Elevate your next spring garden party with green tea-tails

Already lovely on its own, green tea — whether in leaf or matcha form — goes wonderfully with other ingredients to create delicious cocktails.

When used right, it can easily transform classic drinks into something even more refined, or create brand new refreshing concoctions.

Here are 5 easy recipes to get you inspired.

Cucumber Green Tea Martini

In a shaker tin, muddle a 2-inch piece of cucumber and a small piece of fresh ginger with a pinch of salt and a dash of simple syrup. Add 2 oz plain or citrus-flavored vodka, 3/4 oz green tea and 2 basil leaves. Add ice and shake well until cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a cucumber slice and serve. 

Matcha Highball

Combine 2 oz Japanese whiskey, 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 oz honey syrup and 1/4 teaspoon matcha green tea powder in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour into a chilled, ice-filled Collins glass. Pour 4 oz chilled club soda into the shaker and swirl to loosen the leftover matcha powder. Pour into the glass, stir, and garnish with a lemon wheel before serving.

Green Tea Vodka Spritzer

Combine 1 oz vodka, 2 oz green tea, the 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and a splash of ginger ale to a highball glass with ice. Stir, garnish with a slice of lime and serve.

Green Tea Cosmopolitan

Combine 1 oz vodka, 2 oz green tea, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz cranberry juice into an ice-filled shaker and shake well until cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a lime peel and serve.

Matcha Gin Fizz

Combine 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz simple syrup, 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well until cold. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with chilled club soda. Stir and serve.