Matcha Milkshake

The Matcha Milkshake is a delightful fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. It combines the rich, slightly bitter, and earthy notes of high-quality matcha powder with the classic creamy sweetness of a vanilla milkshake. The result is a beautifully balanced beverage with a striking pale green color and a smooth, thick texture. It's a sophisticated yet comforting treat that serves as both a refreshing drink and a satisfying dessert.
Matcha Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Matcha Milkshake is a thick, blended beverage falling into the milkshake category. As it contains no spirits, it is classified as a non-alcoholic drink, making it a perfect dessert or treat for all ages.

Serving

Serve this alcohol-free milkshake cold in a tall, chilled milkshake glass to keep it thick and frosty for longer. It's a moderately sized drink, perfect for a single serving.
Serving size
Approx. 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Matcha Milkshake doesn't have a single inventor or a deep-rooted history like classic cocktails. Instead, it emerged from the modern global culinary scene, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It represents the growing popularity of Japanese ingredients in Western cafes and dessert shops, where matcha's unique flavor profile was adapted into familiar formats like lattes, cakes, and ultimately, milkshakes.
Origin
This is a modern creation, with no specific country or year of origin. It evolved organically in cafes and dessert parlors across North America, Europe, and Asia as matcha gained international popularity. This fusion drink is a testament to contemporary culinary globalization.

Matcha Milkshake

This drink is most commonly known as a Matcha Milkshake. It is also referred to as a Green Tea Milkshake, which is a more descriptive name for those unfamiliar with the term "matcha," or simply a Matcha Shake for short.
Original name
Matcha Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Green Tea Milkshake
  • Matcha Shake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts a creamy, smooth texture and a vibrant pale green hue. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla and earthy matcha, with a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
Flavor
Earthy, sweet, creamy, slightly grassy, vanilla
Aroma
Sweet, green tea, vanilla, milky
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, lingering matcha
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, light green, creamy
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high levels of sweetness and creaminess, with a subtle bitterness from the matcha. It is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need vanilla ice cream and milk as the base, with high-quality matcha powder for its distinct flavor and color. An optional sweetener can be added for extra sweetness.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 200g)
    A good quality vanilla ice cream provides the best creamy base.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk is recommended for richness, but any milk, including plant-based options, will work.
  • Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder1 to 2 teaspoons
    Use ceremonial grade for a vibrant color and less bitter taste. Adjust the amount to your preference.
  • Sweetener1 tablespoon(optional)
    Optional. Use honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter shake.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only equipment needed to prepare this milkshake is a standard kitchen blender to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Blender for combining and emulsifying all ingredients.

Instructions

Simply combine ice cream, milk, and matcha powder in a blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha before serving.
1. Prepare your glass by chilling it in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
2. In the jug of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and matcha powder.
3. If you prefer a sweeter shake, add your optional sweetener at this stage.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and the matcha is fully incorporated. Do not over-blend, as this can make the shake too thin.
5. Pour the finished milkshake into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of extra matcha powder.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and enjoy.

Garnishing

For a classic presentation, top the milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finish with a light sprinkle of matcha powder for visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor.
  • Whipped cream on top.
  • A light dusting of matcha powder over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This milkshake contains caffeine from matcha and dairy from milk and ice cream. However, it is egg-free, gluten-free, and can be made vegan and dairy-free by substituting plant-based alternatives.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is an indulgent treat, high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar due to the ice cream and milk content. The nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1464-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-50g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 35-45g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a satisfying dessert after a meal, a special afternoon treat to beat the midday slump, or a cool and refreshing drink on a warm summer day.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Summer Refresher

Pairing suggestions

The Matcha Milkshake pairs wonderfully with light, buttery cookies or pastries that complement its creaminess without overpowering the delicate matcha flavor. It also complements traditional Japanese sweets like mochi. Often, it is best enjoyed on its own as a complete dessert experience.
  • Light pastries like croissants or shortbread cookies.
  • Mochi or other Japanese sweets (wagashi).
  • Serves well as a standalone dessert.

The Creamy Zen: A Matcha Milkshake Experience

The Matcha Milkshake is a modern, non-alcoholic dessert beverage that perfectly marries the earthy, complex flavors of Japanese green tea with the sweet, creamy comfort of a classic American milkshake. Its preparation is incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a blender. The result is a visually stunning, pale green drink with a thick, smooth texture and a unique taste that is both refreshing and indulgent. It's an ideal treat for matcha lovers and those looking to try a more sophisticated twist on a beloved classic.

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