If you’ve ever sipped on a Starbucks Matcha Lemonade and thought, “I wish I could make this at home—without the price tag or mystery ingredients,” you’re in for a treat. This Matcha Lemonade recipe is not only refreshingly tangy and lightly sweet, it’s also a healthier, homemade twist on the iced matcha drink we all secretly crave. And good news—you don’t need fancy equipment or a degree in barista-ology to make it.
Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or impressing a friend who “doesn’t even like matcha” (just wait), this Starbucks copycat hits all the right notes: earthy, citrusy, energizing—and easy on the budget.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Lemonade
This Matcha Lemonade isn’t just a pretty green drink for your Instagram feed (though yes, it’s definitely photogenic). It’s your answer to:
- Beating the summer heat with a refreshing summer drink
- Saving money with a Starbucks copycat recipe you can make at home
- Getting a gentle caffeine boost from matcha without the crash
- Having control over the ingredients in your healthy lemonade
And the best part? It’s ready in about 10 minutes flat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these on hand:
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 2 cups cold water
- Juice of 1 large lemon (fresh is best)
- 2 teaspoons honey (or substitute with agave, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener)
- Ice
How to Make Matcha Lemonade in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Whisk the Matcha
Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl with the hot water. Whisk with a bamboo whisk or milk frother until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Let it cool for a minute.
Alyssa’s Tip: No whisk? Use a milk frother or even shake it in a sealed jar until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Lemonade Base
In a pitcher, mix the cold water, lemon juice, and honey. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Pour
Add the cooled matcha paste to the pitcher. Stir until the drink turns that gorgeous green. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the matcha lemonade over. Serve immediately and enjoy the calm, citrusy buzz.
Pro Tips for the Best Iced Matcha
- Use fresh lemon juice – The bottled kind works, but nothing beats fresh-squeezed for flavor.
- Drink it fresh – The color and taste are best right after mixing.
- Sweetness is personal – Adjust the honey to suit your taste.
- Try a twist – Add a splash of sparkling water or garnish with fresh mint for a fun variation.
Alyssa’s Quick Take
The first time I tried recreating this drink, it was during one of those summer afternoons where it felt like the air itself had given up. I was sweaty, tired, and craving something that felt like a treat. I whipped this up with what I had in the fridge and was instantly hooked. It’s now one of my favorite ways to take a five-minute break that feels like a mini vacation—no drive-thru needed.
Matcha Lemonade FAQs – Everything You’ve Been Wondering
How do you make matcha lemonade at home?
It’s easier than it sounds. Whisk matcha powder with a bit of hot water to create a smooth paste, then stir it into a mixture of cold water, fresh lemon juice, and your favorite sweetener. Pour it over ice and enjoy immediately. That’s it! This method creates a delicious, homemade matcha lemonade in just a few minutes.
Is matcha lemonade actually good?
Yes—shockingly good, actually. The earthy, almost grassy notes of matcha pair beautifully with the tartness of lemon and a touch of sweetness. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and balanced—kind of like a green tea lemonade with a personality. Even if you’re on the fence about matcha, this drink might just win you over.
What’s the difference between “how to make matcha lemonade” and “how to make a matcha lemonade”?
Not much—just grammar! Both phrases are commonly searched and mean the same thing: how to blend matcha and lemonade into one glorious iced drink. Whether you’re searching with or without the “a,” this recipe has you covered.
How do you make Starbucks matcha lemonade at home?
To make a Starbucks matcha lemonade copycat, follow this simple ratio: 1 part matcha paste (made with hot water and matcha powder), 2 parts cold water, and 1 part lemon juice. Sweeten to taste. Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened mix, but by making it at home, you get all the flavor without the mystery ingredients—or the price tag.
Does matcha lemonade have caffeine?
Yes, it does—matcha is made from ground green tea leaves, which naturally contain caffeine. However, unlike coffee, matcha provides a slower, more sustained energy boost thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. It also contains a small amount of plant-based protein, adding a subtle nutritional perk. So yes, your matcha lemonade can wake you up without making you jittery.
Refreshing Matcha Lemonade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Matcha Lemonade is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. A healthy, energizing Starbucks copycat recipe that combines earthy matcha with bright lemon juice and a touch of natural sweetness—ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
2 teaspoons matcha powder
2 tablespoons hot water
2 cups cold water
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons honey (or agave, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener)
Ice
Instructions
-
Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl and add the hot water. Whisk with a bamboo whisk or milk frother until smooth and frothy. Let it cool slightly.
-
In a pitcher, combine cold water, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves completely.
-
Add the cooled matcha paste to the pitcher. Stir until well blended and a vibrant green color is achieved.
-
Fill two glasses with ice and pour the matcha lemonade over. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor—skip the bottled kind if you can.
Adjust the sweetener to taste, depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your lemonade.
For a fizzy twist, top with sparkling water or garnish with mint.
Best enjoyed fresh, as the matcha can settle and lose its vibrant color over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: matcha lemonade, Starbucks matcha lemonade, iced matcha drink, summer drink recipe, healthy lemonade, matcha drink with lemon