Matcha is a Japanese green tea that has been generating buzz—and for good reason. Unlike conventional green tea where steeped leaves are discarded, matcha lets you consume the entire tea leaf.

Due to its many health benefits, matcha tea is becoming increasingly popular and has even won over traditional tea and coffee lovers.

Many would-be matcha drinkers are under the impression that matcha is difficult to make. In fact, nothing can be further from the truth. To quell your concerns, we have put together a quick guide on how to make matcha tea.

You’ll soon discover that making matcha is a breeze. In fact, it’s easier to whisk up a bowl of matcha than it is to brew a cup of coffee!

Perfect Ways to Make Matcha Tea

There are three basic ways to prepare matcha tea: whisking, frothing, and shaking.

Matcha prepared by whisking or frothing is usually hot, while shaking is best for quick and delicious cold-brew matcha. Let’s take a quick look at each method of preparing a perfect cup of matcha tea.

Whisking

Whisking is best for preparing matcha the traditional way--in the tea bowl, or chawan, with nothing else added.

Whisked matcha is prepared using a special bamboo whisk called a “chasen.” Whisking using a chasen combines the green tea powder and hot water into a rich, airy beverage with a pleasant crema and aroma.

Whisking is the method used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (called chado or sado (茶道), the way of tea). The intricacies of the tea ceremony lead many to believe that whisking using a chasen is difficult, but this is not the case.

It is the countless complexities of the ceremony that are difficult, not the action of whisking itself, so no need to be intimidated. With just a bit of practice, you'll find you can whisk up a perfect bowl every time. 

With whisking, two styles of matcha tea can be prepared: usucha and koicha.

Usucha-style

Usucha (thin tea) is thin type of matcha tea using more water and less powder. This style of matcha produces a frothy crema and is ideal for daily drinking.

Here’s how to make delicious usucha-style matcha:

1. Gently sift ½-1 tsp. (1-2g) of tea powder into a tea bowl.
2. Pour 2-4 ounces of water warmed to 180oF or 80oC into the bowl.
3. Whisk the tea with a chasen using a zigzag motion until it is well-mixed and a nice crema has formed.
4.  Enjoy straight from the bowl.

Koicha-style

Koicha (thick tea) is a thick matcha with an almost paste-like consistency. Here’s how to make koicha-style matcha:

1. Sift about 2 tsp. (4g) of powder into a tea bowl..
2. Pour about 2 ounces ( 60ml) of water into the bowl.
3. Whisk the tea in a zig-zag, up-and-down motion until it has a thick, pasty consistency.
4. Koicha style will typically not develop a crema as you whisk.
5. Enjoy straight from the bowl.

Frothing

Though whisking with a chasen is easy once you get the hang of it, for some it can be intimidating. If you lack the tools or the time, you can also whisk your matcha using a motorized frother.

Here ‘s how to froth up a perfect cup of matcha tea:

1. Add the same tea and hot water portions described above for whisking.
2. To avoid splattering, use a cup that is narrower, taller, and more tapered than a traditional tea bowl.
3. Insert frother into liquid and turn on. Froth for 5-10 seconds. Be careful to avoid splatter.
4. Enjoy!

Shaking (Cold-brew Matcha)

Traditional matcha is delicious cold-brewed, and the method for making cold-brew matcha is ultra-simple. Here's how:

1. Add 8 oz. of ice-cold water or coconut water into a bottle or shaker.
2. Scoop ½-1 tsp. (1-2g) matcha powder.
3. Shake vigorously for several seconds, until the powder is thoroughly mixed.
4. Enjoy! Since matcha settles, make sure to re-shake each time you drink.

Matcha Latte

Matcha latte is a favorite café beverage that you can easily make at home. Here’s how to make matcha tea latte deliciously at home:

1. Sift ½-1 tsp. (1-2g) matcha powder into a tea bowl.
2. Add 1-2 oz. of cold water into the bowl and whisk into it forms a thick paste.
3. Heat milk (soy, nut, cow).
4. Sweeten milk to taste.
5. Froth milk with an electric frother to give is a nice foams.
6. Pour milk into the latte.
7. Top off with foam.
8. Sprinkle a little matcha powder on top for garnish.

*For iced matcha latte, simply pour over ice.

Matcha Smoothie

A matcha green tea smoothie is a favorite nutritious, energy-boosting beverage that will keep you energized throughout your day. Here’s a simple matcha smoothie recipe made with matcha, fruit, and hemp seed for added protein.

1. Add two frozen chopped bananas along with the almond or other favorite milk into a blender.
2. Add the 1-2 tablespoons of Matcha Moon culinary or café-grade matcha powder.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds.
4. Blend it until creamy and smooth. Add extra milk or ice to thin out as desired.

Matcha Baking

In addition to beverages, matcha can also be used to prepare a matcha-flavored version of all your favorite baked goods including cookies, cakes, and scones. Check our website for recipes!

You now know all the easy basic ways to make matcha tea. Experiment with different types of matcha tea until you find the style of making and enjoying matcha that suits your own taste and lifestyle.

Are you ready to give matcha a try? Shop our selection of Matcha Moon premium organic matcha teas.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and receive your Free Matcha Starter Guide plus 15% Off your first purchase!