By now, matcha needs little introduction. You'll find it on café menus in all kinds of forms, from classic hot lattes to creamy iced drinks. Here's a closer look at what goes into it, how it's prepared and how to make your own at home.
What makes matcha, matcha
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and removed, you're drinking the powdered leaves themselves.
Expect a fresh flavour with earthy notes. Good matcha should have a vibrant green colour.
Getting the balance right
A good matcha doesn't need much, but how you prepare it makes a difference.
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Water: Use hot, not boiling, water. Too much heat can bring out bitterness.
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Whisking: Mix your matcha with a little water until smooth, before adding milk or ice.
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Ratio: Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha and adjust to your taste.
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Milk: Dairy and plant-based options each bring a different flavour and texture. Find what works for you.
Taking it from powder to cup
Making matcha at home is simple once you've got the basics down. Here's an easy iced matcha latte to start with.
For an iced matcha latte, you'll need:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder
- 60 ml hot water, not boiling
- 200 ml milk of your choice
- Ice
- Sweetener, optional
Method:
- Add the matcha powder to a small bowl or cup.
- Pour in the hot water and whisk until smooth, with no visible clumps.
- Fill a glass with ice and add your milk.
- Pour the prepared matcha over the milk and ice.
- Stir, taste and add sweetener if preferred.
Adjust the quantities to suit your taste. A little more matcha will give you a stronger flavour, while additional milk creates a creamier finish.
Find it at Bootlegger
Matcha features on our café menus nationwide, with a range of hot and iced drinks to choose from. Find your nearest café using our store locator, or shop our ceremonial grade matcha online and make your own at home.
