A dirty matcha latte adds a shot of espresso to the classic matcha latte, creating a drink that combines the earthy, grassy character of matcha with the bold, roasted depth of coffee. The name comes from the way the espresso shot sits in the milk below the green matcha layer, the dark espresso appearing as a dirty streak in the otherwise clean layered drink.
Who this drink is for
The dirty matcha latte exists at
the intersection of two camps: coffee lovers who want to explore matcha, and
matcha drinkers who want a stronger caffeine hit than matcha alone provides. It
is also genuinely delicious in its own right, with the bitterness of espresso
and the earthiness of matcha creating a more complex flavour than either
produces alone. The combination is polarising but has a dedicated following
among people who enjoy both ingredients.
The caffeine consideration
A dirty matcha latte contains
caffeine from both the matcha and the espresso. A teaspoon of matcha
contributes approximately 60 to 70 mg. A single shot of espresso contributes
approximately 60 to 70 mg more. The combined drink therefore contains 120 to
140 mg of caffeine, approaching a double espresso in total caffeine load. This
is relevant for anyone managing their caffeine intake and should be treated as
a stronger caffeinated drink than either component alone.
Ingredients
•
1 teaspoon matcha powder
•
60 ml warm water at 70 to 80 degrees Celsius
•
1 shot of espresso, about 30 ml
•
200 ml cold or warm milk of your choice
•
Ice for the iced version
•
Sweetener to taste
Iced version method
Dissolve the matcha in the warm
water and whisk until smooth. Pull the espresso shot and let it cool for a
minute. Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the milk over the ice. Add the
espresso shot by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon so it settles just
above the milk layer. Pour the matcha over the espresso layer in the same way.
You should see three distinct layers: milk at the bottom, a thin dark espresso
layer, and the green matcha on top. Stir before drinking.
Hot version method
Prepare the matcha concentrate
and pull the espresso. Warm and froth the milk. Pour the matcha into your mug
first, then the espresso, then the frothed milk. Stir gently to combine. The
hot version blends more naturally than the iced version and produces a richer,
warmer drink.
Common questions
Can I use instant coffee
instead of espresso? Yes. Dissolve a
teaspoon of strong instant coffee in 30 ml of hot water as a substitute. The
flavour is different but the combination works.
How much sweetener should I
add? The bitterness from both
espresso and matcha together is significant. A teaspoon of honey or simple
syrup is usually necessary. Adjust to taste.
Can I use decaf espresso? Yes. Decaf espresso gives you the flavour of
coffee without the additional caffeine, making the drink closer to a standard
matcha latte in total caffeine content.
For the quality matcha powder
that makes the green layer vivid and flavourful, see the range of matcha powder available at
Matcha BD with nationwide delivery.
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