Listen, I know matcha is the new crave. Honestly, my girl Jas doesn’t drink coffee, so to include her in my drink-making adventures, I decided to perfect a matcha recipe. To my surprise, I found so much joy in it.

And then it hit me — making matcha is actually a great activity to share with your birth family, adoptive parents, or siblings, especially if there’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding. These days, I’m getting to know more of my family members, and sometimes the stories get heavy. That’s when I’ve learned the value of having something to break the ice. Instead of sitting in a stuffy room or feeling cramped, why not try something new that gets you moving, laughing, and sipping together?

Why Matcha Works for Connection

Here’s the thing: when we need to have hard conversations about the past and share our truths, we often feel pressure to “get it right.” But if you put an activity in the mix, that pressure melts away just a little.

When I make matcha, I actually feel closer to my birth father — he’s a chef and loves creating drinks. I also feel close to my Uncle Ernest, the man who raised me, who let me taste coffee for the first time at 13. So even though matcha isn’t coffee, the ritual of making it feels familiar, warm, and safe.

It’s not about the drink itself — it’s about creating a moment that softens the room.

How to Make Strawberry Matcha

I tagged my latest Youtube video below for a visual, but here’s the recipe so you can try it yourself:

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha powder
• 2–3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, about 175°F)
• 1/2 cup milk (oat, almond, or dairy — your choice)
• 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 2–3 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a small cup, sift the matcha powder to remove clumps.
2. Add hot water and whisk in a “W” motion until frothy.
3. In a blender, puree strawberries with your milk of choice.
4. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the strawberry milk, then slowly pour the matcha on top for a layered effect.
5. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
6. Stir, sip, and share a conversation.

Why This Matters

Maybe it’s just a drink. But sometimes, drinks are the excuse we need to sit down together. Making matcha gives our hands something to do, our hearts space to open, and our words a chance to flow without force.

So whether it’s strawberry matcha, coffee, or tea — let your next heart-to-heart be paired with something that tastes good and feels good, too.

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Try This:
Make a strawberry matcha with someone you’ve been meaning to talk to. Let the conversation happen naturally, between sips.

From my matcha making corner with love,

Teish