Matcha Mocktails

The new year is just getting started, and chances are that you probably have a couple of New Year’s resolutions on your plate already. And, although it’s not necessarily a resolution, one of the most popular ways to kick off the new year is with the dreaded dry January. After a holiday season of indulgence, a clean and healthy January is probably just what your body is craving. But how can you fill the cocktail sized hole in your daily ritual? What should you sip on during a happy hour with friends? How can you treat yourself after a long day of work? What will you cheers to the weekend with? With a mocktail, friends. 

Alcohol-free and deliciously refreshing, mocktails are just the thing to get you through dry January and beyond. But, these aren’t just any mocktails. These are matcha-powered, tasty, and tantalizing mocktails that fuel your body and mind with the magic of matcha. In fact, these are so delicious, we bet you’ll be playing mixologist with them long after January 31st. 

 Matcha Mint Julep Mocktail

It doesn’t need to be derby season for you to enjoy the zesty taste of ginger and mint. Mint Juleps are a summer classic, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be enjoyed mid-winter. And, these Matcha Mint Juleps have a secret ingredient that originated far from Kentucky. All the way from the ancient Japanese monasteries, matcha makes its debut as the perfect companion for any julep. With just a muddle and mix, you’ll have the perfect mocktail. 

Ingredients

• 6 oz ginger ale

• 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha

• Mint leaves

• 1 tbsp agave

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Cocktail glass

• Cocktail shaker

• Ice

• Muddler

Directions:

1. Place a few mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail glass

2. Add in the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp agave. Muddle well.

3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 6 oz of ginger ale, ice, and 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha. Shake (or stir) until combined and no matcha clumps are remaining.

4. Pour ginger mixture into the cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with extra mint & lemon (optional). Enjoy!

Matcha Margarita Mocktail

Whether it’s for Margarita Monday, Tequila Tuesday, or just a regular old Saturday, treating yourself to a margarita is always a good idea. But, with dry January in the works, you can say goodbye to your tequila treat. Luckily, we have just the thing to get you through, the Matcha Margarita Cocktail. With the delicious tang of citrus and the sparkle of matcha and tonic water, this margarita makes up for what it lacks in alcohol with delicious, mouthwatering flavors. 

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha

• 6oz seltzer or tonic water (can be plain, or lemon-lime flavor)

• Juice of 2 limes (or 2oz lime juice)

• Juice of 1 lemon (or 1 oz lemon juice)

• Juice of 2 small orange slices (or 1 oz of orange juice)

• 1 tbsp agave (or simple syrup)

• Extra lime for garnish/rim

• Kosher salt

• Ice

• Cocktail shaker

• Cocktail glass

Directions:

1. Pour ice into a cocktail shaker.

2. Add in 6oz seltzer into the cocktail shaker.

3. Add in juice of 2 limes, juice of 1 lemon, juice of 2 small orange slices, 1 tbsp agave, and 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha into the cocktail shaker. Shake well until everything has been combined.

4. Prepare the salted rim of the cocktail glass by squeezing a lime wedge over the rim of the cocktail class. Next, place the rim of the cocktail glass on a plate of kosher salt.

5. Pour the margarita mixture into the salted cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge & enjoy!

Matcha Moscow Mule Mocktail

A Moscow Mule is the easiest way to play bartender in your own home. With only five ingredients, this deceptively simple recipe is ideal to cap off a long day at work, an intense workout, or even just a Wednesday. For a healthier than usual alternative to a classic mule, this recipe swaps out vodka for matcha and adds agave for a little extra sweetness. You can serve it in the classic copper mug if you’re feeling fancy, but this tastes just as good in a coffee mug as it does in a copper chalice, so pour it up into whatever you like. 

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha

• 6 oz ginger beer

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp agave

• Mint leaves

Directions:

1. In a measuring cup, measure out 6 oz (3/4cup) ginger beer

2. Add in the juice of 1 lime and agave. Stir.

3. Add in 1⁄2 tsp Tenzo matcha. Stir until combined.

4. Pour ice into a glass or copper mug. Add in ginger mixture.

5. Top with mint leaves and extra lime. Enjoy!

Matcha Peach Daiquiri 

If you’ve been wondering where the fruity, fun flavors are this mocktail is for you. Sweet peaches and matcha combine to create a perfectly balanced beverage, while lime and agave ramp things up a notch with a sensational sparkle.  And, even though dry January may not be exactly screaming for a frozen companion, if you’re wishing your way to the tropics, this mocktail is just the thing to transport you to a vacation mindset.   

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen peaches

• 1-2 tbsp agave (Add in 1 tbsp for a lighter sweetness, 2 tbsp for more sweetness. You can also sub simple syrup)

• Juice of 1 lime

• ½ cup water

• 5 ice cubes

• ½ tsp tenzo Matcha

• Matcha whisk

• Cocktail glass

• Spoon or straw

• Blender

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine 1 cup frozen peaches, 1-2 tbsp agave (or simple syrup), juice of 1 lime, ½ cup water, and 5 ice cubes. Blend on high until a thick, frozen mixture has formed. If the mixture is too thin, add in a few extra ice cubes and blend again. 

2. Pour the peach mixture into a cocktail glass. 

3. Prepare a Tenzo matcha shot by whisking ½ tsp Tenzo matcha in a little bit of water. 

4. Pour the Tenzo shot over the peach mixture. Using a straw or spoon, stir until the matcha has blended into the cup. Enjoy!

With so many delicious mocktail recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be able to breeze through dry January with ease. They’re perfect to sip on while you unwind, and with the added magic of matcha, they’ll help power you through all of your New Year’s resolutions. Before you get ahead of yourself, make sure you re-up your matcha stocks. Imagine looking forward to a Matcha Margarita after a long Monday, only to discover that you’ve reached the bottom of your matcha supply… yikes. 

And, a special thank you to recipe creator, photographer, and styler, Amanda Boyd. Check out her Instagram to experience more of her delicious creations or just to thank her for these. Here at Tenzo, we’re starting off the year with the determination and positive mindset we need to accomplish our resolutions, and matcha is the perfect fuel for that fire. So whether you just want to start the year off with a dry, healthy January or build an entirely new you, these are a great start.