Sacrifice is synonymous with parenthood. We sacrifice sleep, weekend getaways, carefree attitudes, shoe budgets, and lots of personal time and space. It comes with the territory, and I think we all expect it.
However, being a breastfeeding mama to a babe with a sensitive tummy, my list of things I can’t consume is a lot longer than the list of things I can. Once I discovered coffee was upsetting her tummy, I think I cried real tears. You can take away my cheese (no dairy), crackers (no gluten), salad dressing (no soy), eggs, and even my wine (no alcohol), but COFFEE . . . REALLY?!
For those of you in the same boat of new mom survival, this matcha tea recipe is for you! It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a healthy energy boost without dangerous side effects — who doesn’t want more of that? My mom brain is calm, collected, and clear when I am drinking matcha, and it doesn’t give me the caffeine jitters I can sometimes get from coffee. Not to mention . . . matcha is delicious, like seriously addictive delicious.
What is Matcha?
So, what is this stuff? Matcha literally translates as “powdered tea,” which is essentially finely ground green tea leaves. When you order green tea in the standard, American form, components of the tea leaves get infused in water and then discarded. With matcha (a Japanese delicacy), literally all parts of the tea leaves are ground up and used.
Traditionally, matcha is served hot with one teaspoon of matcha powder, hot water, and a bamboo brush gently moved back and forth to create a frothy texture.
There are also tons of recipes for cooking with matcha, so check those out too! If you’re ready to make these energy-boosting drinks at home, order yourself some matcha. And if you want to get serious about it, this bamboo whisk takes it up a notch. Here are three of my favorite recipes for a quick and easy matcha fix.
*Do read on about the side effect of consuming too much matcha!
My Favorite Matcha Drink Recipes
Matcha Tea
If ordering at Starbucks:
Ask your barista for a matcha tea, and if they don’t know what you’re talking about, ask for two scoops of matcha powder in a venti ice water, shaken. The hot version is the same but in a venti cup of hot water. Do NOT let them charge you for a green tea latte because that’s not what this is.
DIY at home:
- 10 oz. of hot water
- 1 tsp of matcha powder
- 2 tsp organic cane sugar (more or less depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix matcha powder and 1/4 of the water with a whisk, creating a frothy mixture and allowing the powder to dissolve. Add in the rest of the water, vanilla, and any sweetener. Drink hot or chill with ice. If you’re in a hurry, you can add the match powder directly to the ice water, shake and go. It’s a different flavor and texture, but you may prefer it.
Matcha Latte
If ordering at Starbucks:
Order a green tea latte.
DIY at home:
- 10 oz. boiling water
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 T organic cane sugar (more if you like it sweet)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
Mix matcha powder and 1/4 of the water with a whisk, creating a frothy mixture and allowing the powder to dissolve. Add in the rest of the water, vanilla, coconut milk, and any sweetener. Serve hot or chilled over ice.
Matcha Shake
If ordering at Starbucks:
Order a green tea frappuccino.
DIY at home:
- 10 oz. boiling water
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 3 T organic vanilla syrup (look for GMO-free with no high fructose syrup)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups ice
Mix matcha powder and 1/4 of the hot water with a whisk, creating a frothy mixture and allowing the powder to dissolve. Add in the rest of the hot water, stir, and then set mixed matcha in the fridge for a half-hour or so to cool. In a blender, add chilled matcha, vanilla syrup, coconut milk, and ice. Blend until creamy and smooth. Serve immediately.
*Side Effect
One side effect of matcha to consider, because some things can be too good to be true, is that the consumption of matcha is said to limit your body’s ability to absorb iron. So if you are anemic, recovering from childbirth, or breastfeeding, go easy on the matcha to allow your body (and baby) to get the nutrients you need. Of course, I am not a doctor, so please check with yours if you’re concerned. Personally, I drink matcha about once a week because I did have severe blood loss during childbirth and am still on the mend.
Matcha drinks have definitely helped me get through the sleepless nights that come with early motherhood. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.
