Guide to Cold Whisked Matcha: What It Is and How to Make It

Author: Kobayashi Miyako

As a refreshing twist on traditional matcha tea, cold whisked matcha has become increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts. The smooth, creamy taste and health benefits of matcha, combined with the crispness of a cold beverage, make for a truly refreshing and revitalizing drink. This guide will help you understand matcha better and teach you how to make cold whisked matcha at home.

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What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in Japan. It is made by grinding the entire tea leaf into a fine powder, meaning you consume the whole leaf when you drink it, not just an infusion of the leaves. This leads to a higher concentration of nutrients and a more potent flavor compared to other types of tea.

Matcha is known for its vibrant green color and creamy texture. The taste is complex and varies depending on the quality, ranging from sweet, umami flavors to slightly bitter undertones.

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How to Make Cold Whisked Matcha

Making cold whisked matcha is a straightforward process. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder
  • 1 cup (250ml) of cold water
  • Ice cubes

Equipment:

  • A matcha bowl (chawan) or any wide, shallow bowl
  • A matcha whisk (chasen)
  • A fine mesh sieve

Steps:

  1. Sift the Matcha: Using the sieve, sift your matcha powder directly into the matcha bowl. This is to ensure there are no clumps, which can ruin the smoothness of your drink.
  2. Add Water: Pour the cold water into your bowl.
  3. Whisk the Matcha: Now, use your whisk to mix the matcha and water together. Whisk in a zig-zag or "W" motion until the matcha is completely dissolved and the drink becomes frothy. This should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
  4. Pour and Serve: Pour your cold whisked matcha over a glass filled with ice cubes. Enjoy your refreshing drink!

Pro-tip: Don’t pour in all the cold water in Step 2. Add just a little cold water first, enough to dissolve the matcha, whisk till the matcha is fully dissolved, then add more water, and continue whisking! This will avoid clumping.

Second pro-tip: Replace 200ml of cold water with milk, and you’ll get a nice matcha latte.

Cold whisked matcha is a delicious and invigorating beverage that not only quenches your thirst but also offers numerous health benefits. With this guide, you're now ready to make your own at home. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful flavors of matcha!