Mulled wine is a classic holiday drink. Our mulled matcha tea is a spin on the classic, alcohol-free! If you’re looking for something a lighter, alcohol-free option that is still full of flavor and ritual-worthy, this mulled matcha tea is it.
This recipe combines spices such as cinnamon, clove, and star anise with citrus and our unique whole-leaf matcha tea bags to create a comforting, festive tea. It’s cozy without being heavy and energizing without overdoing it.
What Is Whole-Leaf Matcha Tea?
Whole-leaf matcha tea bags differ from traditional matcha powder. Instead of whisking powdered leaves into water, whole-leaf matcha leaves are steeped like a traditional tea, then removed. Find our whole-leaf matcha tea bags here!
Because the leaves are shade-grown, you’ll still get many of the same benefits matcha powder is known for, including antioxidants and L-theanine, but with a smoother, more subtle flavor and less caffeine than ceremonial matcha. Because the tea bag is removed after steeping, it can also be gentler on your tummy and easier to prepare.
What Is Traditional Mulled Wine and How Is This Different?
Mulled wine is a classic European winter drink made by simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. It’s quite aromatic and often sweetened with either sugar or honey.
This mulled matcha tea takes inspiration from those same spices and citrus notes, but swaps wine for water and green tea. The result is a lighter, alcohol-free version that still delivers the warmth and comfort, just without the alcohol.
Ingredients
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1/2 orange, sliced into rounds
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1 small cinnamon stick
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3 whole cloves
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1 star anise
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2 cups water
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1 Matcha.com Whole-Leaf Matcha Tea Bag
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Honey, to taste
Directions
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Add the sliced orange, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and water to a small saucepan.
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Simmer gently over low heat for about 8 minutes, until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles appear.
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Turn off the heat and steep the whole-leaf matcha tea bag for 3–5 minutes.
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Remove the tea bag, orange slices, and spices. Stir in honey to taste.
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Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy warm.
Bottom Line
This mulled matcha tea is a great way to bring some warmth and ritual into colder days. You get the aroma, and delicious spices and citrus notes of traditional mulled wine, but with the added benefits of green tea, antioxidants, and a touch of caffeine.
Whether you’re skipping alcohol, cutting back on caffeine, or simply craving something cozy, this mulled matcha tea is worth giving a try.
