I feel like peppermint is the unofficial Christmas flavor; it’s literally in everything from peppermint mochas to peppermint candies, candy canes, and more. Peppermint mochas have been around forever, so here’s a fresh take on it with a peppermint matcha latte instead!

This drink is cozy, refreshing, and delicious, hot or cold. It’s easy to make with only 3 ingredients and perfect for the holidays.

Here’s how to make a delicious peppermint matcha latte at home!

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a unique kind of green tea powder made from shade-grown tea leaves that are finely ground, often using traditional stone mills. The result is a powder that is so fine it’s almost dust-like, usually kept in airtight tins or bags for freshness. While matcha is now produced in many places, its roots run deepest in Japan, where it’s cultivated with exceptional care.

High-quality matcha powders are vibrant, almost jungle green, like freshly grown leaves. When you first open a fresh container, it has an earthy, slightly sweet aroma, and depending on the grade, you might pick up hints of chocolate, floral notes, or that unmistakable umami.

Many describe the flavor as “grassy,” but it’s more layered than that—earthy, umami-rich, with a subtle blend of sweetness and bitterness that makes it perfect with a hint of agave or maple syrup. It has a unique, dessert-like quality that elevates any drink or dish it’s added to.

Matcha’s flavor profile is distinct from other green teas, like jasmine or sencha, offering an experience that’s more intense, earthy, and full-bodied. It’s a flavor all its own, bold and comforting with a touch of complexity.

Is Peppermint Good In Matcha?

Peppermint is great in matcha! Peppermint and brewed green tea is already a common flavor combination that people enjoy for their soothing and calming benefits. Matcha is already an earthy tea, so it perfectly complements peppermint’s fresh flavor.

In the first sip, you’ll taste a nice mintiness, with a hint of sweetness and matcha’s bold, earthy flavor, followed by a nice minty aftertaste. It’s sweet, minty, and creamy!

You can have peppermint in all forms of matcha, from matcha peppermint chocolate to iced matcha with fresh mint to this cozy peppermint matcha latte. This flavor combination is popular during the holidays, especially for people who don’t like the taste of coffee.

Although, it doesn’t need to be the holidays to enjoy a seasonal peppermint flavor. You can also use other types of mint, like apple mint, spearmint, or chocolate mint.

Benefits of Matcha and Peppermint

Matcha and peppermint are both powerful superfoods, making this drink a seriously nutrient-packed choice.

Matcha is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, especially catechins, which studies suggest greatly benefit human health. One study even found that matcha helped enhance spatial learning, improved glucose metabolism, and reduced neuroinflammation in mice, hinting at its potential therapeutic properties.

Peppermint, on the other hand, is a go-to for soothing digestive issues like IBS, poor digestion, and stomach pain. Reviews show it has a relaxing effect on the body and is also packed with antioxidants.

Together, matcha and peppermint bring similar antioxidant and calming benefits, making them an ideal combo in this drink. And yes, even with a little milk and sugar, you still get some great health perks!

Should I Use Peppermint Extract, Oil, Syrup, or Fresh Mint?

You can add peppermint to your matcha latte in many ways, including peppermint extract, oil, syrup, or fresh mint.

Peppermint Extract is the easiest to work with for a subtle yet noticeable minty flavor. Just a few drops can add that cool, refreshing taste without overpowering the drink. It’s great for matcha or lattes, as it mixes smoothly and keeps the texture intact.

Peppermint Oil is much stronger and more concentrated, so if you choose to go this route, start with just a tiny drop. It’s ideal for people who want a bold, intense mint flavor, though it can be tricky to get the balance right. Since it’s oil-based, it may not blend perfectly with water-based drinks, so it’s best for creamy beverages where the oil can emulsify.

Peppermint Syrup is a super convenient option to add sweetness and peppermint to your drink. The syrup blends seamlessly into both hot and cold beverages and is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a smooth, sweet mint flavor that’s not too intense. You can buy pre-made peppermint syrup or make it yourself by simmering water, sugar, and peppermint extract until thickening.

Fresh Mint Leaves give the most natural, delicate peppermint flavor and add an herbal freshness that extracts or oils can’t match. You can muddle fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your glass or steep them in hot water before adding them to the drink. This method is perfect if you’re looking for a subtle infusion rather than a strong peppermint punch.

In short, use extract for a balanced flavor, oil for intensity, syrup for a sweet balance, and fresh mint for a light, natural taste.

How to Whisk Matcha

Traditionally, you whisk matcha with hot, but not boiling, water in a ceramic bowl using a bamboo whisk in a zigzag motion to create a creamy foam. Unlike brewing tea, these tools help blend the matcha powder into a smooth, drinkable liquid.

Using these tools is great if you have them, but not everyone can access them. Here are some alternative ways to prepare matcha:

• Prepare matcha by shaking it in a lidded jar or bottle until it mixes well. Some froth should also be created, but not as much as if you were to whisk it.

• Use a handheld frother to whisk matcha with water in a small cup.

How Much Matcha to Use

Generally, one teaspoon of matcha is equal to one serving size in a latte or tea. One teaspoon of matcha will give you a balanced matcha flavor while not overpowering added flavors.

However, if you want to add more matcha flavor, add half a teaspoon to your serving. Make sure to whisk it before adding it to your drink. And if you add more than 3 teaspoons of matcha and your flavor is still not there, your matcha powder may not be fresh or of the best quality.

Just note that matcha has a lot of caffeine, and each serving can be around 30 mg!

How to Make a Peppermint Matcha Latte

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

• Peppermint extract, oil, syrup, or fresh mint (or crushed candy canes)
• Matcha tea powder
• Water
• Sugar
• Milk
• Ice

Peppermint Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Make Peppermint Syrup. Dissolve sugar (or candy canes) in hot water, then add a drop or two of peppermint flavoring. If using fresh, muddle mint in the sugar water.
2. Whisk Matcha. Whisk matcha in a bowl using a tea whisk in a zigzag motion until a froth forms. Use alternative matcha preparation methods if needed, like shaking in a jar or using a handheld frother.
3. Assemble drink. Add ice, milk, and peppermint syrup into a separate cup, then top with whisked matcha.
4. Optional: Garnish with whipped cream and a mini candy cane!
5. Mix and enjoy!

Best Milk for a Peppermint Matcha Latte

This recipe uses dairy milk for a peppermint matcha latte, but you can use any other milk you prefer. Soy and oat milk are great alternatives, and the drink’s texture should be relatively similar.

Almond milk is a good substitute, but it may be a little thinner and impart an almond flavor to your drink.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a seasonal peppermint matcha latte at home!

• Dissolve broken pieces of candy cane in hot water to create a really fast and convenient peppermint syrup! It’s also a great way to use up old candy canes.
• You can buy peppermint-flavored matcha powder, but I don’t think they’re the best quality. Any additives to matcha may ruin its flavor or quality depending on how the flavor has been added. It is definitely convenient, though, and may be perfect for making large batches of this drink.