• Using boiling water: This is the biggest mistake. It makes matcha bitter and dulls the color.
• Skipping the sift: Clumps are not just unsightly; they also don't dissolve properly, leaving a gritty texture.
• Whisking in circles: You'll get bubbles, not foam. Stick to the zigzag.
• Letting it sit: Matcha oxidizes and loses its flavor quickly. Drink it within a few minutes of whisking.
• Using too much matcha: Unless you're going for koicha, stick to 1 gram. More isn't better—it just gets bitter.