Bright, herbal, and full of life — the Matcha Lemon Basil Cooler brings together matcha’s calm focus with the invigorating freshness of lemon and basil. It’s a drink that energizes without rushing, refreshes without overwhelming.
Perfect for warm afternoons, outdoor gatherings, or moments when you need clarity and renewal.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Naturally uplifting and hydrating
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Lightly sweet, citrusy, and aromatic
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Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C
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Vegan, gluten-free, and quick to prepare
🪷 Bring Japanese calm to summer freshness with the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🍃 Ingredients (2 Servings)
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2 teaspoons (4 g) ceremonial-grade matcha powder
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120 ml (4 oz) hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F)
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500 ml (17 oz) cold water or sparkling water
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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4–5 fresh basil leaves
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1–2 teaspoons honey, agave, or simple syrup
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Ice cubes
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Optional garnish: basil sprig or lemon slice
🍵 Tools You’ll Need
From your ZENSŌ Matcha Ritual Set:
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Sifter (Furui) – to remove any matcha clumps
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Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) – for accurate measurement
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Matcha Bowl (Chawan) – for whisking your base
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Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) – to blend and aerate
Additional tool:
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Shaker or jar – for mixing the final drink
💚 All the essentials for your ritual are available in the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Matcha
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Sift 2 tsp (4 g) of matcha into your Chawan using the Furui (Sifter).
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Add 120 ml (4 oz) of hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F).
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Whisk briskly in a “W” motion with your Chasen for about 15–20 seconds until smooth and vibrant.
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Let it cool for 1–2 minutes.
2️⃣ Muddle the Basil
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In a jar or shaker, lightly crush basil leaves with a spoon to release their aroma.
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Add lemon juice and sweetener. Stir or shake gently.
3️⃣ Combine the Ingredients
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Pour the cooled matcha into the jar with the basil-lemon mix.
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Add cold water (or sparkling water) and ice cubes.
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Shake gently to mix without losing carbonation (if sparkling).
4️⃣ Serve and Garnish
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Pour into tall glasses.
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Garnish with a basil sprig and a slice of lemon.
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Enjoy the delicate layers of citrus, herb, and matcha — a mindful refreshment.
🌸 Pro Tips for the Perfect Cooler
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Cool your matcha completely before combining with cold water to avoid bitterness.
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Use fresh basil only — dried leaves lose their aromatic notes.
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Sparkling water adds a light fizz and visual brightness.
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Adjust sweetness to taste — balance is key.
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For stronger aroma, clap basil leaves between your hands before adding.
🍋 Flavor Variations
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Mint Matcha Cooler: Replace basil with mint for an even cooler flavor.
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Cucumber Basil Matcha: Add cucumber slices for a spa-inspired version.
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Lime Basil Matcha: Swap lemon juice for lime for a sharper citrus note.
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Sparkling Yuzu Matcha: Add a dash of yuzu juice for Japanese flair.
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Iced Matcha Basil Lemonade: Use still water and add crushed ice for a café-style drink.
🧽 Cleaning and Care
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Rinse your Chawan and Chasen immediately after use with warm water.
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Avoid soap on bamboo — natural cleaning preserves quality.
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Dry your whisk upright and store matcha in an airtight tin.
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Rinse your shaker or jar right after use to prevent sticky syrup residue.
☯️ ZENSŌ’s handcrafted tools are designed to elevate every step — explore them here
🌼 Serving Suggestions
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Serve in transparent glasses to highlight the layered green-yellow tones.
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Add edible flowers or basil blossoms for an elegant presentation.
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Pair with light snacks like fruit skewers or rice crackers.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The Matcha Lemon Basil Cooler is the essence of freshness and stillness combined — citrus for clarity, basil for vitality, and matcha for mindful energy. Each sip revives the body while centering the mind.
With your ZENSŌ Matcha Set, even a summer drink becomes a tranquil ritual: whisk, pour, breathe, and enjoy harmony in every drop. 🌿🍋