If your feed has looked a little more green and a little more caffeinated lately, you have probably already seen it. Dirty matcha is everywhere right now, and unlike most drink trends, this one is genuinely worth the hype. It is not matcha replacing your coffee. It is matcha and coffee finally teaming up.
If you are coffee first and matcha curious, or already love both and just never thought to combine them, this dirty matcha recipe is exactly where to start.
What Is Dirty Matcha
A dirty matcha latte is simply a matcha latte with a shot of espresso poured over or into it. The name comes from the same logic as a "dirty chai," where espresso gets added to a drink that is not traditionally coffee based. The result is a layered, slightly bitter, slightly earthy drink that tastes like neither one on its own, in the best way.
Why Matcha and Espresso Actually Work Together
On paper, this pairing might sound odd. In practice, it makes a lot of sense.
- Matcha brings a smooth, umami depth that balances espresso's sharper bitterness
- Espresso adds a stronger, more immediate caffeine hit than matcha delivers on its own
- Matcha's natural L-theanine helps soften the jittery edge that a straight double shot can sometimes bring
- The two together create a longer, more layered energy curve than either drink gives alone
If you have ever felt stuck choosing between the two, our piece on Matcha Over Coffee goes deep into that debate. Dirty matcha is proof you do not always have to pick a side.
Dirty Matcha Recipe, What You Need
- 2 grams ceremonial grade matcha powder
- A small splash of hot water, around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso
- 150 to 200ml milk of your choice, dairy, oat, or almond all work well
- A small amount of sweetener, optional
A quick note on the matcha itself. Espresso has a strong, bold flavor, and a weak or lower grade matcha will simply get buried under it instead of creating any real balance. A vivid, smooth Ceremonial Grade Matcha (AAA) holds its own here, giving you an actual dirty matcha rather than just an oddly green flavored coffee.
How to Make Dirty Matcha at Home
- Whisk your matcha. Sift the matcha into a bowl, add the hot water, and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until smooth and frothy. This is the exact same base method used for a regular matcha latte, so if you need the full technique breakdown, our guide on How to Make Matcha Latte at Home covers it in detail
- Steam or froth your milk. Warm and froth your milk of choice, or use it cold if you want an iced version instead
- Pour the matcha into your glass. Add the whisked matcha in first, then top with the milk
- Add the espresso last. Pour your espresso shot directly on top so it sits visibly over the matcha and milk, this is what gives dirty matcha its signature layered look
Dirty Matcha Latte, Hot or Iced
This drink works beautifully either way. For a hot dirty matcha latte, keep everything warm from milk to espresso. For an iced version, whisk your matcha as usual, fill your glass with ice, pour cold milk over it, then finish with the espresso shot on top so it visibly sinks and swirls through the layers as you drink it.
Matcha Coffee Latte or Dirty Matcha, Same Thing?
Some people search this drink as a matcha coffee latte instead of dirty matcha, and yes, they are referring to the same thing. Dirty matcha has simply become the more common name as the drink trended, especially online, but if you see either term on a menu, expect the same combination of matcha and espresso.
Dirty Matcha Caffeine Content
Since this drink combines two caffeine sources, it understandably runs higher than either one alone. A typical dirty matcha comes out to roughly 130 to 150mg of caffeine per serving, combining matcha's 60 to 70mg with a standard espresso shot's 60 to 75mg. Worth keeping in mind if you are sensitive to caffeine or already had a cup of something else earlier in the day.
Chã likes to think of dirty matcha as proof that matcha was never meant to compete with your coffee habit, sometimes the best cup is just both, together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dirty matcha made of?
Dirty matcha is a matcha latte with a shot of espresso added on top, combining matcha's smooth, earthy flavor with espresso's boldness in one layered drink.
How much caffeine is in a dirty matcha?
A typical dirty matcha contains around 130 to 150mg of caffeine, combining a standard matcha serving with one shot of espresso.
Is dirty matcha the same as a matcha coffee latte?
Yes, both terms refer to the same drink, matcha combined with espresso. Dirty matcha has become the more common name as the drink has trended online.
Can I make dirty matcha iced?
Yes. Whisk your matcha as usual, pour it over ice with cold milk, then top with your espresso shot for a cold, layered version of the drink.
