Matcha Highball

Having directed my attention to Japanese cocktails during the Tokyo Olympics last year, I discovered the MATCHA HIGHBALL which I wanted to spotlight again for Japan Day, 5/14/22. Highballs are a very popular way to experience cocktails in Japan, especially whiskey. And using Matcha green tea powder in drinks is great because it adds the enjoyable earthy flavor.

Requirements: Japanese whiskey (preferably Hibiki), lemon juice, honey, matcha green tea powder, club soda or seltzer

• 2 oz. Japanese whiskey
• .5 oz. fresh lemon juice
• .5 oz. honey
• .25 tsp matcha green tea powder
• 3-4 oz. chilled club soda

In an ice-filled shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup and matcha. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled, ice-filled highball glass. Pour club soda or seltzer into the shaker, swirl around to rinse and then add to the glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel (optional).

Almond Milk option: Instead of topping the drink with club soda, replace with 3 oz. of almond milk for an exceptionally smooth matcha/whiskey cocktail.

Comments: If you enjoy the flavor of green tea (Who doesn’t love green tea ice cream?), matcha green tea is a welcome addition to the world of cocktails. Though Hibiki whiskey is recommended in the Matcha Highball, you might experiment with other whiskey blends if you don’t have Hibiki. I used Jack Daniel’s and it worked fine. But the Hibiki whiskey uses a special bamboo charcoal filtering step and a blend of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies which have earned it awards and devotees. This is a great spring/summer drink!