Matcha has become a popular fixture on cafe menus across India, moving beyond its earlier niche appeal. Yet the most common preparation remains a familiar combination of matcha, milk, ice and a sweetener. For those looking to experiment with different flavours and textures, there are several ways to enjoy the Japanese green tea powder without sticking to the usual iced latte. Here are five creative matcha drinks shared by Angad Chachra, founder of The Bar Consultants.

Citrus-shaken matcha offers a milk-free alternative that uses citrus juice to balance the characteristic bitterness of matcha. To prepare it, whisk 2g of matcha with 30ml of warm water until smooth. Add 20ml of lime or yuzu juice and 15ml of light agave syrup, then shake the mixture well with ice before straining it over fresh ice. Regional citrus varieties such as kaffir lime or sweet lime can also be used depending on availability.

Jaggery matcha brings an Indian pantry ingredient into the drink, replacing regular sugar with jaggery syrup. Whisk 2g of matcha with 30ml of hot, but not boiling, water until frothy, then stir in 15-20ml of homemade jaggery syrup. It can be served warm or poured over ice and topped with milk. Another option is sparkling matcha, made by whisking 2g of matcha with 30ml of water before adding 10-15ml of light maple syrup over ice and topping the drink with sparkling water.

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For a creamy dairy-free option, coconut vanilla matcha combines matcha with coconut water, date syrup and plant-based milk. Whisk 2g of matcha with 30ml of warm water, then shake it with 60ml of coconut water and 10ml of homemade date syrup. Pour the mixture over ice and finish with a foamed vanilla milk layer. Coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives can be used to create a richer texture, making it suitable for menus or drink preferences that avoid dairy.

Mango matcha cloud offers another fruit-forward variation, with whisked matcha used as a foam rather than mixed directly into the drink. Shake 20ml of fresh mango puree with 60ml of chilled jasmine green tea and 5ml of lime juice, then strain the mixture over ice. Separately whisk 2g of matcha into a foam and spoon it over the drink. The five variations offer different ways to enjoy matcha, from citrusy and sparkling preparations to creamy, spiced and fruit-based combinations.

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