Calling all workaholics: experts say that matcha contains more caffeine than your typical coffee bean. And while that sounds awesome, most of you ask: what is matcha?
It is finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, and it’s obviously not new to New York as select tea shops and restaurants have been selling matcha beverages for quite some time now. These days, several new places (I’m looking at you, MatchaBar) are dedicated to the beverage, and popular coffee shops like Ground Support and Jack’s Stir Brew have added matcha drinks to their menus.
What’s even better is a number of bars now offer matcha cocktails, too. So read on and check out NYC’s Top 6 Matcha Blends to Help You Power Through the Week.
Matcha Lemonade at Cha Cha Matcha
For the “IT” girls: whether you are “blogging from home” or meeting gal pals to talk gossip, choose Cha Cha Matcha to kick off your week. Just three months ago, co-founders Matthew Morton and Conrad Sandelman introduced matcha “dough’ssants” – aka doughnut croissants – along with matcha soft-serve, matcha lattes, matcha lemonade (basically everything matcha) to us in a funky, beach vibe-y space in Nolita. 373 Broome St near Mott St, 646-895-9484, www.chachamatcha.com
Fizzy Matcha at Matte Bento
Take an hour, escape that hell-hole office of yours and head to Matte Bento for mid-day fuel. Load up on fried chicken sandwiches, poke-ish bowls and various matcha teas at this just-opened, on-the-go, organic-everything Japanese bodega powered by chef Matt Redington. Matcha powder with lemon, chamomile, water and sparkling Pellegrino – easy! 516 Hudson St at West 10th St, 212-989-1888, www.mattebento.com
Matcha Milkshake at SUSHISAMBA
But really, ‘Matcha Monday’ is still a thing. Last May, SUSHISAMBA’s Global Head of Spirit & Cocktail Development Richard Woods launched his critically acclaimed Culinary Cocktails and newly-launched Virgin Cocktails (made with herbal elixirs such as aloe, shiso and matcha) to kick off summer. Despite new menu changes, the Matcha Milkshake – silky quinoa and rice milk, mild coconut, vanilla and matcha infusion, garnished with mint leaves and coconut shavings – thankfully remains. 87 7th Ave South at Barrow St, 212-691-7885, www.sushisamba.com
Kichi Bliss at Izi
Your workday wraps, you are exhausted and in need of a cocktail, but now have to meet visiting family for pre-theater drinks in Times Square. Ugh. How to survive? Meet at Izi, the fun and modern izakaya located inside the W’s Blue Fin for group-friendly dishes, sushi and sake cocktails highlighting Japanese ingredients. What to drink: Kichi Bliss, courtesy of BR Guest Corporate Beverage Director Richard Breitkreutz. This sake infusion will give you a boost of energy with the hints of matcha. 1567 Broadway at West 47th St, 212-918-1405, www.izinewyork.com
Detox Retox at Catch NYC
Mixologist Chris Barry’s reasoning for this “super-fresh drink” was for guests to enjoy when the weather is warm (like right now). And thanks to heat lamps and blankets, guests can enjoy the matcha and cucumber-infused Casamigos tequila cocktail atop the polished, tri-level space known for creative seafood-focused fare all season long. Stay alert – celebs might be cocktailing too. 21 9th Ave. at West 13th St, 212-392-5978, www.catchrestaurants.com
The First Lady at The Garret
Your workweek sucks, and you just want to run from reality. Recommendation? Hide away at a hidden cocktail bar. That is, our favorite (laid-back) speakeasy The Garret located above Five Guys in the West Village. Chill in the “artist’s loft-like bar” area or a loungey nook by the retired fireplace, order some burgers and cocktails like The First Lady, with London Dry gin, Combier, matcha, lemon and egg white, curated by Den Hospitality Beverage Director, Grant Wheeler to get wake back up. 2nd Floor, 296 Bleecker St at Barrow St, 212-675-6157, www.garretnyc.com
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