7 Hot Matcha Drinks to Stay Warm This Winter!
So, if you know me, you know matcha is definitely one of my go-to drinks year-round. Whisked powered matcha and almond milk over ice with a little agave swirl is life! But now that the temperature is starting to get a little cooler and the days are getting a little shorter, I figured exploring different kinds of cozy, hot matcha options that deliver a gentle caffeine lift without the jitters might be a tad bit more apropos. And, if you’ve been thinking the same then great minds absolutely think alike! Below I’ve researched some hot matcha drinks to get us all through the holidays. Lemme know your fav or give me some suggestions to help me grow my list!
New to matcha?! Click here!
A Quickie History of Matcha
Before matcha was the Instagram green goddess it is now, it was straight up warrior fuel. Over 800 years ago, monks and samurai drank it to sharpen their focus and keep their energy steady through long hours of meditation and battle. It was no latte and all ritual.
Matcha started in ancient China, gained spiritual roots in Japan, and became the heart of the tea ceremony. A practice built on mindfulness, respect, and being fully present. But over the centuries, it evolved from temple floors to tattooed hands, finding its way into our kitchens, our routines, and our self-care rituals.
Why Matcha Still Hits Different
Unlike your average tea bag, matcha is the whole leaf, ground into a fine green powder. When you drink it, you’re taking in every bit of its energy and not just what’s left after steeping.
That includes:
- L-theanine – keeps you calm and focused (no coffee jitters here).
- Antioxidants – keep your skin glowing and your cells fighting.
- Caffeine – gives you a clean, slow burn and not a spike-and-crash.
Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
5 Pcs Matcha Set Kit
This trendy moto jacket is the perfect layering piece for fall.
Matcha Latte with Cinnamon & Honey
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 oz hot water not boiling
- 6-8 oz steamed milk oat, almond or dairy
- 1 tsp honey or agave adjust to taste
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Whisk matcha with hot water until smooth and frothy.
- Stir in steamed milk, honey, and cinnamon.
- Optional: Top with a little frothed milk and a dusting of cinnamon for a café-style finish.
- Tip: Add vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Vanilla Maple Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water not boiling
- 6-8 oz steamed milk dairy, almond or oat milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp pure maple syrup adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a mug or bowl, whisk matcha and hot water until smooth and frothy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
- Add steamed milk and mix until creamy and vibrant green.
- Optional: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Iced / Indulgent Option: Pour your matcha over ice and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of milk for a dessert-style treat that’s part latte, part affogato.
Gingerbread Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water not boiling
- 6-8 oz steamed milk dairy, almond or oat
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp molasses adjust to taste
- sweetener: 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Whisk matcha with hot water until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Stir in ginger, cinnamon, and molasses until well combined.
- Add steamed milk and sweeten to taste.
- Optional: Top with frothed milk, a light drizzle of molasses, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingersnap crumbs.
- Tip: I know this is supposed to be all about warm drinks, however, for an iced twist, use cold milk and shake it all together in a mason jar with ice — it tastes like a holiday milkshake that happens to be green.
Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water not boiling
- 6-8 oz steamed milk dairy, almond or oat
- 1/2 oz white chocolate about one small square
- 1 drop peppermint extract go easy, a little goes a long way
- Optional: Crushed candy cane or shaved white chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- In a mug, melt the white chocolate into steamed milk, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk matcha with hot water until frothy, then pour into the chocolate milk mixture.
- Add peppermint extract and stir gently to combine.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream or milk froth and sprinkle with crushed candy cane for that perfect holiday touch.
Matcha Chai Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 teabag chai or 1 tsp loose chai
- 6-8 oz milk or water dairy, almond or oat depending on how creamy you like it
- 1-2 tsp honey or ½ tsp vanilla extract optional
- dash of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Brew chai tea in hot milk or water for 3–5 minutes, then remove the tea bag or strain the leaves.
- In a separate cup, whisk matcha with a few tablespoons of hot water until smooth.
- Pour the matcha into your brewed chai and stir in honey or vanilla.
- Top with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for a cozy, spiced aroma.
- Tip: For a café-style twist, froth your milk before combining, or serve it over ice for a refreshing, spiced matcha latte that still feels like fall.
Toasted Coconut Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water not boiling
- 6-8 oz steamed coconut milk or half coconut, half oat milk for extra creaminess
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup or honey optional
- pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk matcha with hot water until smooth and frothy.
- Steam or warm coconut milk until hot (but not boiling).
- Pour the milk over your matcha and stir in maple syrup or honey if desired.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top and finish with toasted coconut flakes for that cozy-tropical vibe.
Matcha Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water not boiling
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp sugar or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 8 oz milk dairy, oat or almond
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or a drop of peppermint extract optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk matcha with hot water until smooth.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, cocoa powder, and sweetener over medium heat, whisking until creamy and hot.
- Stir in the matcha mixture and add vanilla or peppermint if desired.
- Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra indulgence.
- Tip: For a dessert twist, drop in a small piece of dark chocolate or a marshmallow before sipping. Instant luxury!
Have you tried any of the drinks from this post?! What kind of matcha recipes do you like?
Drop a comment in the Reply Box below! We’d love to hear about it!
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