Warm Up Your Winter: 5 Homely Matcha Drink Recipes to Try This Season

Winter is here, and as the chilly winds pick up, we all crave something warm and comforting to sip on. While hot chocolate and coffee are classic go-to drinks for cold weather, have you ever considered adding matcha to your winter beverage lineup? With its rich flavour and impressive health benefits, Matcha is the perfect ingredient to soothing up with this season. Known for its calming properties and natural energy boost, matcha is a great choice to stay both relaxed and energised during the winter months.

 

Here are five cosy matcha drink recipes that will not only warm you up but also offer the benefits of matcha, making them both delicious and nutritious. These drinks are perfect for a cold morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a relaxing evening treat.

1. Classic Matcha Latte

A matcha latte is the perfect way to start your day or unwind during the colder months. With its creamy texture and earthy matcha flavour, it’s a comforting drink that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

 

Instructions:

• Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to avoid clumps.
• Add hot water (around 175°F) to the matcha and whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk or a small electric frother.
• Steam the milk until it’s hot and frothy.
• Pour the steamed milk over the matcha, and stir to combine. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.

 

Why You’ll Love It: Matcha lattes are creamy and smooth, providing a natural boost of energy without the jitters often associated with coffee. Plus, its benefits, such as its high antioxidant content, can help boost your metabolism and improve focus, making this a great choice for a winter morning.

2. Matcha Hot Chocolate

If you love hot chocolate but want to add a healthy twist, this matcha hot chocolate recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the warmth of cocoa with the rich, umami flavour of matcha, this drink is a comforting treat for those cold winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a small pot, heat the milk over medium heat. Once warm, whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Sift the matcha powder into a mug, then slowly pour in a small amount of the hot milk mixture to make a smooth paste.
• Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, whisking to combine.
• Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra indulgent touch.

 

Why You’ll Love It: This matcha hot chocolate combines the creamy richness of hot chocolate with the earthy notes of matcha, making it a perfect drink to curl up with. Its benefits include the ability to reduce stress and provide a steady energy boost, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing yet invigorating drink.

3. Matcha Chai Latte

If you’re a fan of both chai and matcha, this fusion drink is for you. The warm spices of chai blend beautifully with the rich, vibrant flavour of matcha for a drink that’s snug, comforting, and full of flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1-2 teaspoons chai spice mix (or 1 chai tea bag)
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small pot, heat the milk over medium heat and add the chai spice mix. If you’re using a chai tea bag, steep the tea in the milk until it’s fully infused.
• Sift the matcha powder into a mug and whisk with a small amount of hot water.
• Add the chai-infused milk to the matcha and stir well.
• Sweeten with honey or maple syrup as desired.

 

Why You’ll Love It: The spicy kick from the chai spices combined with the smooth, creamy texture of matcha creates a soothing, warming drink that’s perfect for winter. The antioxidants and stress-relieving properties of matcha pair wonderfully with the invigorating spices of chai.

4. Matcha Ginger Lemon Tea

For something a little lighter yet still satisfying, try this refreshing matcha ginger lemon tea. It’s a great way to stay hydrated while also enjoying its benefits. The ginger adds a nice warmth, and the lemon gives the drink a refreshing, tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• Juice of half a lemon
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a mug, add the freshly grated ginger and hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes to release the flavour.
• Sift the matcha powder into the mug and whisk to combine.
• Add lemon juice and honey (if desired), stirring until fully mixed.
• Enjoy warm for a soothing drink.

 

Why You’ll Love It: This drink is refreshing yet warming, with the added health benefits of ginger and lemon. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and when combined with matcha’s antioxidants, it creates a powerhouse of a drink to support your winter health.

5. Iced Matcha Latte (Perfect for Cosy Winter Days Indoors)

Even in winter, an iced matcha latte can be a great choice, especially if you’re lounging indoors by the fire. This drink combines the creamy goodness of a matcha latte with the chill of ice, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Ice cubes
• Sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Sift the matcha powder into a bowl and whisk with hot water until fully dissolved.
• Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in the matcha mixture.
• Add the milk and stir well. Sweeten with honey, agave, or maple syrup if desired.
• Enjoy your refreshing yet comfy iced matcha latte!

 

Why You’ll Love It: An iced matcha latte can still be a comforting drink when paired with the right atmosphere. Whether you’re curled up with a book or watching a movie, this drink combines the benefits of matcha with the comfort of a classic latte, even on those rare warm winter days indoors.

Final Thoughts

These pleasant matcha drinks are perfect for warming up your winter mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Whether you prefer something creamy and comforting, like a matcha latte, or a spiced, invigorating chai blend, matcha can be incorporated into any drink to bring both flavour and health benefits. With its ability to boost metabolism, reduce stress, and provide steady energy, matcha is more than just a trendy ingredient; it’s a health powerhouse for the colder months.

 

So, why not try out one (or all) of these cosy matcha drinks this winter? The benefits of matcha will help you stay healthy and energised, while the warm, comforting flavours will make your cold-weather days even better.