🍵 Matcha 101: Benefits, Tips & How I Make My Morning Cup
- Jill Sakolove Ortiz
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Matcha has officially become part of my morning routine. And if you've been curious about this vibrant green tea but aren't quite sure what all the hype is about—or how the heck you're actually supposed to make it—let's talk about it!
I've learned that making a great cup of matcha isn't complicated, but a few little details can make a BIG difference in the taste, texture and experience.
And yes, I'll show you exactly how I make mine below. 👇
🍃 First Things First: What Exactly Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea made from finely ground tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep the leaves and then remove them, matcha is powdered and whisked directly into water. That means you're consuming the tea leaf itself.
Matcha is also rich in naturally occurring compounds including catechins and other polyphenols, as well as caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.
And that gorgeous bright green color? That's part of what makes matcha so recognizable.
💚 Why Are People Drinking Matcha?
There is a LOT of hype around matcha right now, but there are some good reasons it's an interesting addition to your routine.
1. It's Rich in Polyphenols
Matcha contains catechins, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant activity.
Research on green tea suggests these compounds may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and other aspects of health, although more human research specifically on matcha is needed.
2. It Contains Caffeine
If you're looking for an alternative to coffee, matcha does contain caffeine.
The amount can vary quite a bit depending on the amount of matcha you use. Harvard Health estimates roughly 38–89 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce serving of matcha, compared with approximately 100–120 mg in an 8-ounce cup of coffee.
So if caffeine affects your sleep, matcha is still something to pay attention to—especially later in the day.
3. Matcha Contains L-Theanine
Matcha naturally contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been studied in connection with attention and alertness. Because matcha contains both caffeine and L-theanine, researchers are interested in how that combination may affect cognitive performance.
4. It's a Simple Ritual
And honestly?
This might be my favorite benefit.
There is something about taking a few minutes to make yourself something you actually enjoy that feels good.
For me, it's become part of my morning routine—a little pause before the day gets crazy.
And with my life lately... I need all the little rituals I can get. 😂
🍵 Matcha 101: How to Make a Better Cup
Here's where a few simple tricks can take your matcha from clumpy and bitter to smooth and delicious.
🌡️ 1. Don't Use Boiling Water
One of the biggest mistakes people make is pouring boiling water directly over matcha.
A commonly recommended range is around 160–175°F, rather than boiling water. Higher temperatures can produce a harsher, more bitter flavor.
🥄 2. Get Your Ratio Right
A good starting point is around 1–2 grams of matcha with a few ounces of water, then adjust according to how strong you like it.
Want it stronger?
Use more matcha.
Prefer a lighter flavor?
Add more liquid.
There's no reason your matcha has to taste like lawn clippings. 😂
🧹 3. Sift It
Because matcha is a finely ground powder, it can clump.
Sifting it before whisking can help create a smoother cup.
🎋 4. Whisk It!
If you have a traditional bamboo whisk, use it!
Whisk briskly in a W or zig-zag motion rather than simply stirring in circles. You're trying to create a smooth suspension and, ideally, a little layer of foam on top.
And if you don't have a bamboo whisk, don't let that stop you. An electric frother can work, too.
📌 My Matcha Cheat Sheet
I loved this little Matcha 101 cheat sheet that my client Marianne (who introduced me to Matcha) shared with me, so I'm including it here as a quick reference.
🎥 Watch Me Make My Morning Matcha
Okay, enough talking about it...
Here's how I actually make mine!
I love showing the actual process because once you see it, you'll realize it's really not that complicated.
🍵 My Current Matcha Favorites
For the matcha I'm making in the video, I'm using:
Noritual Lab Matcha
This is the matcha I've been enjoying lately and the one you'll see me making in the video.
Beekeeper's Naturals Honey
And because I like a little sweetness in my matcha, I'm adding Beekeeper's Naturals honey.
Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you.
🌿 Matcha Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
I think that's probably my biggest takeaway.
You don't need a fancy morning routine with 17 steps and a kitchen full of wellness gadgets.
You need something that you actually enjoy doing consistently.
For me lately, that's been:
Matcha. A few quiet minutes. A little honey. And then... real life. 😂
Because healthy habits don't have to be perfect to be worthwhile.
They just have to be habits you can actually see yourself keeping.
❤️ Jill
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