Looking for a cozy drink with bold flavor and a gentle energy boost? A matcha chai latte combines the earthy taste of matcha powder with the warm spices of chai tea, including cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This creamy drink is rich in antioxidants and offers a blend of gentle caffeine and warm flavors, making it a healthier option compared to sugary coffee shop beverages.

This guide will cover the ingredients, preparation methods for both hot and iced versions, flavor variations, and answers to common questions.

Matcha and chai make a bold and energizing drink with rich, balanced flavors. Matcha powder adds a smooth, earthy taste, while chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom bring warmth and depth.

Both are rich in antioxidants and plant nutrients. Matcha, made from finely ground green tea leaves, contains caffeine that may improve focus. Chai, usually brewed from black tea, provides a comforting energy boost. Together, they offer steady energy with a flavorful profile and moderate calories, especially when prepared with unsweetened milk and natural sweeteners.

A matcha chai latte is more than a trend—it’s a thoughtful alternative to a typical hot or iced latte.

To make a great matcha chai latte at home, choosing the right ingredients is essential. Each ingredient, from matcha powder to milk, plays a role in the drink’s flavor, texture, and aroma.

Culinary-grade matcha is the best choice for lattes, as it mixes well with milk and sweeteners. While ceremonial matcha offers a smoother, delicate flavor ideal for traditional tea preparations, culinary matcha pairs better with bold chai mixes or concentrates.

High-quality matcha is bright green, finely powdered, and smooth in texture, which are key indicators of freshness and quality. In contrast, dull or yellowish powders often lack the same flavor and nutritional benefits. Good matcha is also rich in antioxidants and contains small amounts of healthy fats from green tea leaves, such as polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and a minimal amount of saturated fat.

For the best results, choose shade-grown matcha from reliable suppliers, which are available online or at specialty grocery stores.

Chai tea can be made using tea bags, loose-leaf masala chai, or a homemade spice mix. Tea bags are easy to use, while loose-leaf or homemade blends often have richer flavors and fewer additives.

To create your own chai mix, combine spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and star anise. For a stronger base, simmer the spices with black tea and strain the mixture. You can also prepare chai syrup in advance to make lattes quickly during the week.

Choosing the right milk is key to achieving the creamy, frothy texture of a matcha chai latte recipe. Whole milk offers a rich and smooth consistency, while plant-based options like oat, almond, or soy milk provide great alternatives for those avoiding dairy.

Oat milk is known for its creaminess and works well with milk frothers. Steamed milk—whether dairy or plant-based—adds warmth and enhances the latte's texture. For unique flavors, coconut milk brings a hint of tropical sweetness, while cashew milk has a mild taste that blends well with matcha and chai.

Replace cane sugar with natural options like maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. These sweeteners complement the flavors of matcha and chai without overpowering them.

You can also add ingredients like vanilla extract, fresh ginger, or a small amount of turmeric to boost the flavor and aroma. Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds a warm, spicy finish to your chai matcha latte.

Creating a hot matcha chai latte at home is easy and allows for customization. Use a chai tea bag or concentrate, add matcha, and finish with frothy milk for a café-style drink.

Start by brewing a strong chai base. Use one chai tea bag or two teaspoons of loose-leaf chai mix steeped in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. To enhance the flavor, simmer with a cinnamon stick or fresh ginger. Adjust the steeping time for a milder or stronger result.

In a small bowl or mason jar, add one teaspoon of matcha powder—a vibrant, fine powder—and a few tablespoons of hot water (not boiling—around 175°F). Use a bamboo whisk or milk frother to blend until smooth. This helps prevent clumps and keeps the matcha creamy.

Heat your milk over medium heat or steam it using a milk frother. Aim for silky, frothy milk without overheating it. Most plant-based milks froth well, especially oat milk and soy milk, making them ideal for a smooth matcha latte. Froth the milk until it reaches a light, airy texture, then pour milk slowly to create that creamy latte finish.

Add the brewed chai tea to your mug, followed by the smooth matcha tea. Pour the milk and stir gently to blend the layers. Garnish with a sprinkle of matcha powder, cinnamon, or a twist of vanilla extract for a café-quality finish.

Craving something refreshing? The iced matcha chai latte is a cooling alternative perfect for warm days. It's just as flavorful and energizing as the hot version.

Add chai concentrate or brewed chai tea, cooled to room temperature. Whisk your matcha powder with a small amount of hot water, then let it cool. In a glass, layer ice cubes, chai, matcha, and your choice of milk. Stir well to combine. To avoid clumping, whisk matcha before adding it to the cold drink. For a smoother texture, blend the drink instead of pouring it over ice.

The matcha chai latte recipe is easily adjusted based on your diet or taste. From non-dairy options to caffeine-free swaps, there’s a version for everyone.

Ditching dairy milk doesn’t mean losing creaminess. Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk all make great choices. Each offers a different flavor—coconut milk adds richness, oat milk delivers a smooth texture, and almond milk keeps it light. These plant-based options also froth milk well for that signature foam.

Cut down on added sugar by skipping syrups or using natural sweeteners. For a keto-friendly version, use monk fruit, a plant-based sweetener with zero calories, or erythritol, a sugar alcohol that won’t spike blood sugar. The warm chai spices and smooth matcha tea provide enough flavor, even with minimal sweetener.

For less caffeine, choose decaf chai tea or steep chai spices without black tea. Replace matcha powder with green rooibos for a herbal, earthy twist. These options still offer the spiced flavor of chai and the comfort of a traditional tea latte without the buzz.

Turmeric and adaptogens like ashwagandha can be interesting additions to drinks, but it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using them regularly, as they may interact with medications or impact certain health conditions.

A pinch of turmeric adds a warming, earthy flavor, commonly used in wellness drinks. Ashwagandha is commonly used in herbal blends and adaptogen formulas for its traditional use in stress-related wellness. To enhance flavor without altering the base recipe, consider adding vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon.

Get that smooth, café-style flavor at home with just a few key tricks. These quick tips will help you create a matcha chai latte that's creamy, balanced, and full of flavor every time:

• Use culinary matcha powder for a bold taste and easy blending.

• Sift the matcha powder before whisking to avoid clumps in your matcha latte.

• Heat water to 160°F–175°F for the best matcha flavor without bitterness.

• Store leftover chai syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week to save prep time.

• Sprinkle matcha powder or cinnamon on top to enhance both aroma and presentation.

Making your own chai matcha latte is simple, with the right ingredients and a few key techniques. Whether you prefer a warm cup on a cold day or a refreshing iced matcha latte, combining matcha powder with bold chai spices and creamy milk creates a balanced, energizing drink. Try different milk options, natural sweeteners like maple syrup, or add-ins like turmeric or vanilla extract to find your perfect blend. With this easy-to-follow latte recipe, you can skip the coffee shop and enjoy a flavorful, frothy treat anytime.