy to sip and enjoy.

Health Benefits of Matcha Lemonade

Matcha lemonade is not just a delicious summer drink; it also packs a powerful nutritional punch thanks to the combination of matcha and fresh lemon juice. Here are some of the top health benefits:


  • Rich in Antioxidants from Matcha: Matcha is loaded with powerful antioxidants like EGCG, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants also contribute to glowing skin and overall wellness. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, which contribute to its high antioxidant content.

  • Boosts Metabolism and Energy Levels: Matcha contains natural caffeine and L-theanine, which work together to give you a sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. This combination helps you stay alert and focused throughout the day.

  • Supports Detoxification and Hydration: Both matcha and lemon promote natural detoxification. Matcha helps cleanse your body by eliminating toxins, while lemon juice aids digestion and keeps you hydrated.

  • Provides Vitamin C and Other Nutrients from Lemons: Fresh lemons are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health and skin vitality. This vitamin also supports collagen production, which helps keep your skin firm and youthful.

Sliced lemons.

Variations and Enhancements

While classic matcha lemonade is already a refreshing treat, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this recipe and make it even more exciting. Try these easy variations and enhancements to add a unique twist to your drink:


  • Adding Fresh Mint or Basil for a Herbal Twist: For a refreshing herbal note, add a few fresh mint or basil leaves to your lemonade. These herbs complement the zesty lemon and earthy matcha, giving your drink a fragrant, aromatic touch that’s perfect for summer.

  • Using Sparkling Water for a Fizzy Version: Replace regular water with sparkling water for a bubbly twist on matcha lemonade. The fizz adds a refreshing pop, making it a fun and festive option for gatherings or when you want something a little different.

  • Mixing in Other Citrus Juices (e.g., Lime or Orange) for a Unique Flavor: For a bolder citrus experience, mix in lime or orange juice with lemon juice. These flavors blend beautifully with matcha, creating a bright, tangy drink with layers of citrusy sweetness.

Matcha and orange juice combination.

Refresh and Reenergize with Matcha Lemonade

Making matcha lemonade is a quick and simple process that delivers a delicious and refreshing drink. Start by preparing your matcha, then mix it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweetener, followed by cold water and ice. The possibilities are endless, whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with flavors like mint, basil, or sparkling water.


Enjoy the bright, tangy taste while reaping the health benefits of matcha and lemon. So, grab your ingredients, get creative, and savor the ultimate refreshing drink, perfect for any sunny day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is matcha lemonade?

Matcha lemonade is a refreshing drink that blends the earthy taste of matcha green tea powder with the zesty flavor of lemonade for a balanced, energizing beverage.

Is matcha lemonade good for you?

Yes, matcha lemonade is packed with antioxidants from matcha and lemons, offering health benefits like improved energy levels, detoxification, and immune support.

How much caffeine is in matcha lemonade?

The caffeine content of matcha lemonade depends on the amount of matcha used. Typically, a 16-oz serving has around 80 mg of caffeine.

Can I make matcha lemonade without a whisk?

Yes, you can mix matcha using a milk frother, cocktail shaker, or even a jar with a tight lid for shaking.

What kind of matcha should I use for lemonade?

For the best results, use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, which offers a smooth flavor and vibrant color.

REFERENCES

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  2. Forester, S. C., & Lambert, J. D. (2011). The role of antioxidant versus pro-oxidant effects of green tea polyphenols in cancer prevention. Molecular nutrition & food research, 55(6), 844–854. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201000641

  3. Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085

  4. Lambert, J. D., & Yang, C. S. (2003). Mechanisms of cancer prevention by tea constituents. The Journal of nutrition, 133(10), 3262S–3267S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/133.10.3262S

  5. McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2002). The role of tea in human health: an update. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719187

  6. Yamada, H., & Ohira, A. (2008). The effects of lemon juice on lipid profiles and blood pressure. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 19(5), 304-311.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.