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Matcha Cocoa

This Matcha Cocoa is a delicious blend of a matcha latte and hot chocolate.

A mug of matcha cocoa with a tea kettle in the background.

One day the idea to combine matcha powder and cocoa powder popped into my head.

Even though I was eager to give it a try, I was a bit unsure as to the results. Would the chocolate flavor overpower the delicate matcha?

But I forged ahead and made myself a mug of matcha hot chocolate.

To my surprise, it was good. Very good.

Both matcha and cocoa have earthy flavors, and they play well together.

If you’re an avid matcha lover but would like to try something new, this matcha cocoa is perfect for you! Or if you’re a little scared to give matcha a try, this is a nice way to break you in easy.

Let me show you how to make it!

NOTE: Some links are affiliate, and Encha Matcha sent me the matcha that I used in this post. I highly recommend their matcha – it’s my favorite that I’ve tried so far! All opinions are, of course, completely my own!

Matcha Cocoa Ingredients:

Ingredients for making a chocolate matcha latte.

Here’s everything you’ll need: Whole milk (or half and half, cocoa powder, matcha powder, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract.

I like to use about 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cream for an extra rich matcha cocoa. But just whole milk is lovely as well!

If you want a truly sublime drink, go for ceremonial grade matcha. But latte grade matcha is still quite excellent and a little more affordable.

 

How to Make Matcha Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

Matcha and cocoa powder in a special matcha sifter.

You can sift your matcha and cocoa together first to make getting a smooth end result easier. Cocoa tends to be difficult to mix with water, so sifting it first will give you a leg up.

 

The sifted matcha and cocoa powder in a mug.

Isn’t it a pretty color when they’re sifted together?

 

Adding hot water to the mug.

Now it’s time to add some hot water! Make sure the water isn’t hotter than 170° F (76° C). You can use a thermometer, or simply bring you water to a boil and let it sit for 2 minutes before using.

 

Whisking it together into a paste.

Add 2 teaspoons of the hot water and whisk together to form a paste.

It’s best to start with a small amount of water, because it’s easier to get rid of any lumps if you form a thick paste.

Then gradually whisk in 3 more teaspoons of the hot water.

Add the salt, maple syrup, and vanilla and whisk again.

Frothing the Milk

A mug of matcha hot chocolate made with cocoa powder.

Next, heat your milk/cream to between 145° and 160°F (63° – 71°C).

Froth (check out my post on 8 Ways to Froth Milk if you don’t own a steam frother) and pour over the matcha/cocoa mixture.

A close up shot of the latte art.

And voila! You’ve made yourself a delicious mug of matcha cocoa.

 

How to Make a Chocolate Matcha Latte Fancy:

Hands around a mug of matcha cocoa, AKA matcha hot chocolate.

Of course you can add a dollop of whipped cream to make an extra special treat. Cocoa is always better with whipped cream, eh?

Sprinkle some matcha powder and cocoa powder on top to make it all pretty.

NOTES:

  • I like a lightly sweetened drink, so 1 teaspoon of maple syrup is just right for me. You can always increase that amount if you prefer things on the sweet side!
  • If you own a bamboo matcha whisk, you can simply place the matcha and cocoa in the mug, pour all of the water in at once, and whisk. No need to make a paste first!
  • I want to try pre-mixing the matcha and cocoa with some ground sucanat or coconut sugar and vanilla bean powder to make a DIY matcha cocoa mix.

Here’s a video tutorial for you!

More Hot Drink Recipes:


Matcha Cocoa
5 from 2 votes
Print

Matcha Cocoa

A matcha latte and hot cocoa are combined in this delicious drink!

Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Japanese
Keyword Beverages, Chocolate, matcha
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 240 kcal
Author Erica Kastner

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tsp matcha powder, ceremonial or latte grade
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 tsp hot water (160F, 71C), divided
  • 1 tiny pinch salt
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice, more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup whole milk, grass-fed preferred
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream, grass-fed preferred
  • whipped cream for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Place the matcha and cocoa powder in a mug and whisk or sift to combine. Add 2 teaspoons of the hot water and whisk to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the remaining 3 teaspoons of water and whisk until smooth. Add the salt, maple syrup, and vanilla and whisk to combine.

  2. Heat the milk to between 145° and 160° F (63° - 71°C). Froth and pour over the matcha/cocoa mixture in the mug. Serve immediately, or with a dollop of whipped cream.

 

 

Recipe Rating




Sandrea

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

I didn't think I would enjoy this recipe as much as I did the cacao and the matcha pair together well-just the right proportions! I usually like white chocolate or cacao butter with matcha but this will be another new addition to the matcha drink rotation-thanks!

Kendall

Sunday 19th of December 2021

I’m going to try the premade matcha cocoa mix you suggested at the end and add it to a hot cocoa bomb! May I ask where you got that interesting looking wood sifter?

Erica Kastner

Tuesday 21st of December 2021

Ooooh...that hot cocoa bomb sounds amazing! The sifter was a gift from Encha matcha. Sadly they don't carry it anymore!

Nadja

Friday 8th of October 2021

This combination was a delicious surprise! I loved it. It's going into my weekly rotation. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah

Monday 31st of August 2020

Love this! I sprinkle some cinnamon in and add about a teaspoon of coconut oil just for kicks. It's fabulous!

Erica Kastner

Tuesday 1st of September 2020

Oh, that sounds lovely to add cinnamon!

Chelsey @ The Heartspace Connect

Wednesday 6th of May 2020

Oh! I love cacao and love matcha but haven't tried them together...yet! Thanks for the inspo!

Erica Kastner

Wednesday 6th of May 2020

It's a lovely combo! Hope you enjoy! ?✨