Few cocktails are as infuriating as the Tokyo Tea. Some may be able to separate the name from the content, but it’s unforgivable false advertising to me. Standing tall in a slender high ball glass, glowing bright green, you’d expect something at least minimally connected to Japanese iced tea, right? Wrong. There’s no tea, it’s not made in Tokyo, and it’s not even particularly tasty. Let’s give the Tokyo Tea a makeover to finally live up to its promise.

What Is A Tokyo Tea Cocktail?

Following the blueprint of a Long Island Iced Tea, which notably contains zero tea content itself, the bulk of this drink is a mishmash of spirits that seem like the leftovers of disparate bottles, mixed together in a last-ditch attempt to clear out. Vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec are all invited to the party in equal measure, indiscriminately mixed with abandon.

The star of the show that sets this rendition apart and contributes the only plausible inspiration for the name is midori, a sweet, green liqueur flavored with the subtle fruitiness of melons. At only 1/8th or less of the total volume, though, I promise you’d never know, if not for the color.

Updating The Recipe

Putting the Tokyo and tea back into the Tokyo Tea, my version of the cocktail starts with a base of full-flavored ceremonial matcha. Bold, vibrant, subtly grassy, umami, and just slightly bitter, it provides a richly nuanced foundation to build upon, all while balancing out the sweeter liqueurs. Though most Americans think of matcha lattes with velvety milk foam, this take skips the creamy component to keep the drink light and refreshing.

If you’re craving a Tokyo Tea that lives up to the name, this twist on tradition will finally set the record straight. Remember to enjoy responsibly because even after paring down the number of spirits involved, this cocktail still packs a punch.

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Yield: Makes 1 Serving

Tokyo Green Tea

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If you're craving a Tokyo Tea that lives up to the name, this twist using matcha powder will finally set the record straight.

Prep Time 2 minutes

Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Ounce Water
• 1 Teaspoon Matcha Powder
• 1 1/2 Ounces Midori (Melon Liqueur)
• 1/2 Ounce Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
• 1/2 Ounce Gin
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• Ice, as Needed
• 1 Ounce Lemon-Lime Soda or Sparkling Water
• Fresh Lime Slices and/or Cherries, to Garnish (Optional)

Instructions

1. In a small dish, vigorously whisk the water and matcha together until frothy and fully combined, with no lumps remaining. Transfer to a cocktail shaker along with the midori, orange liqueur, gin, lime juice, and a handful of ice.
   
   
2. Shake well for 20 - 30 seconds. Strain and pour over fresh ice in a highball glass. Top off with soda or mineral water. Garnish if desired.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Esme Gin
• 
  Midori Melon Liqueur
• 
  Wilderness Poets, Organic Ceremonial Matcha, 1 oz (22 g)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 239Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.