Matcha Mule
The Matcha Mule is an innovative and refreshing cocktail that beautifully marries Eastern and Western flavors. It takes the beloved blueprint of a Moscow Mule—vodka, lime, and ginger beer—and infuses it with the complex, grassy, and slightly bitter notes of Japanese matcha. The result is a visually stunning, opaque green drink that is both invigorating and complex, offering a spicy kick from the ginger beer, a bright tartness from the lime, and a smooth, earthy finish from the green tea.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Matcha Mule is a modern cocktail, specifically classified as a "Mule," which is a family of drinks made with a spirit, citrus juice, and ginger beer. It's a contemporary twist on the classic Moscow Mule, placing it firmly in the modern category of cocktails.
Serving
The Matcha Mule is served cold over ice, traditionally in a chilled copper mug which keeps the drink exceptionally cold. It's a moderately alcoholic drink with a standard cocktail volume.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Copper Mug
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Unlike classic cocktails with documented origins, the Matcha Mule does not have a single inventor or specific birthplace. It emerged organically in the 2010s as matcha's popularity surged in the Western culinary and beverage scene. Bartenders and home enthusiasts began experimenting with the vibrant green powder, and its earthy profile proved to be an excellent complement to the spicy ginger and sharp lime of a classic Mule.
Origin
The Matcha Mule is a 21st-century creation with no specific point of origin, though it likely developed in trend-setting cities in the United States, Europe, or Japan. It arose from the global "matcha craze" and the enduring popularity of Mule cocktails, representing a fusion of modern mixology trends.
Matcha Mule
The drink is commonly known as the Matcha Mule, but is also referred to as the Matcha Moscow Mule to highlight its direct lineage from the classic cocktail. Some may also call it a Green Tea Mule, referencing its key ingredient.
Original name
Matcha Mule
Alternative names
- Matcha Moscow Mule
- Green Tea Mule
Characteristics overview
This cocktail delights the senses with a vibrant green appearance, an aroma of ginger and lime, and a complex flavor profile that is earthy, spicy, and zesty. It has a crisp, effervescent texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it a perfect warm-weather drink.
Flavor
Earthy, spicy, zesty, grassy, slightly sweet, refreshing
Aroma
Ginger, lime, green tea
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, lingering ginger, subtle matcha earthiness
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Opaque, vibrant green, creamy
Texture
Light, crisp, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Summer
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Matcha Mule presents a well-balanced flavor profile, led by moderate sourness from lime and spiciness from ginger beer. It features low sweetness and a subtle bitterness from the matcha, with a strong, pleasant carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
To craft this drink, you'll need vodka, fresh lime juice, matcha powder, a sweetener like simple syrup, and a spicy ginger beer. A small amount of hot water is also used to properly dissolve the matcha.
- Vodka60 ml / 2 ozA clean, neutral vodka works best to let the matcha and ginger flavors shine.
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
- Matcha Powder1 teaspoonUse ceremonial or high-quality culinary grade matcha for best results and vibrant color.
- Hot Water30 ml / 1 ozNot boiling, around 80°C / 175°F. Used to dissolve the matcha powder.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste. Honey syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Ginger Beer90-120 ml / 3-4 oz, to topChoose a quality, spicy ginger beer for a good kick.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a small bowl and a whisk (preferably a bamboo chasen) to prepare the matcha, and a standard cocktail set including a shaker, jigger, and strainer.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Matcha whisk (chasen) or small whisk for preparing the matcha.
- Strainer to pour the shaken mixture over fresh ice.
Instructions
The process involves first making a matcha slurry, then shaking it with vodka, lime, and syrup. The mixture is then strained into an ice-filled mug and topped with ginger beer before garnishing.
1. Prepare the matcha: In a small bowl, combine the matcha powder and hot water. Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and slightly frothy. This creates a matcha slurry.
2. Chill and mix: Add the prepared matcha slurry, vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake: Secure the lid and shake well for about 10-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Serve: Fill a copper mug or highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the mug.
5. Top and garnish: Top with cold ginger beer and give it a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh sprig of mint.
Garnishing
Garnish with a bright green lime wheel or wedge and a fragrant sprig of fresh mint. The contrasting colors and fresh aromas enhance the overall experience.
- Lime wheel or wedge placed on the rim or in the drink.
- Fresh mint sprig lightly clapped to release aromas and placed in the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains caffeine from the matcha powder. It is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, and can be made gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free ginger beer.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Matcha Mule is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories and carbohydrates. The sugar content comes primarily from the simple syrup and ginger beer, and can be adjusted to preference.
Calories
Approximately 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-13 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for a variety of social settings, especially during warmer months. Its refreshing nature makes it a great choice for brunches, garden parties, and sunny afternoons, while its unique character ensures it's a conversation starter at happy hour.
- Brunch
- Summer Party
- Afternoon Drink
- Happy Hour
Pairing suggestions
The earthy and spicy notes of the Matcha Mule pair exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi. It also complements light, fresh, and spicy appetizers, cutting through richness and cleansing the palate.
- Sushi and sashimi
- Light Asian cuisine like summer rolls or salads
- Spicy appetizers like wasabi peas or spicy tuna bites
- Avocado toast
The Matcha Mule: A Zen-Inspired Zing
The Matcha Mule is a modern, sophisticated take on a beloved classic. Its striking green color is a prelude to its unique flavor profile, which masterfully balances the earthy notes of green tea with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the bright acidity of lime. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, this cocktail is both a refreshing quencher and an intriguing conversation piece, perfect for those looking to explore new flavor combinations in their drinks.