A dirty matcha latte, also known as matcha coffee, is a matcha latte with a shot of espresso added. You get the smooth, grassy flavour of matcha with the bold kick of coffee in one drink. This recipe takes about 5 minutes.
What you'll learn:
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 1 serving |
| Difficulty | Easy |
What Is a Dirty Matcha Latte?
Dirty matcha is a matcha latte with espresso added. You might also see it described as matcha coffee, especially on cafe menus and social media.
It started as a coffee shop drink, but it is easy to make at home once you can whisk a smooth matcha base. If you need the base method first, read how to make a matcha latte and the main matcha latte guide.
This post is about the recipe. If you want a fuller matcha vs coffee comparison, including taste and caffeine differences, see matcha vs coffee.
Why Matcha and Espresso Work Together
The flavour contrast is the point. Matcha is grassy and slightly bitter, espresso is roasted and bold, and milk ties them together so it tastes like one drink, not two drinks fighting.
Many people also like the energy feel. Matcha contains caffeine plus L-theanine, which some people find smoother than coffee alone. That does not mean it is “better”, but it can change how the drink feels. If you want the matcha latte angle, see matcha latte benefits.
Ingredients
- 2g matcha powder
- 30ml hot water (about 80°C)
- 1 shot espresso (or 60ml strong brewed coffee)
- 200ml milk of choice
- Ice (for iced version)
- Optional: sweetener to taste
How to Make a Dirty Matcha Latte (Hot)
- Whisk the matcha. Sift matcha into a bowl. Add 30ml hot water and whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Make the espresso. Pull a shot of espresso, or brew strong coffee (about 60ml).
- Warm the milk. Warm your milk and pour it into a mug. Sweeten it now if you like.
- Add matcha. Pour the whisked matcha over the milk.
- Add espresso on top. Pour the espresso over the matcha. Stir gently, or leave it layered for the look.
Iced Dirty Matcha Latte
The iced version uses the same steps. The only difference is temperature and order, because the espresso “float” looks best if it goes in last.
- Whisk matcha with warm water. You still need warm water to dissolve matcha properly.
- Fill a glass with ice and milk. Pour in cold milk over ice.
- Add matcha, then espresso. Pour matcha into the milk, then add espresso on top for the layered look.
- Stir and drink. Stir if you want a blended taste, or sip layered for a stronger coffee hit at the top.
If you want the iced latte base in more detail, see iced matcha latte.
Tips for the Best Results
- Start with a smooth matcha base. Lumpy matcha ruins the whole drink. Sift and whisk properly.
- Use good matcha. Espresso is strong, so your matcha needs enough flavour and colour to hold its own.
- Order matters for layering. Milk first, matcha next, espresso last gives the clearest “dirty” look.
- Balance bitterness. If it tastes too sharp, add a little sweetener, use oat milk, or use slightly less espresso.
- Any milk works. Oat milk froths well and tastes good with coffee, but dairy, almond, and soy all work too.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Dirty Matcha?
A dirty matcha combines the caffeine from matcha and espresso, so it can be stronger than either drink alone. Exact caffeine varies by dose and beans, but a practical estimate is:
- Matcha (2g): often around 60 to 70mg caffeine
- Espresso (1 shot): often around 60 to 65mg caffeine
- Dirty matcha total: often around 120 to 135mg caffeine
If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with half an espresso shot, or choose a smaller matcha serving. For more detail on matcha caffeine, see does matcha have caffeine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dirty matcha latte healthy?
It can be part of a balanced routine, but it is a high-caffeine drink. How “healthy” it feels depends on your caffeine tolerance and what you add (sugar, syrups, and so on).
Can I make a dirty matcha without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use a moka pot, Aeropress, or brew very strong coffee (about 60ml). Espresso is ideal, but strong coffee still works.
Does matcha and coffee taste good together?
Many people love it, but it is not subtle. If you like both matcha lattes and coffee lattes, a dirty matcha is worth trying.
Is dirty matcha stronger than regular coffee?
It can be, because you are combining matcha caffeine and espresso caffeine. If you want it less intense, use half a shot of espresso or a smaller matcha serving.
What milk is best for a dirty matcha latte?
Oat milk is popular because it froths well and tastes good with coffee, but any milk you enjoy works. Pick the milk that tastes best to you.
Make This at Home
A dirty matcha starts with a good matcha base. The kit gives you the whisk and bowl to get a smooth matcha before adding the espresso. Start with our matcha kit, and add matcha powder if you need a refill.
More Matcha Recipes
- Matcha Recipes: 12 Ways to Use Matcha
- Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
- Matcha Latte Guide
- Collagen Matcha Recipe
Written by the Popcha team.