Iced Matcha Chai Tea

iced green drink with spices scattered around

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If you love the earthy richness of matcha and the warm, spiced flavors of chai, you’re going to fall hard for this Matcha Chai Tea. Whether you’re sipping it hot on a slow morning or over ice for a cool pick-me-up, this drink is a simple way to treat yourself to something special at home.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make Iced Matcha Chai Tea from scratch, share why this combo works so well, and offer tips to get the best flavor every time.

Why You’ll Love This Matcha Chai Tea

Matcha chai tea blends two iconic drinks: Japanese matcha and Indian chai. The result? A vibrant green drink with a creamy texture, floral warmth, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Here’s what makes this combo shine:

  • Naturally energizing – Matcha has a calm, focused caffeine feel, while chai spices awaken the senses.
  • Warming and grounding – With spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, chai brings depth and balance to grassy matcha.
  • Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, spice level, and milk type to your taste.
  • Simple and DIY-friendly – No need for fancy syrups or store-bought mixes.
iced matcha chai tea topped with a cinnamon stick

What Is Matcha Chai Tea?

Matcha Chai Tea is a drink that combines ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha powder with a spiced chai concentrate or homemade chai tea. It can be served hot or iced and is typically finished with frothed milk and a hint of sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

Think of it as a matcha latte, but just with chai spices infused into the base. The green tea provides a nice flavor while the chai blend adds cozy, comforting depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

spices laid out to make chai

You can make your matcha chai tea from scratch or use a shortcut if you’re short on time. Here’s what you need for a homemade version:

For the Chai Base:

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 slice fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose black tea)

For the Matcha:

  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 2 oz hot water (about 175°F)
  • ½ to 1 cup milk of choice (try this homemade cashew milk)
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey
  • ice

How to Make Matcha Chai Tea

1. Make the Chai Base

pot of simmering spices

In a small saucepan, bring the water, spices, and black tea to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger and spicier the flavor. Strain the chai tea into a mug or glass, discarding the spices.

Shortcut: Use a store-bought chai concentrate like Tazo or Oregon Chai if you prefer a faster method.

2. Whisk the Matcha

foamy matcha with whisk on the side

In a small bowl, sift your matcha powder to avoid clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion (or use a handheld frother) until smooth and frothy.

3. Combine and Add Milk

glass ice and matcha
matcha and chai mixed over ice

Pour the matcha into a cup over ice, add the chai, and stir to combine. Pour milk over the top. Drizzle in maple syrup or honey. For a more robust chai flavor, try my Chai Syrup recipe to sweeten your drink.

matcha, chai and milk mixed over ice

Tips for Better Flavor

  • Use filtered water: It makes a noticeable difference in both your chai and your matcha.
  • Don’t boil matcha: Boiling water can burn the powder and make it bitter. Aim for 160–175°F water.
  • Choose quality matcha: Ceremonial grade will be smoother and more vibrant, skip the culinary grade for sure
  • Adjust spice to taste: If you love cardamom, add a bit more. Prefer it less spicy? Skip the black pepper.

Serving Ideas

  • Hot Matcha Chai Latte – Pour into your favorite mug and top with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Iced Matcha Chai Tea – Let the chai base cool, then mix with ice, matcha, and cold milk.
  • Frothy Topped – Use a milk frother for café-style foam.

Health Benefits of Matcha Chai Tea

This drink isn’t just cozy, it also has some amazing benefits:

  • Matcha is rich in antioxidants like EGCG and supports calm energy without jitters.
  • Chai spices like ginger and cinnamon support digestion and circulation.
  • Hydrating and soothing thanks to the gently spiced base.

Together, they make a functional, feel-good drink that’s easy to enjoy daily.

Printable Matcha Chai Tea Recipe

iced green drink with spices scattered around

Iced Matcha Chai Tea

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Cool, creamy, and spiced just right, this iced matcha chai tea blends earthy green tea with cozy chai spices for a refreshing drink you can make at home.

Ingredients

Chai Base

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 1 slice fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 black tea bag

Matcha

  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 2 oz hot water (about 175°F)
  • ½ to 1 cup milk (your choice)
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small pot, combine the water and chai spices. Bring to a simmer and steep for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Add the black tea and steep for 2 more minutes. Strain and discard solids.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk sifted matcha with hot water until frothy.
  4. Combine chai and matcha in a glass, pour over ice. Top with milk and sweeten to taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 87mgCarbohydrates: 81gFiber: 2gSugar: 72gProtein: 5g

FAQs About Matcha Chai Tea

Can I make this iced?
Yes! Let your chai cool before combining it with matcha and milk over ice.

What milk works best?
Oat milk is especially creamy, but almond, cashew, or whole milk all work well.

Can I batch the chai base?
Absolutely. Make a larger batch of chai and store it in the fridge for 3–4 days.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?
Use what you have on hand or try a premade chai blend as a substitute.


Save This Recipe for Later

Want to make this again? Save it to your favorite board so it’s just a click away when the craving hits.

ingredients to make matcha and chai tea scattered about

Final Thoughts

Matcha Chai Tea is more than just a trendy drink; it’s a warm, comforting fusion that brings together the best of both worlds. It’s energizing but calming, bold yet smooth, and it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Whether you enjoy it hot in your coziest mug or poured over ice on a sunny afternoon, this drink is a beautiful way to slow down and sip something satisfying.

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2 Comments

  1. Our unseasonably cool August weather here in the Midwest is putting me in the mood for cozy hot drinks! I’ll enjoy this hot. Thank you!

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