How to Make Matcha Tea

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Matcha tea is a powdered Japanese green tea that mingles the elegance of the Japanese tea ceremony with the powerful world of green tea health benefits. Being a powder tea, it stands out because you are consuming the whole leaf, rather than just the water extract. Whether you wish to obtain a thick or thin tea, known as koicha and usucha respectively, you must brew it correctly. Once you know how to brew it, you can enjoy it in many different ways.

Ingredients

Usucha

  • 1½ teaspoons (2 grams) matcha powder
  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) hot water

Koicha

  • 3 teaspoons (4 grams) matcha powder
  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) hot water

Matcha Latte [1]

  • 1½ teaspoons (2 grams) matcha powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hot water
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk (almond, coconut, cow, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon agave, honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional)

Iced Matcha Latte

  • 1½ teaspoons (2 grams) matcha powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hot water
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk (almond, coconut, cow, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon agave, honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional)
  • 5 to 7 ice cubes
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Usucha

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  1. Place a sifter over a small tea bowl and measure out the matcha powder into it. If you do not have a matcha scoop, measure out 1½ teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha. Gently tap the sifter to sift the tea into the bowl. This will break up any clumps and give you a smoother matcha in the end.
    • Usucha is a thinner type of matcha tea.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    [2] The water needs to be just below boiling, about 165 to 180°F (75 to 80°C). Do not pour the hot water into the tea bowl with the matcha yet.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    This will help prevent the matcha from clumping. The hot water will also have warmed the tea cup up for you, making it ready for the tea. At this time, you may also want to dry the tea cup with a clean towel.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    [3] A chasen is a delicate, bamboo whisk made specifically for preparing matcha tea. [4] Do not use a metal fork or whisk as this will affect the flavor and aroma of the tea.
    • This will give you a foamy tea. For a smoother tea, use circular motions.
  5. This tea is not brewed like regular teas, so the tea powder will eventually settle to the bottom of the cup.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Preparing Koicha

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Place a small strainer over a small tea bowl and measure out the matcha powder into it. If you do not have a matcha scoop, measure out 3 teaspoons (4 grams) of matcha. Gently tap the side of the strainer to sift the tea into the bowl. This will break up any clumps and give you a smoother matcha in the end.
    • Koicha is a thicker type of matcha tea.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    [5] The water needs to be just short of boiling, about 165 to 180°F (75 to 80°C). Do not pour the hot water into the tea bowl with the matcha just yet.
    • Make sure that you use filtered water or spring water. [6] Ordinary tap water contains too many minerals which may affect the flavor of the tea.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Do not pour in all of the water all at once, or it will cause the tea to clump up. [7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    A chasen is a delicate, bamboo whisk made specifically for preparing matcha tea. [8] Do not use a metal fork or whisk as this will affect the flavor and aroma of the tea. Keep stirring until the matcha is dissolved into a thick paste.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Use your chasen again and half-circular motions. Keep stirring until the matcha paste thins out. It won't be thin like Usucha, but thicker and darker.
  6. If you wait too long, the matcha powder will settle to the bottom of the cup.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making a Matcha Latte

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  1. Place a small strainer over a cup and measure the matcha powder into it. Gently tap the side of the strainer to shake the matcha powder into the cup. This will get rid of any clumps and give you a smoother drink in the end.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    The water should be hot but not boiling, about 165 to 180°F (75 to 80°C). Briskly stir the tea using zigzag motions to make it frothy. Try to use a chasen (bamboo whisk) for this, but if you don't have one, a regular mini whisk will do. [9] Keep whisking until all the powder is dissolved.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    You can do this using a milk frother on an espresso machine or in a saucepan on the stove. You can even do it in a cup in the microwave. Do not let the milk come to a boil; keep it between 165 to 180°F (75 to 80°C).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    You can do this by using a frother on an espresso machine. [10] If you do not own an espresso machine, pour the milk into a separate cup and use a hand frother to froth it instead. [11]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Place a large spoon just inside the rim of the frothing cup to hold back the foam. You do not have to use all of the milk—pour in as much as you'd like.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Reach into your frother cup and scoop out the foam with a spoon. Gently place the foam on top of the latte. If you'd like, you can add another scoop or two of foam. Spread it evenly across the top of the latte.
  7. If you wait too long, the matcha powder will settle to the bottom of the cup.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Making an Iced Matcha Latte

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    Place a strainer over a cup and measure out the matcha powder into it. Gently tap the side of the strainer to sift the powder into the cup. This will get rid of any lumps and give you a smoother latte.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    You will be adding the hot water next, so it is better to add the sweetener right now. The hot water will help dissolve it much better than cold milk will. You can use any type of sweetener you wish, such as agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, sugar, etc. [12]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    The water must be very hot, but not quite boiling—about 165 to 180°F (75 to 80°C). After you have poured the water in, briskly whisk it using a zigzag motion. You can use a chasen (bamboo whisk) for this, or you can use a metal whisk. Keep whisking until the matcha dissolves and there are no lumps or clumps. You will end up with a thick, green paste. [13]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    You can add as much milk as you'd like, and you can use any type of milk. Many people find that almond milk complements the flavor of matcha tea exceptionally well. Keep whisking the milk until it is combined with the matcha paste. There should be no streaks or swirls; you'll get a light green beverage.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Matcha Tea
    To prevent the latte from getting watered down, consider using ice cubes made from milk. You can also omit the ice if you don't like your iced lattes as cold.
  6. If you wait too long, the matcha powder will settle to the bottom of the cup.
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Join the Discussion...

How do you guys make matcha lattes at home?
WikiSealHugger953
24
WikiSealHugger953
I looove matcha lattes, but it's just getting too expensive for me to get them every time I pass by my favorite cafe. I want to try making matcha... Read More
WikiSealChaser638
WikiSealChaser638
don't forget to sift your matcha powder before you make your latte! run it through a mesh strainer to break apart any clumps so the powder mixes... Read More
WikiStoatLeaper264
WikiStoatLeaper264
if you've never worked with matcha before, a common mistake is just throwing it into your drink, which can result in an uneven distribution and l... Read More
See all 4 Replies and
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  • Question
    Can I just put the powder in cold water with lemon to drink?
    Community Answer
    No, in order for the ingredients to properly dissolve, the water temperature should be hot. After the ingredients are mixed, then you can let it cool.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
  • Question
    Can I add milk or sweetener?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can make it however you like.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How much is a "scoop?"
    Community Answer
    A scoop means the quantity of a specific bamboo spoon, called a chashaku. It is used making traditional matcha and is around 1/4th of a teaspoon.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Make sure that you use filtered water or spring water. [14] Ordinary tap water contains too many minerals which may affect the flavor of the tea.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
      • Store your matcha powder in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within 2 to 4 weeks after you open it. [15]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • If you keep your matcha powder in the fridge, let it warm to room temperature after starting to brew it.
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      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Use a high-quality matcha powder because cheaper varieties tend to have a dull or bitter flavor.
      • For some extra added flavor, mix some ground cinnamon into your matcha latte.
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      Things You'll Need

      Preparing Usucha

      • Small bowl or tea bowl
      • Small mesh sifter or strainer
      • Bamboo matcha scoop or teaspoon
      • Chasen (bamboo whisk)
      • Tea cup

      Preparing Koicha

      • Small bowl or tea bowl
      • Small mesh sifter or strainer
      • Bamboo matcha scoop or teaspoon
      • Chasen (bamboo whisk)
      • Tea cup

      Matcha Latte

      • Milk frother
      • Chasen (bamboo whisk) or mini whisk
      • Bamboo matcha scoop or teaspoon
      • Cup or mug
      • Spoon

      Iced Matcha Latte

      • Chasen (bamboo whisk) or mini whisk
      • Bamboo matcha scoop or teaspoon
      • Cup or mug
      • Spoon

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.justonecookbook.com/green-tea-latte/
      2. ↑ http://www.bonappetit.com/drinks/non-alcoholic/slideshow/how-to-make-matcha
      3. ↑ http://www.bonappetit.com/drinks/non-alcoholic/slideshow/how-to-make-matcha
      4. ↑ http://www.therighttea.com/matcha-tea.html
      5. ↑ http://www.bonappetit.com/drinks/non-alcoholic/slideshow/how-to-make-matcha
      6. ↑ http://matchasource.com/how-to-prepare-matcha-green-tea/
      7. ↑ http://www.bonappetit.com/drinks/non-alcoholic/slideshow/how-to-make-matcha
      8. ↑ http://www.therighttea.com/matcha-tea.html
      9. ↑ http://www.justonecookbook.com/green-tea-latte/
      1. ↑ http://www.justonecookbook.com/green-tea-latte/
      2. ↑ http://nutritionstripped.com/matcha-tea-latte/
      3. ↑ https://www.japancentre.com/en/recipes/16-matcha-green-tea-latte-hot-or-iced
      4. ↑ https://www.japancentre.com/en/recipes/16-matcha-green-tea-latte-hot-or-iced
      5. ↑ http://matchasource.com/how-to-prepare-matcha-green-tea/
      6. ↑ http://www.therighttea.com/matcha-tea.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make matcha tea, begin by sifting 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha into a small bowl. The sifted tea should be smooth and not clumpy. Once the tea is sifted, slowly pour 2 oz (60 ml) of hot water into a separate tea cup. Allow the water to cool slightly before pouring in into the matcha. Whisk the tea for 15 seconds in a zigzag motion. Pour the tea back into the tea cup and drink it while it’s still hot. You can also add sweetener and milk to taste!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Mark Bowen

        Aug 18, 2017

        "Bought Matcha from Japan Ippodo Tea Company. Of course the instructions are in Japanese, and my first cup came out ..." more
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