This post and recipe is By Diana Weil, Matcha.com's Integrative Nutritionist and Food Relationship Specialist.

Why not get a dose of supportive health benefits the next time you are craving a cocktail or mocktail?

Matcha green tea is one of the best natural sources of antioxidants, helping boost your mood, energy levels, and overall health. A healthy, low-calorie Matcha Margarita is a great way to add a healthy twist to one of the most popular and classic cocktails of all time. This recipe is as just as delicious without the tequila for those interested in a mocktail option. 

Let us introduce you to 'The Matcharita'

The margarita is a classic and delicious cocktail, yet store-bought mixes often leave a lot to be desired. Margaritas you order at restaurants can easily run over 500 calories. They are loaded with sugar syrup and salt – and on top of this add-on all that artificial fruit flavoring – think peach, mango, or a frozen strawberry margarita by the hotel pool– pack on even more. 

Luckily a simple, home-made margarita made from scratch will only add up to around 150-200 calories. And if you cut the tequila out altogether to make a mocktail version of this drink, then it's even lower.

Here is the absolute best simple matcha margarita recipe using classic ingredients:

Making your own margarita mix from scratch is WELL worth it. It requires minimal ingredients that you already have at home and little effort or skill. 

Plus, by avoiding the pre-mixtures, your head is likely to thank you in the morning/ (Say goodbye to those over-sugary drink hangovers!)

We have a feeling that once you try out this matcha margarita recipe, its likely to become your go-to margarita recipe and you will ditch the margarita mix for good!  

Also a bonus -- Instead of any artificial food coloring that may come from a store-bought mixture, you’ll be sure to get a nice dose of antioxidants with a matcharita and a bright, joy-inducing glass. 

Ingredients you will need:

• One teaspoon matcha

• 1.5 oz silver tequila (leave out if mocktail)

• ¾ oz Cointreau

• ¼ cup Mexican lager (Corona, Pacifico, etc.) (leave out if mocktail)

• Juice from 2 limes

For Your Salted Rims:

• Equal parts salt, chili powder, lime zest.

Directions:

1. Combine equal parts chili powder, salt, and lime zest on a plate. Run the lime wedge around the outer rim of your glass and dip the rim in the salt mixture. Set aside.

2. Combine ice, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and sifted matcha in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Shake until thoroughly combined. 

3. Fill the glass with fresh ice and strain the margarita mixture into the glass. Top with lager. Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

 The bottom line: Go for quality and keep it simple

This matcha cocktail is the perfect blend of salty, sweet and sour. Adding matcha gives just a touch of complex umami flavors that you’ll love as well as generous serving of healthful compounds such as L-theanine and EGCG. It is also a great cocktail of choice if you are currently on any sort of weight loss plan or journey.

You can learn more about matcha and weight loss here.

A margarita without sour mix or additives: Remember this recipe uses a classic margarita recipe with just the simple twist of adding matcha powder. The Cointreau adds a touch of sweetness, so you don’t need to add any sugar. However, if you like your margarita on the sweeter side, feel free to add a bit of simple syrup. 

Go for quality: Using high-quality matcha is crucial for taste, & so is using a high-quality tequila. Go for a middle or top-shelf silver tequila here as well as a ceremonial, high-quality matcha powder. You won’t regret it!