Introducing the matcha chai drink that tastes “just like the moon herself.” It’s earthy, creamy, and perfectly spiced—a comforting mashup of two iconic flavors. Matcha brings that smooth, vibrant energy, while chai adds a cozy, spicy kick that is so smooth and dreamy.

Whether you’re a matcha fan, a chai lover, or just looking for a new favorite, this latte checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home with just 3 ingredients.

Here’s how to make a dreamy matcha chai latte at home!

What is a Matcha Chai Latte?

A matcha chai latte is a chai latte with an added shot of whisked matcha. It’s incredibly delicious and a modern twist on two very popular teas. You can make this drink yourself at customizable cafes like Starbucks, Peets, or even your local specialty coffee shop.

This drink was popular on Tiktok during the quarantine year 2021, coined the moon drink after someone on Tiktik said that it tastes like “the moon herself.” Now, it’s a secret menu drink at Starbucks, which you can make in two ways:

1. Adding chai syrup to a matcha latte or
2. Adding matcha powder to a chai latte

I personally like adding whisked matcha to a chai latte but to each their own!

What is in a Matcha Chai Latte?

This matcha chai latte uses whisked matcha, chai concentrate, and oat milk for a delicious, creamy chai latte spiked with a shot of matcha. I use jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar used in many Indian desserts and sweets.

However, depending on your preferences, you can use any sugar and milk you’d like! I do recommend using chai concentrate, though, because brewed chai may not be strong enough to withstand the added matcha.

Are Matcha and Chai Good Together?

You might be a little skeptical about mixing two types of tea, but trust me, chai and matcha absolutely work together. Matcha has a smooth, earthy vibe, while chai brings warm, cozy spices like cinnamon and cardamom. When you mix them, you get a drink that’s both energizing and comforting, with the flavors perfectly balancing each other out.

It’s kind of like the best of both worlds. The chai spices tone down the bitter notes in matcha, and the matcha adds a fresh twist to chai. If you’re a fan of either, chances are you’ll love how they come together in a latte—it’s flavorful, earthy, and spiced!

What Does a Matcha Chai Latte Taste Like?

A matcha chai latte tastes like the moon herself! Haha, but in seriousness, matcha and chai complement each other nicely, and in a latte, it’s sweet, creamy, spiced, and earthy. The spices balance out perfectly with the earthiness of matcha, which also helps round out the chai flavors.

To me, a matcha chai latte tastes like a more earthy chai latte. There are more subtle tea flavors that come out, which can taste muted from the addition of warm spices.

How Much Caffeine is in a Matcha Chai Latte?

Many people don’t realize it, but matcha actually has a lot of caffeine in it.

A typical serving of matcha has about 70 milligrams of caffeine, similar to an espresso shot. The difference is that matcha releases its caffeine more slowly, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, so you get a steady energy boost without the crash.

When you combine matcha with chai, which also contains caffeine from the black tea in the concentrate, you’re getting a double dose of energy. The exact caffeine level depends on how much chai and matcha you use, but it can range from 100–150 milligrams per serving. It’s a solid pick-me-up for mornings or afternoons when you need a little extra focus and warmth.

How to Prepare Matcha

The traditional way to prepare matcha involves a tea bowl and a bamboo whisk, also called a chasen.

To start, sift about a teaspoon of matcha powder into your bowl to avoid clumps. Add a few tablespoons of hot water—not boiling, but around 175°F—and whisk in a quick zigzag motion until the matcha is frothy and smooth. The bamboo whisk is key to achieving that silky texture and frothy top that makes matcha so satisfying.

If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to mix matcha at home.

A handheld frother works really well and is super quick. You can also shake matcha and hot water together in a sealed jar or bottle, which is perfect if you’re on the go.

Another option is using a regular whisk or even a fork, but the texture won’t be as smooth. That said, if you love matcha, I recommend investing in a matcha set. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and having the right tools makes a big difference in the taste and experience of your matcha. Plus, it’s nice to feel a little fancy while you whisk up your latte!

How to Make Chai Concentrate

You can make your own chai concentrate for this drink!

Just make three times the amount of your favorite chai recipe with only one recipe’s worth of water, then remove the tea leaves once they’re done boiling. You should use black tea with a combination of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, etc. At this stage, you can also add your sweetener to have a pre-sweetened concentrate.

However, for convenience, you can also use a storebought chai concentrate. My favorite is a small business in Austin, Texas called Kimbala that makes each chai concentrate fresh to order. It’s the best chai concentrate I’ve ever had (not sponsored)!

How to Make a Matcha Chai Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a matcha chai latte:

• 1.5 tsp matcha tea powder
• 1/8 cup of water
• 1/4 cup chai concentrate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ice

Matcha Chai Latte Recipe

1. Whisk matcha. Whisk matcha powder and water in a shallow bowl using a bamboo whisk in zigzag motion until you get froth. You can also use alternative whisking methods as well.
2. Assemble drink. Add ice, chai concentrate, and milk into a separate glass, then top with your whisked matcha!
3. Mix and enjoy!

Matcha Chai Latte Health Benefits

A matcha chai latte is both a nice treat and a powerhouse packed with health benefits.

Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, especially EGCG, which supports metabolism and fights free radicals. It also contains a natural compound called L-theanine, which helps promote calm focus—basically, the perfect balance of energy without the jitters.

Meanwhile, chai has its own health perks. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom can aid digestion, support the immune system, and even help with inflammation. Together, matcha and chai are a dream team for your body.

That said, it’s easy to turn a healthy drink into a sugar bomb. Sweeteners like syrups or flavored concentrates can add a lot of unnecessary calories and spike your blood sugar. For a less sweet drink, use a lightly sweetened chai concentrate, or opt for honey or maple syrup to sweeten your drink naturally. This way, you can still enjoy all the health benefits of matcha and chai without overloading on sugar. It’s all about finding that balance!

Tips

Here are some tips for making a delicious matcha chai latte at home!

• Create Layers: Add your chai concentrate first, then add in your matcha. The sweetened chai will sink to the bottom while the matcha will float on top!
• Adjust the Ratios: Love matcha? Add more! Prefer a spicier chai? Go heavier on the concentrate. One of the perks of making this drink at home is customizing it exactly how you like.
• Watch the Caffeine: As mentioned, this drink is packed with caffeine, so be aware when you’re drinking it. If you’re sensitive, try adding less matcha and drinking it earlier in the day!
• Sift Your Matcha: If your matcha isn’t dissolving smoothly, sift it through a fine-mesh strainer before whisking to avoid lumps. This little step makes a huge difference in texture.