When it comes to tea rituals, nothing quite compares to a traditional matcha ceremony. Learning how to make matcha is a tradition that can be traced back to the 9th century. These ceremonies are used to celebrate everything from the new year to opening a new jar of tea.
The ceremony itself consists of a number of tiny details, precise movements and specific etiquette (like never speaking directly to the host) that should be respected regardless of the reason for the celebration. Even in today’s hyper-fast society, tea ceremonies remain at the core of Japanese culture.
Of course, you don’t have to be part of a traditional ceremony to enjoy the peaceful ritual of making a matcha. Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a moment to yourself, whisking up a delicious matcha allows you to take a step back from the day and take a few minutes to chill out. Here’s how to make the perfect matcha at home.
What you’ll need
2 Perfect Matcha Spoons of unsweetened matcha
OR 5 Perfect Matcha Spoons of sweetened matcha powder
16 oz water, divided
How to make matcha
Step 1: Warm it up
Warm the whisk and matcha bowl by running them under hot water.
Step 2: Level it
Measure your matcha like a pro by using a Perfect Matcha Spoon. Our Perfect Matcha Spoons are designed to help measure your green tea powder correctly to ensure a perfect cup, every time. Just scoop 2-3 Perfect Matcha Spoons (approx. 1 teaspoon) of unsweetened matcha or 5-6 Perfect Matcha Spoons (approx. 2.5 teaspoons) of sweetened matcha into a matcha bowl.
Different types of matchas require different quantities:
- Unsweetened matcha: Fresh, complex & vegetal. We use this classic green tea powder in small quantities to keep the grassy flavour from being too overpowering. Enjoy this benefit-packed tea the way it’s been sipped in Japan for thousands of years—with the exception of some of our more unique blends!
- Sweetened matcha: From decadent & creamy to fresh & fruity. We use a higher quantity of sweetened matcha so that the sweetness of the blend and the vegetal notes of the green tea powder are perfectly balanced. This is a great place to start if you’re a matcha newbie.
Step 3: Add warm water & form a paste
With your matcha powder ready to go, it’s now time to fill your matcha bowl with 2 oz of warm water from a kettle. Then use a traditional bamboo whisk to whisk your matcha into a smooth, clump-free paste.
Water temperature is one of the most important variables in preparing a consistently bright and tasty cup of matcha. Keep it to a warm 75-85°C (170-185°F) so as to not burn your matcha powder, which will give it a bitter taste.
Cooler water temperature also means your matcha will froth up to that eye-catching jade colour. Use a cooler 75°C for unsweetened matcha and 85°C for sweetened matcha.
Don’t have a thermometer? To get closer to 75°C, let your boiled kettle sit with the lid open for 7-10 minutes before using.
Step 4: Whisk to get it frothy
Add another 2 oz of warm water to your matcha paste and start whisking to suspend the particles and incorporate some air into your drink.
Briskly whisk your matcha in an “M” formation going from the bottom of the bowl and working your way up towards the surface until the matcha reaches a smooth consistency and a layer of foam appears. Repeat until you get that vibrant Insta-worthy froth.
PRO TIP: For an extra frothy matcha, soak the tips of your whisk in warm water before using.
Step 5: Pour it on
Pour the whisked matcha green tea into your favourite 16 oz Nordic Mug and fill with warm 75-85°C (170-185°F) water from the kettle before sipping.
Matcha on the go
Want to take your matcha with you? Toting an entire matcha kit isn’t always the easiest, so we created the Matcha Maker. Totally convenient and made for moving, all you have to do is add matcha, hot water and shake, shake, shake. It’s the easiest way to make matcha on the go!