Matcha may not be new—the Japanese have enjoyed it for centuries—but one look at its recent parade through town, from the boozy to the baked to the blended, proves that the power of this powdered green tea extends far beyond the mug. We sought out the cleverest interpretations of the “it” ingredient to unearth the five matcha musts of the moment.

Buzz Inducer

Beverage director Azrhiel Frost uses kiwi-peach matcha powder from 10th Avenue Tea for her simple syrup, which she shakes with fresh lime juice and CH Key gin for this citrus-forward taste of spring. $12. 564 W. Randolph St., 312-707-8780

Eye Candy

Asian ingredients abound in this dessert from pastry chef Meredith Larke, who balances sake-compressed jackfruit with matcha-coconut sorbet and chewy coconut tapioca. Think of it as a plated spin on bubble tea. $10. 564 W. Randolph St., 312-612-5640

Coffee Alternative

At this West Loop newcomer, a showstopping rosetta adorns each green tea latte—a decadent steamer of matcha, milk, and vanilla syrup. Still need a perk? Upgrade to a Military, which has a shot of espresso. $5 to $5.50. 112 N. Green St., 312-754-0431

Energizer

Don’t be fooled by the minty green hue of this frothy on-the-go sipper. It may read Shamrock Shake, but its mix of matcha, avocado, honey, protein powder, and milk quickly validates its postgym and lunch-break merits. $7. Multiple locations, theproteinbar.com

Comfort Food

Coffee cake undergoes a tea transformation in the hands of pastry chef Erin Mooney, who adds matcha to the dough before piping in zippy passion fruit cream cheese and baking up palm-size portions. $4. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100