A bamboo whisk (chasen) is the traditional tool for matcha, but it is not the only way to get a smooth, clump-free cup. Matcha does not dissolve; it has to be suspended in water, and anything that agitates it hard enough will do. Here are five methods that work, from a jar you already own to a handheld frother, with the tools that make each one easier.
The one rule for every method: start with a small amount of water to make a paste or shot, then add the rest. Dumping powder into a full cup is what causes clumps.
The picks
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The fastest method. A handheld frother whips matcha into water in seconds, and the same tool froths the milk for a latte. The listing says it runs on two included batteries and cleans by running it under water.
A small shaker made for matcha shots, with a marked line for the right amount of water. Add matcha and water, shake, and pour over milk and ice for an iced latte.
A 4 oz shaker with a coil mixing ball and a clip for a bag or keys. The listing names matcha among its uses and says no bamboo whisk is needed.
A full-size insulated shaker with a stainless wire whisk inside, for iced matcha you shake and drink from the same bottle. The listing says it is not for hot liquids, so use it for iced drinks only.
An automatic frother that heats and froths milk, or makes cold foam, at the press of a button. Mix the matcha with a little water first, then pour in the frothed milk.
Cold brew skips mixing entirely. The kit includes a 750 ml HARIO filter-in bottle and Cuzen's genmaicha blend, which the listing says is enhanced with Kirishima Okumidori matcha powder. Brew it in the fridge overnight.
The five methods
- Shake it. Put matcha and about 2 oz of warm water in a shaker or a jar with a tight lid and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. This is the easiest way to make iced matcha.
- Froth it. Make a paste with a splash of water, then run a handheld frother through it for 10 to 15 seconds before adding the rest of the liquid.
- Use an automatic frother. Mix the matcha into a little water, then add milk frothed in an automatic frother for a café-style latte.
- Blend it. For smoothies and frappés, add matcha straight to the blender with the other ingredients.
- Cold brew. Use a tea that includes matcha, such as a matcha genmaicha, in a filter bottle overnight. No mixing needed.
Want the traditional method after all? Our chasen guide explains how to choose and use a bamboo whisk.
Avoiding clumps
- Sift first if your matcha has been open a while; humidity makes it clump.
- Use warm, not boiling, water, around 70–80°C.
- Start with a little water, then top up.
At a glance
| Tool | Method | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Zulay frother | Froth | Hot lattes |
| OSULLOC shaker | Shake | Matcha shots |
| Shake Shot 4 oz | Shake | On the go |
| BlenderBottle Sport Flip | Shake | Iced matcha |
| Secura 4-in-1 | Automatic froth | Café-style lattes |
| Cuzen Cold Brew Kit | Cold brew | No mixing |
Prices and stock were checked with Amazon on the date shown and change often. Product details come from each Amazon listing; we have not lab-tested these products.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you make matcha without a whisk?
Yes. Shaking matcha with a little warm water in a sealed bottle or jar, or using a handheld frother, makes smooth matcha without a bamboo whisk.
What can I use instead of a matcha whisk?
A handheld milk frother, a shaker bottle, a jar with a tight lid, an automatic milk frother or a blender all work.
Why is my matcha clumpy?
Usually because too much water was added at once, or the matcha has absorbed humidity. Sift the powder and start with a small amount of water to make a paste.
Can I just stir matcha with a spoon?
A spoon rarely breaks up all the clumps. If it is all you have, make a thick paste with a few drops of water first, then add the rest slowly while stirring.