Looking for a fresh new twist on the classic mojito? This Matcha Mojito is vibrant, refreshing, earthy, and caffeinated, making it a forever favorite!
If this cocktail piqued your interest, you may be matcha-obsessed like I am! Well, I certainly can’t blame you. Its unique flavor is unmatched, and it gives you a great punch of energy from the caffeine!
And while its delicious on its own or in a simple latte, I also love using it to boost the flavor in cocktails (see also: The Green Irish, a Matcha Vodka Cocktail).
As a busy mom who can’t resist a refreshing drink to kick back with, I love a simple cocktail that requires just 6 ingredients and a matter of minutes to mix up.
Matcha Mojito Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Matcha powder. I use culinary grade which is a little less potent than ceremony grade. Either works great in this recipe, but if you are using ceremony grade, you may want to add a pinch less.
- White Rum. Dark Rum works, too! But white rum allows for a vibrant green from your matcha powder.
- Simple Syrup. A little sweetness balances this cocktail perfectly. I’ll give you all the info you need to make your own below, but you can also grab it at the store. I’m partial to Torani Simple Syrup, but there are plenty of great options. You can also sub in honey or agave in equal amounts.
- Lime.
- Mint. Spearmint leaves are my preference, but you can also use peppermint leaves!
- Club Soda. For bubbles. You can also opt for carbonated water or tonic water (though this will change the taste a bit).
Matcha Mojito Tips and Tricks
Mix Your Matcha First
The first thing you want to do is mix the rum and matcha together. I find it to be the smoothest to just mix your matcha and rum together in a separate glass.
I use a cocktail mixing glass, but any glass or bowl that gives you access to easily whisk together the matcha and rum will work.
Consider a Matcha Whisk
To ensure there are no clumps, consider a matcha whisk. If you don’t have one, you may want to sift in your matcha powder.
It’s best to make sure your rum and matcha mixture is smooth upfront to make sure you have no powdery clumps in your matcha cocktail.
Making Your Own Simple Syrup
No simple syrup at home? NO worries! You can very easily make your own with just sugar and water. You can use brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even coconut sugar to make yours.
This recipe works best with granulated sugar. It has the most one-dimensional flavor, allowing the mint, lime, and matcha to shine!
To make your own simple syrup, just add equal parts of sugar and water to a small pot over high heat and whisk continuously until the sugar is dissolved. Next, transfer it to a heat-safe glass and allow it to cool before adding it to your Matcha Mojito.
Use a Fresh Lime
Using fresh lime as opposed to pre-squeezed lime juice goes a long way in any refreshing mojito, including this matcha one and also this Kiwi Mojito.
The citrus enhances the taste of the matcha and the mint and really rounds out this drink. You can usually get 2 full tablespoons (or 1 ounce) of lime juice out of 1 lime.
Muddle Your Mint
Use a wooden spoon or a muddler to press down on your fresh mint leaves.
Muddling the mint into the lime juice and simple syrup will help extract the flavor from the mint and distribute it into your cocktail more evenly.
Serve it Ice Cold
Throw some ice and some extra lime wedges over the muddled mint so the leaves don’t get in the way of your smooth sip.
Then, you can pour your matcha and rum mixture over the ice and stir.
Top with Your Bubbles
Time to add some fizz to this delicious Mojito! Top with club soda for that classic bubbly finish.
You can also opt to use tonic water or sparkling water if you have those on hand!
Don’t Forget Your Garnish
The extra aroma from your lime wedge and mint leaves adds to the whole experience.
Don’t skimp on the garnish for full effect.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Mojito
- It’s caffeinated! Because sometimes you need a little pep in your step.
- It’s refreshing. The citrus and mint combined with the herbal green tea is so fresh!
- It’s vibrant. Look at that gorgeous green from the matcha!
Refreshing Matcha Mojito with Rum
Equipment
- Matcha Whisk (optional)
- Cocktail Muddler (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white rum (2 oz = 4 tbsp)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 ounce lime juice (1 oz usually = juice of 1 lime)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (1 oz = 2 tbsp)
- 1 sprig mint
- 2 ounces club soda
- lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing glass or small bowl, use a matcha whisk or regular whisk to combine the white rum and matcha powder, stirring until there are no lumps.2 ounces white rum, 1 tsp matcha powder
- In a highball glass, add lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to muddle the mint, extracting the flavor.1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 sprig mint
- Add ice to your highball glass, pour matcha/rum mixture on top, and stir.
- Top with club soda and garnish with an extra lime wedge and mint sprig. Enjoy cold.2 ounces club soda, lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Pro Tips
- You can make your own simple syrup by heating sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio over the stove in a small pot until sugar is dissolved. Allow it to cool completely before using it in your cocktail.
- I prefer fresh spearmint leaves for this recipe, but you can also use fresh peppermint!