What are Matcha Shots?

 

What are Matcha Shots?

Matcha Shots have been showing up in all sorts of places lately – models at New York Fashion Week were photographed downing the bright-green shots instead of champagne a few years ago, and trendy cafes in New York and Los Angeles offer many types of warm and cold Matcha Shots. I was wondering – what’s all the fuss? And what makes a Matcha Shot different from a regular cup of green tea? What IS a Matcha Shot?

Here’s what I found out – and how (and why!) to make Matcha Shots at home… Green tea can be enjoyed in many different ways – savored at the end of a long day, sipped slowly in mindfulness practice, or mixed into your favorite cocktail. But Matcha Shots are not meant to linger over – these small cups of intensely green elixir are designed to deliver a quick, nutritious boost to your day!

Things to Be Cautious Of

Matcha shots are popular as a morning wake-up drink, or an afternoon pick-me-up, and as a ‘shot’ of alcohol, are small enough to be tossed back quickly. Some commercial producers of ‘energy drinks’ and ‘energy shots’ have jumped on the green tea wagon, and offered green tea shots that promise extra energy and vigor. Unfortunately, these commercial energy drinks often come with a huge dose of artificial flavors, extra caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. These substances actually give negative effects on your system. Since Matcha can be frothed in water or fresh juice in just seconds, making Matcha Shots at home is equally convenient, and a much more wholesome and healthy choice.

How to Make the Perfect Shot

Matcha shots should be prepared and drunk quickly, with a focus on the fresh, vegetal, and nourishing flavors of the tea itself. Some recipes use plain, warm, or cool water, while others add ¼ to 1/3 cup of fresh fruit juice, which can add interest as well as vitamins and natural sugars to boost energy gently. After experimenting, I recommend lime juice, pressed honeydew melon, or juiced cucumber. Or try our Matcha with real lemon, mint, ginger, and rosehip. All of these Matcha varieties are made only with USDA Organic ingredients at our certified organic facility in the U.S.–no filler, no artificial flavoring, no coloring, and no GMO. (And vegan and gluten-free!)

If you would like to experience the very best, this is the time to splurge on supreme ceremonial grade matcha, for its gorgeous bright green color, intense yet clean flavor, and silky texture. (Warning–it tastes so good so you might go for another shot!) Use warm water, so the shot can be drunk comfortably in 2-3 swallows. Or, you can use cold water–hot, or cold. Listen to your body and make what your body craves.

How to make a matcha shot

There are three ways to make a simple, energizing matcha shot:

1. Put 1/2 tsp. in a cup or matcha bowl. Add 4 oz warm water. Whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk. Move the whisk like drawing a letter “Z” while whisking up.

2. If whisking up is not your thing, a small electric frother will do the job nicely too. Choose 8 oz or bigger size of the cup when you make a 4 oz matcha shot. Frothing action raises the water surface like a tornado, and you will end up with a mess if the container is too small.

3. If you don’t have a bamboo whisk or a frother, no problem! All you need is a lidded mason jar! Just put water and powder in a jar, and put the lid on securely, then shake it up! For a shot, use 4 oz water and 1/2 tsp. Take care with warm water if you use a shaker method – it can ‘pop’ when you open the container. (If you are using hot water, do not use this method as it will cause an explosion.)

For extra zing, add in a bit of freshly grated turmeric root, ginger root, or even horseradish. Each of these roots is noted for its health benefits, including antimicrobial effects, antioxidants, and digestive support. They also each pack a powerful punch of wake-you-up flavor!

When you are in a hurry or feeling too lazy, try our 100% organic Matcha mix with cool water. They are made with real lemon, mint, ginger, and rosehip. Mix Matcha lemon and Matcha mint! Mixing Matcha lemon and Matcha ginger makes a good flavor. Do you love chocolate? Try Matcha rosehip and chocolate powder–it’s quite good, too.  Have fun and enjoy!

Sarah’s Fresh Matcha Shot (1 serving)

• 2 oz. fresh juice
• 2 oz. cool or warm water
• ½ tsp Uji MATCHA – ceremonial grade matcha
• ¼ tsp freshly grated ginger, turmeric, or horseradish root

Whisk together vigorously in a Matcha bowl, and for the best flavor and nutrition, drink immediately straight out of the bowl or pour it into a glass and enjoy.

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