Seasonal |

Ippodo Tea’s Guide to the Holidays

Written on November 25, 2024 (updated on November 21, 2025)

Sharing tea with others is one of the things we look forward to most over the holidays. Below, get inspired with our favorite ways to enjoy tea cozy moments with delicious matcha, sencha, hojicha, and more during the coldest time of year.

View Holiday Gift Collection

Matcha at the Holidays

Instead of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate, try serving matcha this season. Its crisp astringency and complex richness pairs well with all sorts of holiday desserts from sweet breads and cakes to puddings.

Latte on a lazy morning

On a snow day, hunker down in the morning with a creamy matcha latte.

View recipe

Ippodo Tea - After-dinner espresso matcha

After-dinner matcha

Pour a shot of matcha into espresso cups and serve with dessert after a hearty meal.

View recipe

Recommended Matchas

White resealable 40 gram bag of Ippodo Sayaka matcha with gold and green floral design and text

Sayaka - 40g Bag

Our most popular blend.

Unopened box of Ippodo Tea Co. Ikuyo matcha powder with peach color hashmarks, Japanese characters and gold flowers leaves

Ikuyo - 20g

Our pick for matcha lattes.

Ummon - 40g

This matcha is a treat to be savored.

Tea Strainer (Chakoshi)

Sift before whisking for a smooth taste.

100-tip bamboo chasen matcha whisk tea utensil with curles tips resting upright on handle

Matcha Whisk - Chasen #2

Our pick for matcha lattes.

Artisan-made ceramic speckled black matcha tea bowl with hand groove and serving spout made from Mino-yaki Japanese clay

Tea Bowl with Spout - Black (Mino-yaki)

Handmade in Japan, with a spout for easy pouring.

Green Teas at the Holidays

Vegetal and crisp, yet surprisingly full-flavored and cozy: sencha and gyokuro are staples this time of year. They shine whether paired with hearty meals, or served with cookies at teatime.

Make sure to leave room on your list for roasted hojicha, one of the comfiest teas when it’s cold outside

Lunch with sencha and gyokuro to share

A light body sencha or gyokuro blend pairs well with lunch, whether it’s a big banquet or sandwiches on a Sunday. Brew a big batch to share with this recipe.

View recipe