Make this simple Matcha Syrup in minutes and enjoy it in lattes, cocktails, desserts, pancakes, fruit salad, yogurt and more!

Matcha syrup is a simple yet versatile ingredient that can add a lot to a wide range of recipes with its unique flavor.
With its vibrant green hue and earthy, sweet taste, matcha syrup can be used to enhance beverages, desserts, pancakes, yogurt and so much more.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just three ingredients and a few straightforward steps.
I love making simple syrup recipes (as you can tell because there are so many on this website! Check them out here: Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes). They're such a quick and easy way to turn an ingredient into a delicious, pourable treat.
I'm also a massive fan of matcha. I love a matcha latte in the morning, or cooking with it like in the recipes for Matcha Horchata, Matcha Tarts, or Strawberry and Matcha Popsicles.
Bringing them together in this Matcha simple syrup was a relevation to me when I first tried it a few years ago.
I love drizzling a little into a cup of steamed milk, pouring a little over a stack of pancakes, topping a dish of fresh fruit salad, or swirling it into a dish of yogurt.
I hope you'll love this matcha syrup too!
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What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves.
Japan has a deep cultural and historical connection to this unique tea. It is a staple in traditional tea ceremonies and a common ingredient in various Japanese desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes.
Unlike traditional green tea, where leaves are steeped in water, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, providing a more concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants.
It has a vibrant green color and a unique, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor.
What Does Matcha Syrup Taste Like?
Matcha syrup has a unique flavor profile that's both earthy and sweet.
The green tea's natural bitterness is balanced by the sugar. It's refreshing and invigorating, with a distinct grassy note that pairs well with many dishes and drinks.
Whether drizzled over desserts or mixed into beverages, matcha syrup offers a delightful way to experience the rich, complex flavors of matcha and is a great way to enjoy Japanese flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: Matcha syrup can be used in a wide range of beverages and dishes.
- Flavor Boost: Adds a unique, earthy sweetness to your recipes.
- Japanese: It brings a taste of Japan to dishes and drinks.
- Easy to Make: Requires only three ingredients and a few simple steps.
- Health Benefits: Matcha is rich in antioxidants and has various health benefits.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and intensity to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Matcha Powder: Preferably culinary grade for its robust flavor, this is the star ingredient. If you don't have matcha powder, you can substitute with green tea powder, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the syrup. You can use honey or agave syrup as a natural alternative, though it will change the flavor slightly.
- Water: The base of the syrup, essential for dissolving the sugar and matcha.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the water to a saucepan over a high heat and bring to the boil.
Matcha has a tendency to clump, so to avoid this happening, add the matcha green tea powder to a small bowl along with 2 tablespoons of the boiled water and stir or whisk to dissolve the powder. Set aside.
Stir the sugar into the pot of boiling water, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Whisk the dissolved matcha into the sugar syrup. Set aside to infuse and cool slightly for 10 minutes.
Place the fine mesh sieve over a bowl, and strain the matcha syrup into it to remove any undissolved matcha. You can skip this step if there are no clumps of matcha powder.
Allow the syrup to cool completely, then pour into a clean jar or bottle.
Store the matcha simple syrup in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 1-2 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
- Matcha Iced Coffee: Add a splash of matcha syrup to your iced coffee for a refreshing twist on your usual morning brew. Drizzle some onto a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino.
- Oatmeal: Drizzle it over your morning oatmeal for an antioxidant boost and a subtle sweetness. Try it on Gruel!
- Pancakes and Waffles: Use this simple syrup in place of maple syrup for a fun and flavorful change. Try it on Blackberry Pancakes.
- Matcha Yogurt Parfait: Layer matcha syrup with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a delicious and nutritious parfait. Try some in this Cookie Cheesecake Parfait.
- Milkshakes: Blend matcha syrup with vanilla ice cream and milk for a creamy, green tea-flavored milkshake.
- Fruit Salad: Drizzle matcha simple syrup over a bowl of mixed fruit for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cocktail Enhancer: Mix some with gin, tonic, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing matcha gin and tonic.
- Matcha Hot Chocolate: Stir a spoonful into your hot chocolate for a unique twist.
- Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle matcha simple syrup over vanilla ice cream for a matcha boost.
Variations
- Vanilla Matcha Syrup: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness.
- Citrus Matcha Syrup: Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice for a refreshing twist.
- Spiced Matcha Syrup: Infuse the syrup with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh ginger during the simmering process.
- Mint Matcha Syrup: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cool, invigorating flavor.
- Honey Matcha Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with honey for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Lavender Matcha Syrup: Add dried lavender buds while simmering the syrup for a floral note.
- Rose Matcha Syrup: Infuse with rose water for a delicate, fragrant syrup.
Storage
Store your matcha syrup in a clean, airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It should last for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can defrost only what you need.
Top tips
- Dissolving Matcha: Always dissolve matcha powder in a small amount of hot water first to avoid clumping.
- Straining: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any undissolved matcha for a smooth consistency. You may not need to do this if your matcha isn't clumpy.
- Cooling: Allow the syrup to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the storage container.
FAQs
It's best to use unsweetened matcha powder to control the sweetness of the syrup.
Yes, but it will give the syrup a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
No, matcha contains caffeine, so the syrup will also have caffeine.
Dissolve it in a small amount of hot water before adding it to the syrup to prevent clumping.
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📖 Recipe
Matcha Syrup
Equipment
- Pot
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup water 235ml
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder preferably culinary grade
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
Instructions
- Add the water to a saucepan over a high heat and bring to the boil.
- Matcha has a tendency to clump, so to avoid this happening, add the matcha green tea powder to a small bowl along with 2 tablespoons of the boiled water and stir or whisk to dissolve the powder. Set aside.
- Stir the sugar into the pot of boiling water, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk the dissolved matcha into the sugar syrup. Set aside to infuse and cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Place the fine mesh sieve over a bowl, and strain the matcha syrup into it to remove any undissolved matcha. You can skip this step if there are no clumps of matcha powder.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely, then pour into a clean jar or bottle.
- Store the matcha simple syrup in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Krissie
I have a friend who is matcha obsessed, so I made this for her. She LOVED IT!
Narissa
Wow I never even thought of making matcha syrup before, this wass so good with steamed milk in the morning! Going to try your kiwi syrup next.
Paula
This matcha syrup was delightful over waffles this morning!
Mary
I love matcha syrup. I tried it a few years ago and have been in love ever since! So pleased to find this recipe on Pinterest!