How To Make Matcha Without A Whisk

Here are 5 simple ways to make matcha without a whisk. You can easily make matcha with common kitchen appliances and utensils!

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Whether you’re making a regular ol’ cup of matcha, a creamy matcha latte, a fun matcha bubble milk tea, or a matcha chai latte (a great combination!), you can make them all without a matcha whisk!

Why you need to whisk matcha

Since the green tea leaves of matcha come in a fine powder form, the use of a whisk is ideal for making a delicious cup of matcha. Whisking matcha serves a few purposes.

Firstly, it helps to evenly distribute the matcha powder in the water, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture without clumps.

Secondly, whisking aerates the matcha, creating a frothy layer on top which enhances the drinking experience both visually and texturally.

Finally, whisking can help to dissolve the matcha powder more effectively, allowing its flavors to fully infuse into the water for a more balanced taste.

What is a matcha bamboo whisk?

A matcha bamboo whisk, also known as a “chasen” in Japanese, is a traditional tool used to whisk matcha tea. It’s made from a single piece of bamboo crafted into fine bristles that are bundled together at one end and attached to a handle at the other.

The design of the whisk allows for efficient whisking, creating a smooth and frothy matcha tea. The delicate bristles help to aerate the tea while breaking up any clumps of matcha powder, resulting in a velvety texture and a well-balanced flavor. It’s an essential utensil for preparing authentic matcha tea in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is also commonly used in everyday matcha preparation.

Five ways to make matcha without a whisk

If you don’t have chasen, or traditional bamboo whisk, but still want to enjoy a frothy cup of matcha, there are a few ways to make matcha without a whisk. Many of these alternative methods require no fancy tools or appliances. While these aren’t traditional methods, they are a great option to get the job done! Here are the five best bamboo whisk alternatives.

Mason jar or glass bottle

If you have a mason jar or sealable glass bottle, you can make matcha without a whisk easily! Simply add your matcha powder and a small amount of hot water to the jar, seal it tightly, then shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to create a smooth matcha paste without any lumps.

Once the matcha powder is fully dissolved and a paste is formed, remove the lid and pour in the remaining hot water. Secure the lid again and shake the jar for another 15-20 seconds to thoroughly mix the matcha paste with the hot water. Once it’s well mixed, carefully remove the lid and pour the matcha tea into a cup and enjoy!

Keep in mind that this shaking method may not create the same frothy texture as whisking with a bamboo whisk, but it’s still a convenient and effective way to prepare matcha without traditional utensils.

Blender

A blender is a great option if matcha lattes are your thing. Blend the matcha and hot water or milk for lattes, on low speed for 15-20 seconds to dissolve the matcha powder and create a smooth mixture. Then, increase the speed to high and blend for an additional 30 seconds to create froth and ensure thorough mixing.

Once the matcha is well blended and frothy, carefully pour it into a cup. If you’re having trouble blending it smooth, you may need to use a small blender or make a larger batch for best results.

Blending matcha in a blender is quick and efficient, and creates a smooth and frothy matcha tea easily without a bamboo matcha whisk!

Immersion Blender

Got an immersion or handheld blender? You can make a perfect cup of matcha with it!

Start by adding the matcha green tea powder into a cup or bowl. Pour hot water into the cup and inset the immersion blender, making sure the blades are fully submerged in the liquid.

Turn on the immersion blender and blend the matcha mixture on low speed initially to dissolve the matcha powder. Once dissolved, increase the speed to high and continue blending for 30 seconds to create froth.

Milk Frother

If you love lattes, there’s a good chance you have an electric milk frother. This was how I initially started making matcha lattes and it works so well as a matcha whisk alternative!

Add your matcha and hot water to a cup or bowl. Insert the milk frother, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Turn on the handheld frother and whisk the matcha mixture for about 15-20 seconds, moving the frother around to ensure even mixing.

I like to move the frother up and down and side to side to make sure everything is well mixed.

Hand Whisk

Last but not least, you can use a regular whisk! This is not the best way but it’s better than nothing. A metal whisk or silicone whisk both work.

Add your matcha powder and hot water to a bowl. Using a regular whisk, begin whisking the matcha and hot water vigorously in a zigzag motion, ensuring to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to fully incorporate the matcha powder. Continue whisking for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the matcha becomes frothy and reaches a vibrant green color. Once the matcha is well whisked and frothy, pour into a cup.

While the whisking process with a regular whisk may not create as much froth as a bamboo whisk, it still effectively mixes the matcha powder with water to create a delicious and vibrant matcha tea. 

How to whisk a matcha latte without a whisk

Prefer a matcha latte? Here’s how to make it with these methods.

If using a handheld milk frother, jar, or regular whisk, I recommend starting with a little water to create a smooth paste. Then add your milk, hot or cold, and continue mixing until well combined and no lumps remain. Make sure the initial water is hot for best results.

For regular stand blenders or immersion blenders, you can add the milk directly with the matcha powder without creating a paste first since both are strong enough to blend thoroughly and dissolve lumps easily.

Tip: Coconut milk complements the earthy flavors of matcha well with its slightly sweet profile and creates a rich and smooth matcha latte!