What's in this cocktail?

• Jade Leaf Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha
• Japanese vodka (we used Haku Rice Vodka - but feel free to sub in your favorite vodka or spirit)
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh strawberries
• Light agave syrup
• Club soda
• Ice (we made layered Labor Day themed ice cubes, but feel free to regular ice cubes)

Tools you'll need

• Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
• Cocktail strainer or stainless steel strainer
• Muddler
• Your favorite glassware

What kind of matcha should I use?

We used our Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha in this recipe for a vibrant green pop of color, but you can use other pure matcha offerings like Barista Edition or Culinary Grade .

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Tip: No matter what grade you use, don’t forget to sift your matcha to avoid clumps! 

How do I make the layered Labor Day Ice?

Prep your fancy Labor Day-inspired ice cubes one day before crafting the cocktails! It will take approximately 6-8 hours as each layer will require ample time to freeze completely.

STEP 1: Use a large ice cube silicone mold. Fill the bottom of each mold with 5-8 fresh or frozen blueberries. Pour in your preferred milk over the blueberries, filling the mold 1/3 of the way full. Place in freezer until completely frozen (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).

STEP 2: Remove ice tray from freezer. Place 3-5 slices of fresh strawberries above the frozen layer. Pour in cold water over the strawberries, leaving 1/3 of space in each mold. Place in freezer until completely frozen.

STEP 3: Remove ice tray from freezer. Blend 1 tsp of sifted matcha powder in 4 oz cold water. Whisk until frothy. Top off the frozen layers by pouring in a matcha layer until you reach the brim of each mold. Place in freezer until completely frozen. 

Wet Hot Matcha Summer Cocktail

Ingredients:

Makes 1 cocktail

• 1/2 to 1 tsp Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha, sifted
• 2 oz cool water
• 2 oz vodka
• 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1 tbs light agave syrup (or simple syrup)
• 1 to 2 oz club soda
• Ice
• 1 fresh strawberry for garnish

Optional: Labor Day Ice Cubes

Makes 6 large ice cubes

• Bottom Layer
• 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup dairy or plant milk
• Middle Layer
• 4-5 fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Top Layer
• 1 tsp Teahouse Ceremonial Grade Matcha
• 1/2 cup cold water

Directions:

1. Add lime juice, agave, and sliced strawberries into a cocktail shaker or mason jar and muddle ingredients together. Add vodka and ice. Secure the top of your cocktail shaker or mason jar, shake for 15-20 seconds. Set aside.
2. Make your matcha shot! Add matcha powder into 2 oz cool water. Whisk until frothy. Set aside.
3. Add ice to your glass. Place a cocktail strainer over your shaker and pour cocktail over the ice. Add club soda. Then top off with your matcha shot.
4. Garnish a strawberry (or lime wheel, fresh berries, mint leaves or anything you fancy).
5. Pinkies up! Stir, sip, and enjoy.