by LAURA BODE

January is Hot Tea Month, which, for many, will be enjoyed with a mug of their favorite brew.

However, in addition to being a simple, comforting beverage, tea—hot or cold, already brewed or still in loose-leaf form—can be an amazing ingredient in a variety of recipes. There are hundreds of ways to enjoy various teas—green, matcha, black and herbals. Here's a look.

Green tea can be used in smoothies and sangrias: For smoothies, simply add ½ teaspoon matcha powder per 3 cups of liquid ingredients; for sangria, steep six or so tea bags in cold water (8 ounces per tea bag) before adding the tea to the wine and fruit.

Green tea can also act as a base for marinade, sauce or soup; poultry recipes are especially complementary, as the mild flavor of the chicken balances the natural grassy flavor of the tea. In some recipes, such as chicken noodle soup, you can replace broth with equal parts tea.

Poaching fresh fish (cod or sea bass are good examples) in brewed green tea gives it a delicate and delicious aroma and taste, says Rona Tison, a Costco member and executive vice president of corporate relations and public relations for ITO EN, North America, a Costco tea supplier.

Matcha, a powdered green tea, has become more and more popular—both as a beverage and in foods, like chocolates. "Matcha was traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, but today you'll find it used in breakfast foods like oatmeal, pancakes and even matcha guacamole," says Tison, a tea master and a prominent figure in the tea world, with more than 35 years in the industry. She suggests using homemade matcha vinaigrette for grilled vegetables, salads and even slathered on grilled shrimp.

Robust black tea, such as Earl Grey, English breakfast and Irish breakfast tea, is excellent for smoking meats or as a marinade for duck or grass-fed beef. In Bhutan, people mix black tea with cream and butter to make butter tea, a popular drink.

Infusing fresh seasonal fruit—think peaches, blueberries and/or mango—with herbal (or green) teas can bring a delicious flavor dimension to the fruit and fruit smoothies. Suggested herbal teas include chamomile, mint, rooibos and chai blends. Using tea in cocktails like hot toddies and gin spritzes brings a new twist to the drink, and tea simple syrups can be added to your favorite spirits.

The next time you invite a friend over for a cup of tea, you might want to surprise them with a new twist on the classic, as tea is more than just a comforting cuppa.