Matcha tea is an incredibly popular drink among the coffeehouse crowd. On its own, as a latte, or over ice, matcha is a versatile drink. But it can also be used in many recipes making it that much more varied. Explore the versatility of this distinctive tea.

The Basics

Making matcha at home can be as simple or as time-consuming as you like. Remember that scene in The Karate Kid Part II when Kumiko performed the tea ceremony for Daniel just before the hurricane blew in? That was matcha. 

You could use the same tools Kumiko used, the scoop, bowl, ladle, and whisk to make your tea. Measure out the scoop of tea, add a little water, whisk, and drink. For a larger cup (because honestly, who wants just a couple of sips?) use a couple of scoops of matcha powder, to taste, and sift the powder into the bowl. Add a little water and whisk to make a smooth paste. Add the rest of your water and enjoy. 

Instead of the traditional tools, you could easily make a cup with a teaspoon and water poured directly from the kettle. Stir with the spoon or, for more foam, use a milk frother.

Matcha Drinks

You could drink your matcha as is, enjoying the bright, green, grassy flavor of your this delightful tea. A little sugar or other sweeteners like agave syrup or honey added to your matcha can help to temper the astringent flavor. You can enjoy your matcha over ice to chill out on a hot day.

 Add steamed milk to your hot matcha for a delicious, creamy, matcha latte. Serve your latte over ice for extra refreshment. Make a "Matcha Palmer" by mixing equal parts iced matcha with sweet lemonade and a couple of slices of fresh lemon. 

 Matcha milk tea replaces water with milk while matcha boba or bubble tea adds syrups and boba making a fun little drink.

As An Ingredient

You can use matcha in a myriad of recipes to add a unique green hue and a lot of the benefits of this green tea to your diet.

Matcha Chia Pudding

Add 1/4 cup chia seeds to a cup of liquid -- anything from water to milk, to almond milk, works just fine -- blend a splash of hot water with a couple of teaspoons of matcha powder to blend and avoid clumps. Mix in the matcha, then add a couple of teaspoons of your preferred sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Put the pudding mix in your refrigerator overnight or at least for 2-3 hours. Top with a little granola, some fruit, or berries and breakfast is served.

Matcha Mug Cake

Craving something sweet? This Matcha Mug Cake from Kirbie's Cravings is quick and easy and takes only five minutes to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp granulated white sugar (can use honey, agave, or any other sweetener you prefer)
• 3 tbsp nonfat milk
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS

• Add flour, matcha, baking powder, and sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to a microwave-safe mug.
• Whisk until everything is evenly blended and there are no lumps. Be sure any lumps in the flour or matcha have been broken apart prior to adding the liquids.
• Add in milk and oil. Mix with a whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform in color. Cook in the microwave at full power for about a minute and let cool for a few minutes before eating.

Matcha Cream Cheese Frosting

Your red velvet cake just became a holiday delight with the beautiful green color of matcha cream cheese frosting. Simply add a couple of teaspoons of matcha powder to your typical cream cheese frosting recipe.

The Sky's The Limit

A quick search of the internet will net you literally dozens of recipes using matcha. Add this rejuvenating tea to your day in a myriad of ways. At CoffeeAM, our Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Mix comes already sweetened and is ideal for your teas, lattes, and even a mouthwatering summer chiller matcha smoothie. Tell us about your favorite matcha recipe.