3 Matcha Chai Drinks to Make at Home: Hot, Iced & Frothy
Matcha and chai pair naturally. The earthy, slightly vegetal notes of matcha combined with the warm spice of masala chai create a layered drink that works both hot and iced. Here are three ways to make it at home — simple, balanced, and café-level without the markup.
Before You Start: Matcha Matters
For best results, use a smooth, drinking-grade matcha. Higher-quality matcha tends to integrate more easily with chai spices and produces a more balanced flavor. Lower-grade matcha can still work, but may taste more astringent.
You’ll also need a bamboo whisk (chasen) or an electric frother. This helps break up clumps and create a smooth texture.
Recipe 1: Classic Hot Matcha Chai Latte
The go-to when you want something warm and spiced. Ready in about 8 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water (about 175°F / 80°C)
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 chai tea bag OR 1½ tbsp chai concentrate
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
Method
- Steep the chai: Pour ¼ cup boiling water over the tea bag. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove. If using concentrate, mix with hot water.
- Whisk the matcha: Sift matcha into a bowl. Add hot (not boiling) water and whisk until smooth and lightly foamy.
- Heat the milk: Warm milk until steaming, not boiling. Froth if desired.
- Combine: Pour chai into a mug, add sweetener, then milk. Top with matcha. Stir or leave layered.
Tip: Pour matcha slowly over the back of a spoon for a layered effect.
Recipe 2: Iced Matcha Chai Latte
Refreshing and easy — ideal for afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ¼ cup warm water (175°F / 80°C)
- ⅔ cup cold milk
- 1 chai tea bag OR 1½ tbsp chai concentrate
- 1–2 tsp sweetener
- Ice
Method
- Brew the chai: Steep for 5 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Whisk the matcha: Sift and whisk until smooth.
- Assemble: Fill a glass with ice, add milk and chai, then sweetener.
- Layer: Pour matcha over the top. Stir before drinking.
Recipe 3: Whipped Matcha Chai (Dalgona-Style)
A more indulgent version with a creamy matcha topping.
Ingredients
- For the whip:
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp cream or coconut cream
- For the chai base:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 chai tea bag OR 1½ tbsp concentrate
- ½ tsp vanilla (optional)
Method
- Prepare chai: Brew and combine with milk.
- Whip matcha: Mix matcha, sugar, and cream until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: Spoon matcha over chai and serve immediately.
Bonus: DIY Chai Spice Blend
To make chai from scratch:
- 2 parts cinnamon
- 2 parts cardamom
- 1 part ginger
- ½ part cloves
- ¼ part black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Steep ½ tsp in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and use as chai concentrate.
Why These Recipes Work
The key is temperature control. Matcha can become more bitter if exposed to boiling water. Using water around 175°F helps maintain a smoother flavor.
Balancing matcha with chai spices and milk creates a drink that is both layered and adaptable. You can adjust sweetness, spice intensity, and milk type to suit your preference.
All recipes serve 1. Adjust quantities as needed.
Written by Nippon Matcha
