How to make matcha tea with orange juice

Matcha tea has long been more than a passing fad. It's gone from being seen as a strange brew with that characteristic green hue to becoming a regular in many kitchens. Orange, on the other hand, has never had to earn its place: it's always been there, linked to breakfasts, juices and that “I'm starting the day with a good dose of vitamins” feeling.

Putting the two ingredients together might sound odd at first, but the truth is it makes quite a lot of sense and, once you try it, it tends to be a pleasant surprise. It's not a blend designed to show off or to follow trends for the sake of it, but a drink with character that's easy to make at home. Fancy giving it a go?

Do orange and matcha go well together?

The answer is a clear yes. Matcha has an intense, vegetal and slightly bitter flavour that isn't always easy for everyone, especially when had with just water. Orange comes in right where it's needed: it adds acidity, freshness and that natural sweet touch that softens the whole thing without overpowering the tea's flavour. It's not about one masking the other, but about them complementing each other.

Benefits of having matcha and orange together

Beyond the flavour, this combination makes quite a lot of practical sense. Matcha provides caffeine, but in a more stable way than coffee, with no sharp spikes or sudden crashes, thanks to L-theanine. Orange, for its part, adds vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as making the drink lighter and easier to have, especially on an empty stomach. Together they make an interesting combo for those looking for sustained energy, a good antioxidant boost and an alternative to the usual sugary drinks. What's more, vitamin C can help improve the absorption of some of the tea's compounds, and the combination tends to be gentler on digestion than matcha on its own — something you appreciate first thing in the morning.

Ingredients and preparation

To make matcha tea with orange juice you don't need to set up an endless ritual or have half a specialist shop at home. All you need is a teaspoon of good-quality matcha, freshly squeezed natural orange juice and a little hot water. If you want to tailor the drink to your taste, you can add cold water, ice, a touch of grated ginger or even a little orange zest, but all of that is optional.

Start by heating the water to about 70–80 ºC. Put the matcha in a bowl or glass and add around 60 ml of hot water. Whisk well, either with a bamboo whisk or a small whisk, until there are no lumps and a light foam appears. Meanwhile, squeeze one or two oranges, depending on their size and sweetness. In a large glass, add the juice and gradually stir in the matcha, mixing gently. Taste and adjust: a little more water if it feels intense, ice if you want it cooler, or a touch of sweetness only if you really think it's needed.

Details that make the difference

There are small mistakes that can spoil the experience without you noticing. Using boiling water burns the matcha and makes it more bitter, reaching for shop-bought juices ruins the potential of this combination because of the added sugar, and not whisking the tea well ends in a drink full of unappetising lumps.

It's also wise not to overdo the amount of matcha; in this case, more doesn't mean better. Adjusting the proportions is part of the process, and it's quite normal for it not to come out perfect the first time.

Variations to keep things fresh

Once you've mastered the base, this drink offers plenty of room to play. You can replace some of the water with sparkling water for a more refreshing version, add spices like ginger or a pinch of cinnamon to change the profile, or pour in a splash of plant-based drink if you're after a slightly smoother texture without turning it into a classic matcha latte. You can even make a slushie version by freezing the orange juice and blending it with the already-prepared matcha — ideal for times when the heat really kicks in.

When to have it and what to expect

It works especially well in the morning, when you feel like waking yourself up without resorting to the usual coffee. It can also be a good option before training if you're after a moderate boost. At night it isn't the most advisable, basically because matcha still contains caffeine. As for the flavour, it's worth going in with realistic expectations: it doesn't taste like sweet juice or classic green tea. It has personality and can be surprising at first, but it tends to win you over with each try.

In short, matcha tea with orange juice doesn't aim to replace anything or become a daily obligation. It's simply a different alternative, easy to make and one that makes plenty of sense both for its flavour and for what it brings.

If you fancy stepping away from the usual and trying something new, this blend deserves, at the very least, a chance. And if you'd rather have your usual matcha but separately, in our shop you'll find everything from the traditional flavour of authentic Japanese matcha to flavoured matchas that won't stop surprising you. Give them a try!