Mara’s Matcha Morning Routine

Being a founder, I need to have a pretty well-established morning routine to set myself up for success. My routine isn’t very glamorous, but it’s the reality of managing a family and a company. Since it’s one of the only times I make for myself, the morning is my favorite time of day. I wake up before the rest of the house is up and get in a quick workout. Usually, I go on the elliptical machine while indulging in a Bravo TV show. Lately, I’ve been binging Silicon Valley. As a founder of a startup, I find watching the ups and downs in this simulated startup world fascinating and comforting.

Managing My Morning Routine as a Mom

After showering and getting dressed for the day, I go into mom mode—it’s breakfast time for my nine-year-old. I try to prepare for the day by getting the laundry in, unloading the dishwasher, and taking a myriad of vitamins alongside my CBD. (I’ve recently added CBD to my morning routine and it definitely starts me out a little more relaxed, which is a must before the start of a busy day.)

One of the highlights of my morning is taking my fourth grader to school. It’s starting to get too cold and rainy in Chicago for a pleasant walk, but even when we’re driving, I use this precious time to chat with my son.

Getting Ready for Work with a Matcha Routine

Once I get back from school drop-off, it’s time to focus on work. But before I get to e-mails, phone calls, and Zooms, I have a matcha routine. This is one area where I try not to skip any steps because I really enjoy my matcha, and it has to be made thoughtfully. The process of creating this tea requires true mindfulness to fully enjoy and appreciate.

For years, I ran through the Starbucks drive-thru for an iced green tea after dropping my son off at school. But once COVID-19 hit and there was no more school drop-off or Starbucks drive-thru for a while, I started making my drinks at home. To simulate my previous Starbucks order, I ordered gigantic mugs, a frother, and large reusable Starbucks cups. I spent the early months of COVID-19 ordering and sampling lots of different matcha brands. During this time, I really fell in love with matcha—it gave me the caffeine I needed without the jitters. I also find a warm matcha drink really soothing in the cold winter months.

Naturally, I drink warm matchas in the winter. In the spring, summer, and fall, I drink iced matchas for a refreshing boost.

How to Make Matcha

Step 1

Both the hot and cold matchas start off the same way. I use a teaspoon of matcha powder and place it in a matcha mixing bowl. I use this adorable pink matcha bowl from Alfred’s Coffee in LA.

Step 2

I add some hot water to the bowl and whisk vigorously with a matcha whisk. My current matcha favorite is also from Alfred’s Coffee in LA. It’s a fantastic ceremonial grade powder with no bitterness.

If you’re interested in a conventional whisk option, here is a traditional matcha whisk.

Step 3

When I make a hot matcha, I put the mixture in a large (really large) mug, and add more hot water and a half a pack of stevia.

Step 4

I then whisk the top to get a great frothy finish. Here are the great mugs I found on Amazon—dishwasher safe and as big as your head.

I also like these colorful frothers for a nice foamy top and a pop of vivid color to brighten up the day, especially on gloomy or cloudy mornings.

Step 3

For a cold matcha, I take the hot whisked matcha from the bowl and add it to a shaker filled with ice and water. You can also use a cocktail shaker or a smoothie shaker—whichever is more convenient for you. I add half of a stevia packet and shake it all until it gets a bit frothy. I pour it over ice in one of these cups (again, I like a really large cup).

I love these reusable venti size cups since you can wash them over and over again. It may seem laborious, but the whole matcha routine only takes about five minutes, and you’re worth it. Plus, it feels like you’re getting a fancy drink without even leaving your home.

Now it’s time to get to work and start checking e-mails. More on reducing the inbox later…