Not a coffee person? Try matcha! Matcha drinks are great alternatives to coffee because they keep you energized without the sometimes uncomfortable “buzz” that coffee gives you.

Matcha is made when green tea leaves are crushed into a powder. The powder is whisked and added to hot water or milk (or a milk alternative) to make a matcha latte. It has a slightly bitter taste that can be sweetened to your liking with things like syrups and honey. I decided to go to coffee shops around Austin and see who can make the best matcha drink. 

Bandit Coffee & Matcha Bar – 10/10

706 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Bandit has a whole menu for matcha drinks so one can expect them to be pretty good. My go-to is the honey lavender matcha and it never disappoints. This drink is the perfect balance of sweet and floral mixed with that signature matcha taste. 

Bennu Coffee – 9/10

515 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

What I like about Bennu is the variety of syrups they have. I added rose syrup to my matcha and loved it. Their matcha tasted smooth and the rose added a delicate element that’s not overly sweet. 

Jo’s – 7/10

1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

I have no complaints about Jo’s. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but it’s good if it’s the only place nearby. I add vanilla to mine to make it sweeter. 

Mozart’s – 5/10

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Mozart’s makes a very average matcha. I’ve gotten it quite a few times and every time the powder hasn’t mixed all the way which leads to you drinking big clumps of matcha powder; not the most enjoyable taste. 

Starbucks – 3/10

504 W 24th St Suite B, Austin, TX 78705

Starbucks matcha gives good effort but the texture is way too chalky. I only go to Starbs for my matcha needs if I’ve been given a gift card and I need to use it up. The price is the same as many other places, but the other places do it better. 

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