Iced Matcha Tonic: Fresh, sparkling and ready in 3 minutes

Recipe week 7 | Publication: May 2026

Iced matcha tonic is the drink that will surprise you: the soft umami of ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima meets fresh, slightly bitter tonic water. The result is a sparkling, refreshing drink that you can make in three minutes and that looks beautiful in the glass.

This recipe was originally developed for Unmatched Matcha. The key lies in the correct order: whisk the matcha first in a little bit of warm water, then add the ice cubes and tonic. This gives you that beautiful layering and keeps the matcha flavor bright. Always use ceremonial matcha from Unmatched Matcha for the best flavor and the most active compounds.

Ingredients

For the matcha shot

• 2 grams Unmatched Matcha ceremonial powder (1 level teaspoon)

• 40 ml warm water (70-75 degrees Celsius, not boiling)

For the glass

• 150 ml tonic water (chilled, choose a dry tonic without much sweetener)

• 6-8 ice cubes

• 2-3 slices of lemon or lime

• Optional: 2 sprigs of fresh mint

Preparation

1. Prepare the glass. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and place the lemon slices in between. This chills the glass so your tonic keeps its bubbles as long as possible.

Pro tip: Use a tall, narrow glass for the best layering. A wide glass mixes more quickly.

2. Whisk the matcha. Put 2 grams of Unmatched Matcha in a small bowl or mug. Add 40 ml of warm water (70-75 degrees Celsius) and whisk into a smooth, frothy mixture using your chasen or an electric whisk. There should be no lumps.

Pro tip: Sift the matcha before whisking through a fine sieve if you want an extra silky texture.

3. Pour the tonic into the glass. Pour the cold tonic water slowly over the ice cubes. By pouring slowly, you preserve as much carbonation as possible.

4. Add the matcha. Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the back of a spoon onto the tonic. This creates a beautiful green layer on top of the tonic. The layers will merge upon the first stir.

Pro tip: Do you want to keep the layering longer for a photo? Then let the matcha cool down a bit before you add it.

5. Garnish and serve. Add the mint if you like and serve immediately. Stir just before drinking for the full flavor experience.

The Result

A beautifully layered drink: clear tonic at the bottom, bright green matcha on top. Upon stirring, a lovely light green color is created. The flavor is surprising: the umami and slight sweetness of the ceremonial matcha are balanced by the bitter freshness of the tonic. Lemon makes the whole drink lighter and more summery.

Nutritional Values per Serving

3 Variations to Try

1. Matcha Tonic with Ginger

Add 3-4 slices of fresh ginger to the glass for a zesty, warm undertone. Ginger and matcha enhance each other's anti-inflammatory effects. Perfect as an autumn variation when you still want a fresh drink.

2. Matcha Elderflower Tonic

Replace 50 ml of tonic with elderflower cordial for a floral, sweet variation. The floral scents of elderflower complement the grassy umami of matcha beautifully. Add some cucumber as a garnish.

3. Spicy Matcha Tonic

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of red chili pepper to the matcha shot before whisking. The capsaicin provides a subtle warmth that contrasts with the cold tonic. Unexpected and addictive.

Tips for the Perfect Result

• Always use dry tonic (less sugar) for the best flavor profile with matcha

• Chill your tonic water as cold as possible for the most carbonation

• Whisk the matcha very well so there are no lumps floating in the tonic

• Serve immediately after preparation because tonic loses its carbonation quickly

• Use 2 grams of ceremonial matcha for the best color and flavor: culinary grade becomes too bitter due to the tonic

Why Do Matcha and Tonic Work So Well Together?

The combination may sound unexpected, but there is a good reason why iced matcha tonic has become so popular on social media and in specialty drink bars.

Tonic water contains quinine, a slightly bitter substance originally extracted from cinchona bark. That bitterness of quinine complements the umami and slight sweetness of ceremonial matcha in the same way that tonic also works well with gin: opposites that balance each other out.

Moreover, the carbonation enhances the flavor experience: the sparkling texture makes your taste buds more sensitive to the subtle flavor nuances in ceremonial matcha. That is also why quality matcha like that of Unmatched Matcha stands out so well in this recipe: cheaper matcha has too little flavor depth to be noticed alongside the tonic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tonic is best to use?

Choose a dry tonic with little sugar for the best balance with matcha. Premium dry tonics work best. Avoid extra-sweet varieties because they overpower the subtle taste of ceremonial matcha.

Can I also use sparkling water instead of tonic?

Yes, you can. Sparkling water gives a more neutral, fresh result without the quinine bitterness of tonic. The taste is milder but also less complex. Add a little more lemon for freshness in that case.

How long does the layering remain visible?

About 1-2 minutes before you stir. After stirring, the layers blend into a beautiful light green color. Do you want to capture the layering for a photo? Take the photo first, then stir.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

The matcha contains 60-80 mg of caffeine per glass. For children under 12, this is not recommended. For teenagers, a half serving (1 gram of matcha) can be an occasional choice. Tonic water also contains quinine, which is not recommended for very young children.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can make the matcha shot a few hours in advance and chill it. Always add the tonic at the last moment, otherwise it loses its carbonation. Whisk the matcha again just before serving if it has been sitting.

The Unmatched Matcha recipe series: Iced Pink Matcha Latte | Coconut Matcha Cloud | Mango Matcha Latte | Banana Matcha Latte | Matcha Lemonade | Butterfly Pea Matcha Lemonade | Iced Matcha Tonic

Have you made this recipe? Share it on Instagram and tag @unmatchedmatcha. Want to try more recipes? View the full range of Unmatched Matcha and order your favorite pack. Free shipping from €50.