Now we all know that for our ‘The Green Issue‘ we’re referring to eco or environmentally friendly weddings…not the literal colour green! But this emerald beauty from Sydney’s Junk Lounge was too pretty to resist sharing with you. Plus, the traditional ritual surrounding drinking matcha – which gives this cocktail its lush green colour – is all about being a bit more mindful; a handy mindset to have when planning a green wedding.

With sprawling, sparkling Sydney Harbour and city views and exotic den-like styling, Junk Lounge could be just the place for an engagement party. For brides and grooms-to-be in New South Wales, this venue comfortably fits up to 180 people for a cocktail party.

There are several ways in which you can bump up the other green factor in their ‘Matcha Magic’ cocktail recipe for your upcoming ethically-minded celebrations. Start by sourcing fair trade, organic matcha. Junk Lounge uses a classic gin in their recipe, but there are plenty of gins out there that you could use as substitutes which donate to animal and conservation causes. Try Gin Pangolin, Elephant Gin or Fair Gin. If you’re really keen you could use ginger, chamomile or even honey (if you’re lucky enough to have a beehive) from your own backyard to make the syrup.

Matcha Magic by Junk Lounge

  • 60ml Tanqueray gin
  • 15ml elderflower liqueur
  • 40ml lemon juice
  • 40ml ginger, chamomile & honey syrup
  • Spoonful of matcha powder
  • Ginger ale
  • Extra matcha powder, to garnish
  • Orange zest and candied ginger, optional.

Add all ingredients, except ginger ale and garnishes, to a shaker. Shake to combine. Double strain into a goblet or even a decorative teapot or teacup. Sprinkle with extra matcha, orange zest and candied ginger if you prefer.

Photograph 2 by Vienna Marie.

About Ms Fleur De Lys: Aside from being Ms Polka’s Editorial Assistant, Ms Fleur de Lys is also Polka Dot Bride’s Melbourne correspondent so you’ll see her running all over town finding wedding inspiration. As both a lifestyle journalist and cocktail aficionado, Fleur appreciates the power of words whipped up as deftly as a good martini.