On occasion, coffee and tea can collide for a drink that delivers the best of both worlds — such as in the dirty matcha latte. A dirty matcha latte blends classic matcha with a shot of espresso for a caffeine-boosted drink that layers grassy, umami matcha notes with bright espresso and creamy milk.
Anney Norton, founder and operator of popular tea business Dream Tea NYC, says dirty matcha is having ‘a moment’ because it bridges two worlds — giving coffee drinkers a familiar buzz while introducing them to the calm focus of matcha.
What exactly is a dirty matcha latte? What does it taste like, and how do you make one? Below, discover everything you need to know about this trending tea-coffee combination drink.
What is a dirty matcha latte?
The idea of combining espresso and matcha likely originated in Asia or on the U.S. West Coast café scene in the early 2010s. Later, the drink spread quickly as cafés that offered both matcha and espresso had the fun idea of combining the two. Today, a classic dirty matcha latte can be enjoyed hot or iced.
“The high caffeine content helps kickstart the day, and the L-theanine boosts mood, leaving drinkers feeling satisfied and lifted. The recent matcha boom has sparked interest in matcha as a coffee alternative, with dirty matcha offering an easy, tasty way to explore a new type of drink,” says Norton.
Is a dirty matcha latte healthy?
A dirty matcha latte is a generally healthy option when enjoyed in moderation.
“Since matcha is rich in L-theanine, it can support both enhanced focus and mood, while coffee’s polyphenols combat oxidative stress and boost metabolism. Still, it’s high in caffeine – a single dirty matcha can pack over 100 mg – so those sensitive to caffeine might want to opt for decaf.“
What does a dirty matcha latte taste like?
“The classic flavor profile of a dirty matcha is slightly grassy and sweet from the matcha, chocolatey and slightly bitter from the coffee, and rich and creamy from the milk,” says Norton.
Ultimately, the flavor profile can vary, however. The flavor of your dirty matcha latte can depend on the quality of the matcha used, the type and roast level of coffee beans used, the choice of milk, and optional sweeteners used.
“For example, the matcha we use at Dream Tea NYC, which is ceremonial-grade and from the Kagoshima region of Japan, has natural chocolate notes with lots of umami and a natural sweetness. We pair it with a medium roast coffee to let the natural matcha flavors shine while adding a nutty bitterness that complements the chocolate-y aroma. My personal favorite is to use whole milk as it adds a touch of sweetness and a rich, creamy texture that makes for a perfect iced drink,” says Norton.
How to make a dirty matcha latte (hot or iced)
If you’re already hooked on the dirty matcha latte, you might want to try crafting one for yourself at home. Making your own dirty matcha latte allows you to customize your drink to your exact flavor preferences (and enjoy one whenever you want one). Here’s Norton’s step-by-step recommendations to make this tea-coffee combination drink at home:
Ingredients
- 1g of ceremonial matcha
- A small sifter (optional)
- One shot of espresso (I recommend medium roast, though any roast can work)
- 2-3 tablespoons of hot water
- A bowl (preferably designed for matcha whisking)
- A whisk or frother (preferably a matcha whisk)
- 6-8 oz of milk or alternative milk (depending on how creamy you want the drink)
- Ice (optional)
- A glass or mug
Method
- Gather your tools and materials needed all in one place for easy prep.
- Pull a single shot of espresso into a small espresso cup.
- While the espresso shot brews, sift your matcha (optional) into a bowl to remove clumps, add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water, and whisk or froth until foamy.
- Steam your milk (optional – for hot, dirty matcha lattes only)
- Steam 6-8oz of milk or alt-milk until frothy.
- If you’re making an iced dirty matcha, start by adding ice to your glass. Add any sweetener (optional) you like before pouring in your matcha, followed by your shot of espresso, and then top off with milk.
- If you’re enjoying your latte hot, add your sweetener to your mug (optional), followed by your matcha, espresso, and milk.
- Stir to combine or enjoy the layers as is – either way, you’ll taste that perfect harmony between earthiness, sweetness, and bold espresso depth.
Tips & tricks
- Use quality ingredients: Making the best dirty matcha latte at home starts with quality ingredients. Using high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha is needed to get the intense matcha flavor in this drink that can stand up to the bold flavor of the espresso. According to Norton, low-quality matchas also tend to be quite astringent.
- Add sweetener: Just a touch of sweetener is enough to reduce bitterness and enhance flavors (just one packet of brown sugar or 1 tsp of liquid sweetener can do the trick).
- Opt for a creamy-textured milk: Using classic whole milk adds a bit of sweetness and creaminess that helps to cut bitterness while enhancing the flavors of the matcha and coffee. If you can’t do dairy milk, she recommends using a whole-fat oat milk or dairy-free creamer.
