Dirty Matcha Latte Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious

Looking to elevate your daily caffeine ritual with a twist? The Dirty Matcha Latte is the perfect drink for you.

Combining the vibrant, earthy flavors of matcha green tea with the rich, robust taste of espresso, this latte offers an energizing and delicious pick-me-up. Whether you’re a matcha aficionado or a coffee lover, this creamy, slightly sweet concoction will quickly become your go-to.

It’s easy to make at home, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the antioxidant benefits of matcha while satisfying your espresso cravings in one cup.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Dirty Matcha Latte, share some handy tips and variations, and provide nutrition info so you can enjoy your drink guilt-free.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dirty Matcha Latte recipe is a harmonious blend of two beloved beverages that deliver both flavor and function. The matcha powder brings a smooth, vegetal taste and is packed with antioxidants, helping to boost metabolism and enhance focus.

Meanwhile, the espresso adds a bold kick of caffeine and a hint of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the milk and matcha.

It’s an ideal drink for those who want a caffeine boost without the jittery crash often associated with coffee alone. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for hot or iced variations, dairy or plant-based milks, and can be sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference.

Whether you’re looking for a morning energizer or an afternoon treat, this latte fits the bill!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder (ceremonial or culinary grade)
• 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso (about one shot)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy)
• 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (optional, such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
• Hot water (about 2 tablespoons to whisk the matcha)
• Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)

Equipment

• Matcha whisk (bamboo whisk or a small electric frother)
• Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker
• Milk frother or saucepan to heat and froth milk
• Measuring spoons
• Heatproof glass or mug
• Small bowl for whisking matcha

Instructions

1. Prepare the matcha: Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl to remove any lumps. Add about 2 tablespoons of hot water (around 175°F/80°C, not boiling) to the powder.
2. Whisk the matcha: Using a bamboo whisk or electric frother, whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a layer of frothy foam forms on top. Set aside.
3. Brew the espresso: Prepare a fresh 2-ounce shot of espresso using your espresso machine or stovetop maker. Keep warm.
4. Heat and froth the milk: Warm 1 cup of milk over medium heat or in a milk frother until hot but not boiling. Froth the milk to create a creamy texture. If you prefer cold, you can skip heating and just shake cold milk to create froth.
5. Sweeten your milk: If desired, stir in your preferred 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener into the warm milk until dissolved.
6. Assemble the latte: Pour the whipped matcha into your serving glass or mug. Next, add the hot milk, holding back the froth with a spoon. Pour the hot espresso shot over the milk gently to create the “dirty” effect—espresso floating atop the matcha and milk blend.
7. Add froth and serve: Spoon the remaining milk froth over the top. If making an iced version, add ice cubes before pouring milk and espresso.
8. Enjoy immediately: Stir if you like, or sip as is to enjoy the layers of flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Using good quality matcha powder makes a huge difference in flavor and color. Ceremonial grade is best for lattes.”

• Adjust sweetness: Try different sweeteners like vanilla syrup, agave, or flavored honey to customize your latte.
• Try different milk: Oat milk and almond milk froth well and add their own subtle flavors.
• Iced version: Prepare matcha and espresso as usual, then pour over a glass filled with ice cubes and cold milk.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drop of vanilla extract to the milk before frothing for a cozy twist.
• Decaf option: Use decaf espresso or strong brewed coffee to reduce caffeine intake.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Dirty Matcha Latte is perfect as a standalone energizing beverage or paired with light, flavorful snacks. It complements buttery pastries like croissants or almond biscotti beautifully.

For a healthy pairing, try it with a bowl of fresh fruit or a handful of mixed nuts.

It also works wonderfully as a mid-morning or afternoon treat to break up your day. Serve it alongside your favorite book or as a cozy companion during your work-from-home sessions.

To explore more unique drinks, check out our Homemade Golden Milk Latte, Classic Iced Coffee Recipe, and Chai Tea Latte for delightful alternatives.

Conclusion

The Dirty Matcha Latte is a delightful fusion of two beloved caffeinated beverages that offers a unique, flavorful, and energizing experience. With its beautiful layers, creamy texture, and balanced taste, it’s easy to see why this drink has gained popularity among both matcha enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a cafe-quality dirty matcha latte right at home, tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you want it hot or iced, sweetened or plain, this recipe provides a perfect canvas for creativity.

So next time you need a pick-me-up with a little extra flair, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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