Matcha Cocoa is the ultimate hug-in-a-mug for anyone who loves comfort and flavor with a twist. This cozy drink unites the earthy vibrance of matcha green tea with the soothing richness of cocoa, creating a fusion beverage that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With a velvety texture and balanced sweetness, it’s perfect for chilly mornings, relaxed afternoons, or winding down after a long day. Let’s dive into the world of Matcha Cocoa and discover your new favorite way to warm up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Matcha Cocoa comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own unique qualities to the final cup. Every element in this short list plays an important role, whether it’s to build creamy texture, deliver vibrant color, or strike the perfect harmony between bittersweet and sweet.
- Matcha Green Tea Powder: Offers vivid green color and a delightful grassy depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides rich, comforting chocolate flavor and complements the earthiness of matcha.
- Sugar or Sweetener of Choice: Balances the natural bitterness of matcha and cocoa; adjust to your personal sweet spot!
- Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): The backbone of creaminess—use whole milk for indulgence, or oat milk for a silky, plant-based option.
- Hot Water: Essential for dissolving matcha, ensuring there are no lumps in your final drink.
- Vanilla Extract (Optional): A touch of vanilla adds a subtle roundness and warmth to the overall flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny bit sharpens all the flavors and enhances sweetness naturally.
How to Make Matcha Cocoa
Step 1: Whisk the Matcha
Start by combining your matcha powder and hot water in a small bowl. Use a bamboo whisk if you have one, but honestly, a small regular whisk or even a fork will work! Whisk briskly until you have a smooth, lump-free blend. This first step wakes up the matcha, ensuring its bright flavor and creamy froth will shine through in your finished Matcha Cocoa.
Step 2: Heat the Cocoa Base
Next, grab a small saucepan and mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, pinch of salt, and your milk of choice. Set the pan over medium heat and whisk constantly to prevent any lumps or scorched milk. As the mixture warms, you’ll notice the cocoa melting seamlessly into the milk, creating a dreamy, chocolatey base.
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla (Optional)
If you love vanilla (I do!), add it now. Once the cocoa and milk mixture is hot and well-blended, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Just a few drops are enough to round out the flavors and heighten both the chocolate and matcha notes in your cup.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Now comes the magic: pour your prepared matcha mixture into the warm cocoa base and whisk everything together until perfectly unified. The result is a mesmerizing swirl of green and brown that smells as good as it looks! Pour gently into your favorite mug and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, give it a good froth with a handheld milk frother.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Your Matcha Cocoa is ready! Serve it hot, straight from the pot, for the coziest experience. If you like, give it another quick stir or froth right before sipping, and take a moment to admire that beautiful color before your first taste.
How to Serve Matcha Cocoa
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch to your Matcha Cocoa with a sprinkle of extra matcha powder or cocoa on top. A swirl of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon can make the drink feel even more special. For a café-style presentation, a little foam art or even some chocolate shavings will delight friends and family.
Side Dishes
This drink is a treat all by itself, but it truly shines alongside a delicate pastry, matcha shortbread, or a buttery croissant. For something extra cozy, pair Matcha Cocoa with toasted banana bread or a simple bowl of fresh fruit on a slow morning.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick to mugs! Try serving Matcha Cocoa in clear heatproof glasses to show off its beautiful dual-color look. For special occasions, top each serving with tiny dried rose petals or edible glitter for a whimsical twist. You can even pour the cooled beverage over ice for a refreshing cold version—stunning in a tall glass and perfect for warmer days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Matcha Cocoa, simply pour it into a sealed jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Give the drink a good shake or stir before reheating or serving cold, as the matcha and cocoa may settle over time.
Freezing
For longer storage, Matcha Cocoa can be frozen in an ice cube tray. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and keep for up to a month. Matcha Cocoa ice cubes are fantastic dropped into a glass of milk or blended into smoothies for a unique treat!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chilled beverage over low heat on the stove, whisking gently to restore the creamy texture. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the flavor and consistency of the matcha. Microwaving works too—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until nicely hot.
FAQs
Can I make Matcha Cocoa without dairy?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milks like oat, almond, soy, or coconut all work beautifully and each offers a slightly different twist. Oat and almond milk offer great creaminess without overpowering the matcha or cocoa notes.
Do I need ceremonial-grade matcha?
While ceremonial-grade matcha delivers incredibly vibrant color and subtle flavor, culinary-grade matcha is just fine for this drink. Save the highest-grade matcha for sipping straight, and use your favorite quality for Matcha Cocoa.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! To make more for guests (or for cozying up all by yourself on a cold day), just scale up the ingredients to fit your needs. Use a larger saucepan and whisk thoroughly to combine everything smoothly, then pour into multiple mugs.
Is it possible to make this drink iced?
Yes—you can enjoy Matcha Cocoa over ice for a fabulous summer refreshment! Prepare as directed, let cool, then pour over plenty of ice. For extra flair, use your Matcha Cocoa ice cubes instead of regular ones.
How can I make Matcha Cocoa extra frothy?
To get that café-style foam, blend the finished drink in a blender or use a handheld frother. This creates a delightfully airy, creamy top layer that looks gorgeous and tastes even better!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried the match-made-in-heaven combination of matcha and chocolate, Matcha Cocoa is your ticket to a delightful new obsession. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Go ahead—whisk up your cup of cozy joy today!
Print
Matcha Cocoa Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of matcha and cocoa with this cozy Matcha Cocoa recipe. This warm beverage is a perfect blend of earthy matcha green tea and rich cocoa, creating a comforting drink for any time of day.
Ingredients
Matcha Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
Cocoa Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Matcha Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder and hot water until smooth.
- Make Cocoa Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and milk. Heat, stirring constantly until cocoa is dissolved.
- Combine: Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat and whisk in matcha mixture.
- Serve: Pour into a mug and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or rich plant-based milk.
- Adjust sweetness levels to suit your taste.
- For extra frothiness, blend the drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
