Think green tea meets a root beer float. That’s what this sakura green tea float is, and it’s a delicious combination, if you ask us.
This sakura matcha green tea soda float layers cherry blossom syrup with crisp sparkling water, whole-leaf matcha, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a drink that feels both refreshing and a bit like dessert. It’s simple to make, doesn’t require any special equipment, and is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
If you’re looking for a different way to use matcha beyond lattes, or just want something cold and slightly sweet, this is a good place to start.
Ingredients
— 1 whole-leaf matcha tea bag
— 1 cup warm water
— 1 tbsp cherry blossom syrup
— 1/2 cup soda or sparkling water
— Vanilla ice cream
— Ice cubes
Directions
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Steep the whole-leaf matcha tea bag in warm water for 3–5 minutes.
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In a glass, add cherry blossom syrup, ice cubes, and sparkling water.
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Remove the tea bag and pour about half of the brewed tea into the glass.
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Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
What Are Matcha Whole-Leaf Tea Bags?
Matcha whole-leaf tea bags are a really convenient way to enjoy matcha without the prep work. Instead of traditional powdered matcha that’s whisked into water, these tea bags contain finely cut, high-quality Japanese green tea leaves that deliver the flavor you love, just in a more convenient package.
You still get the benefits of matcha, like an energy boost thanks to the caffeine and the calming effects of L-theanine, but in a format that works more like a traditional tea bag. Our tea bags are also made entirely with plant starch, so you don’t need to worry about sneaky microplastics showing up in your tea.
Where to find cherry blossom syrup (and what to use instead)
Cherry blossom (sakura) syrup can sometimes be harder to find, depending on your location and the season. You can often find it at:
— Specialty grocery stores
— Japanese or Asian markets
— Online retailers
If you can’t find cherry blossom syrup, you can try substituting it with:
— Rose syrup: closest alternative and has a similar aromatic profile
— Lychee syrup: adds a light, fruity sweetness
— Simple syrup + a splash of cherry juice: easy option with ingredients you may already have at home. Adds a hint of fruitiness
— Honey or maple syrup: for a more neutral sweetness (less floral, but still delicious)
Each option will slightly change the flavor, but will still work really well.
Bottom Line
This sakura matcha green tea soda float is a great way to experiment with matcha. It’s refreshing, smooth, and makes for a really lovely dessert. If you’re a fan of root beer floats but want something a little lighter, give this recipe a try. The combination of sparkling water and ice cream balances matcha’s natural earthiness, making it great for anyone just getting into matcha. You can easily adjust the sweetness, swap syrups based on what you have on hand, or scale it up for a group. It works just as well as an afternoon treat as it does for entertaining.
If you loved this, give our other recipes a try:
Vegan Daisy Matcha Lemon Tarts
Matcha Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
