Cocktail Recipes

Matcha White Russian

Millie Pham

If you love matcha and creamy cocktails, this Matcha White Russian is about to be your new favorite drink.

It’s rich, smooth, and has that earthy, slightly sweet matcha flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee liqueur and cream.

It’s like a boozy matcha latte—but way more fun. Let’s make it!

What You’ll Need

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 2 oz matcha cream (see below)
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: Matcha powder dusting, white chocolate shavings

How to Make Matcha Cream

  • ½ tsp matcha powder
  • 2 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • ½ tsp honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

👉 Whisk everything together until smooth.

Pro Tips

  1. Use high-quality matcha. Ceremonial or latte-grade matcha gives the best color and flavor.
  2. Whisk the matcha well. Make sure it’s fully blended with the cream—no clumps!
  3. Chill your glass. A frosty glass makes the drink extra refreshing and smooth.
  4. Layer like a pro. Pour the matcha cream slowly over the back of a spoon for those dreamy swirls.
  5. Try a white chocolate rim. Melt white chocolate and dip the rim before adding ice for extra indulgence.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Small whisk (or matcha bamboo whisk)
  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Measuring jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Short cocktail glass
  • Ice scoop

Substitutions & Variations

  • Dairy-free option: Use oat milk or coconut milk instead of cream.
  • Sweeter version: Add an extra drizzle of honey or vanilla syrup.
  • Extra matcha kick: Stir a pinch of matcha powder into the coffee liqueur before mixing.
  • Less boozy: Reduce the vodka to ½ oz and add more matcha cream.

Instructions

1. Make the matcha cream.

Whisk matcha powder, heavy cream, and honey (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.

A super close-up shot of matcha cream being whisked in a small bowl, the vibrant green liquid smooth and frothy.

2. Prep your glass.

Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes.

A super close-up shot of a short glass filled with ice cubes

3. Mix the liqueurs.

In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka and coffee liqueur. Stir gently.

A super close-up, top-down shot of a bar spoon stirring vodka and coffee liqueur in a clear mixing glass

4. Add the matcha cream.

Slowly pour the matcha cream over the back of a spoon into your glass, creating a layered effect.

A super close-up shot of matcha cream being poured over a spoon into a glass filled with ice and dark liqueur

5. Garnish and serve.

Lightly dust the top with matcha powder and add white chocolate shavings if you want to get fancy. Serve immediately!

AI Image Generator Prompt: A super close-up shot of a Matcha White Russian topped with a dusting of vibrant green matcha powder, soft cream swirls still visible. The drink sits on a small white plate with a tiny sifter of matcha nearby.

Leftovers & Storage

This drink is best fresh, but you can prep the vodka and coffee liqueur mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Whisk the matcha cream and add it when ready to serve.

Wrap-Up

And that’s it—your Matcha White Russian is ready to sip! It’s creamy, bold, and just the right amount of earthy-sweet. Try it out, take a pic, and let me know what you think. Cheers! 🍵🍸

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!