Matcha Tea Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Matcha Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Style)

Before we start frothing like a barista, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. Some are pantry staples, and others might require a quick trip to the grocery store or your favorite online matcha supplier.

What You’ll Need

• Matcha Powder – Look for ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha. The higher the quality, the brighter and smoother the flavor.
• Chai Concentrate – You can go store-bought (like Tazo or Oregon Chai) or brew your own with chai tea bags and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
• Milk – Use whole milk for that creamy Starbucks texture, or try oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. Oat milk is a fan favorite for this drink!

• Sweetener (Optional) – Starbucks tends to sweeten things, so if you like it sweet, try:

  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla syrup
  • Simple syrup
• Hot Water – For dissolving the matcha.
• Ice (Optional) – If you’re making an iced version.

Optional Add-ins

• A splash of vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for garnish
• Whipped cream (go full dessert mode-no one’s judging!)

How To Make A Matcha Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Style)

Okay, apron on? Milk frother ready? Let’s get into the ritual of making your Matcha Chai Tea Latte, just like your favorite green-aproned barista would.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make The Chai Base

• If using chai concentrate: Heat ½ cup of it in a small saucepan or microwave until warm.
• If making your own: Steep 1-2 chai tea bags in ½ cup hot water for 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of sweetener if desired.

Whisk The Matcha

• In a small bowl, sift 1-1½ teaspoons of matcha powder (no lumps allowed!).
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling-around 175°F or 80°C).
• Whisk vigorously in an ’M’ or ’W’ motion with a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or use a handheld frother until smooth and frothy.

Heat And Froth The Milk

• Warm ½ to ¾ cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative).

• Froth using:

  • A milk frother
  • A handheld frother
  • Shaking it in a jar (then microwaving)
  • Or blending it in a heat-safe blender for a creamy foam

Assemble The Drink

• Pour the chai base into your favorite mug.
• Add the smooth, vibrant matcha mixture.
• Top with the steamed milk and finish with the foam.
• Sweeten to taste if needed.
• Optional: dust with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even matcha powder for some visual flair.

Iced Version?

• Combine chai and matcha over ice in a tall glass, pour in cold milk, and stir to combine. Easy, breezy, refreshing.

Expert Tips

You want this latte to taste as divine as it looks on your Instagram feed? Here’s how to elevate your home-barista game:

• Sift that matcha: It might seem extra, but it prevents clumps and ensures a silky-smooth latte.
• Water temperature matters: Boiling water burns matcha-stick to around 175°F.
• Use barista-style milk: Plant milks labeled ’barista blend’ froth up beautifully.
• Customize the ratio: Want it stronger? Add more matcha or chai. Sweeter? More syrup. Creamier? More milk. It’s your world, your cup.
• Invest in a good matcha: Higher-quality matcha = more vibrant green, smoother taste, and less bitterness.
• For iced lattes: Make a double-strength matcha and chai base so it doesn’t get watered down by the ice.

Recipe Variations

Now, here’s where the fun begins. Don’t be afraid to get creative-this is a drink that loves to be dressed up.

Make It Yours

• Dirty Matcha Chai Latte – Add a shot of espresso for a triple-caffeine whammy. It’s like a latte had a wild night out.
• Vanilla Matcha Chai Latte – Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for that bakery-style sweetness.
• Coconut Matcha Chai Latte – Use coconut milk and a hint of coconut syrup for a tropical twist.
• Spiced Maple Version – Sweeten with maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
• Iced Matcha Chai Latte Slushie – Blend it all with ice for a refreshing summer frappe-style treat.
• Decaf Version – Use decaf chai tea and a low-caffeine matcha for a mellow, evening-friendly version.

Final Words

Honestly, once you master this Matcha Chai Tea Latte, you’ll be that friend-the one who makes café-quality drinks at home and spoils everyone who comes over. It’s such a luxurious drink that somehow manages to feel cozy, refreshing, AND energizing all at once. Whether you’re sipping it slowly on a rainy afternoon or powering through emails with one hand and sipping with the other, this latte delivers every single time.

Plus, making it yourself means:

• No waiting in long Starbucks lines
• You control the ingredients (hello, sugar moderation!)
• You save money (those $6 drinks add up fast!)

FAQs

What Is A Matcha Chai Tea Latte At Starbucks?

A Matcha Chai Tea Latte is a Starbucks custom drink that combines the bold, earthy flavors of matcha green tea powder with the spicy, aromatic chai tea concentrate, mixed with steamed milk to create a creamy, flavorful latte.

How Can I Make A Matcha Chai Tea Latte At Home Like Starbucks?

To make a Matcha Chai Tea Latte at home, mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 2 ounces of chai concentrate, then steam or heat 8 ounces of milk (dairy or plant-based). Whisk the matcha with a small amount of hot water first to avoid lumps, combine with chai, add the steamed milk, and sweeten to taste.

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Starbucks-style Matcha Chai Tea Latte?

You need matcha green tea powder, chai tea concentrate (available at Starbucks or specialty stores), milk or milk alternative, hot water for whisking matcha, and optional sweeteners like honey or simple syrup.

Is The Matcha Chai Tea Latte At Starbucks Vegan-friendly?

The Matcha Chai Tea Latte can be made vegan by requesting plant-based milk options like almond, soy, or oat milk and ensuring the chai concentrate and matcha powder do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

How Many Calories Are In A Starbucks Matcha Chai Tea Latte?

Calories vary based on milk choice and sweetener. A standard 16 oz (grande) with 2% milk contains approximately 240-280 calories, but this can be lower with non-dairy milks or less sweetener.

Can I Customize The Sweetness Of A Matcha Chai Tea Latte At Starbucks Or At Home?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup, honey, or sugar both at Starbucks and when making it at home, depending on your taste preference.

What Is The Flavor Profile Of A Matcha Chai Tea Latte?

This latte blends the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of matcha with the warm, spicy notes of chai spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, balanced by creamy milk and sweetener for a rich and complex taste.

Can I Use Regular Chai Tea Bags Instead Of Chai Concentrate For This Recipe?

While chai concentrate is preferred for its strong and consistent flavor, you can brew strong chai tea using tea bags and reduce it by simmering to concentrate the flavor before mixing with matcha and milk.

What Is The Best Type Of Matcha Powder To Use For This Latte?

For the best flavor and vibrant green color, use a high-quality ceremonial grade or premium culinary grade matcha powder, which is finely ground and fresh.

How Do I Properly Whisk Matcha To Avoid Lumps In My Latte?

Use a small bamboo whisk (chasen) or a milk frother to whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water (not boiling, about 175°F or 80°C) in a zigzag motion until smooth and frothy before combining it with chai concentrate and milk.