Matcha Coffee Recipe

This beautiful matcha coffee recipe is made up of a matcha bottom layer, a milk middle layer, and an espresso top layer. It’s also known as a matcha espresso fusion or a dirty matcha latte.

I recently tried matcha mixed with coffee for the first time, and I was surprised by how well the flavors of matcha and coffee go together!

It’s hard to describe, but the matcha almost makes the coffee taste richer. And I think the combo takes on a chocolaty flavor.

This iced matcha coffee latte is a must-try for matcha and coffee lovers alike. And thankfully it’s a simple recipe that only requires 6 ingredients!

Okay, let’s make it!

BTW, this is the iced version of this drink, but you can find the hot version in my Hot Matcha Coffee Recipe post (coming soon)! And if you’re looking for a classic matcha latte without added coffee, check out my Hot Matcha Latte recipe!

Video Tutorial:

Here’s a quick video demonstration in case you learn better that way. There’s lots more info in the post below, so make sure to check that out as well!

Ingredients:

You only need 6 simple ingredients to make this matcha coffee:

• 2 teaspoons good quality matcha powder (AKA green tea powder): I’ll talk more about brands and grades of matcha below, but you should definitely go for a high quality matcha powder here! If you cheap out, this drink will not taste as good. You want to go for pure matcha powder, NOT a presweetened mix.
• 2 teaspoons sugar: You can use whatever sweetener you like in this drink (or leave it out entirely!), but I like to use cane sugar. Other options would be maple syrup, honey, simple syrup, vanilla syrup, etc. You can also adjust the sweetness level to suit your personal preference. I would say this is a medium-high amount of sweetener. 
• 4 tablespoons water: There’s no need to use warm water here. Room temperature or cold water will work just fine. 
• 1/4 cup milk: I like to use whole milk here. Feel free to experiment with your favorite plant based milk. I have not personally tried this recipe with a non-dairy milk, so keep that in mind. I tend to prefer oat milk to coconut milk or almond milk, but feel free to use your personal favorite!
• 1/4 cup cream: I personally enjoy a rich, creamy matcha lattes and matcha coffees. But you can always substitute more milk if you prefer!
• 1 shot espresso: The original Starbucks version features espresso for the coffee, and I think that pairs really well here. But if you could also substitute about 2 tablespoons of really strong coffee if you don’t have a way to make espresso. I’ll discuss how to make espresso strength coffee without a machine below!

These amounts make approximately a 12 ounce drink. I’ll include measurements for a 16 ounce drink as well in the recipe card!

What matcha powder should I buy?

There are SO many matcha powders on the market these days. But not all matchas are created equal.

Here’s a quick overview of the different grades or qualities of matcha powder:

• Culinary Grade: This is the lowest grade of matcha powder, and it’s also the most affordable. It tends to have a more bitter flavor, and it’s a duller green color.
• Latte Grade: The next step up is latte grade. It’s better quality than culinary grade, and it’s typically less bitter and has a slightly brighter color. Keep in mind that there isn’t an official definition of “latte grade” matcha, so each brand can determine what it means.
• Ceremonial Grade: This is the most expensive grade of matcha, but it’s also the highest quality and it tastes the best (IMO). Ceremonial matcha has a vibrant green color, and typically a far less bitter taste. The flavors can vary from brand to brand: some lean more sweet, some more savory.

Now there are different and more grades of matcha than this in different countries, but these are the 2 main ones available in the US.

I have an entire post where I review 14 different brands of matcha, so make sure to check that out to get the full details!

But if you’re looking for a quick recommendation, I like the Thrive Market Ceremonial Grade Matcha and the Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha.

What to do if you don’t own an espresso machine:

If you don’t own an espresso machine, don’t fret! You can make approximately espresso strength coffee with either a French Press, Aeropress, or Moka Pot. Make sure to check out my video tutorial to get the full instructions!

You can even make espresso strength coffee with instant coffee, which I explain in my How to Make a Shot of Espresso with Instant Coffee post.

 

How To Make Matcha Coffee at Home:

Okay, back to making the matcha coffee!

The very first step is to the matcha powder and sugar (or sweetener of choice) in a small bowl.

I like to use a spouted bowl since it’s easier to pour into the glass later.

Pour 4 tablespoons of water on top of the matcha and sugar in the bowl.

Using a bamboo matcha whisk (AKA Chasen), whisk the matcha/water mixture until completely smooth.

This usually takes around 20-30 seconds.

See how the matcha gets a bit foamy?

Now pour the smooth matcha tea mixture into a 12 ounce glass.

If you own an electric handheld milk frother, you can simply place the matcha, sugar, and water in your glass and blend until smooth.

 

Next, add about 2/3 to 3/4 cup of ice cubes to the glass. 

You want your glass to be about 2/3 full at this point.

Add your milk of choice and cream on top of the ice cubes. 

Finally, slowly pour the hot espresso or strong regular coffee on top of the milk layer. 

I mean. Isn’t that just lovely?!

Okay, now that you  know how to make a dirty matcha latte, let’s go over some frequently asked questions!

What is Matcha?

Matcha is essentially ground green tea leaves. However, it goes deeper than that.

Matcha is grown, harvested, and processed in a special way. The plants are shaded for a specific amount of time to increase the chlorophyll content. 

Then the leaves are ground into a fine powder and stored in a cool place.

Matcha can be an acquired tasted for some, but I loved it pretty much the first time I tried it.

Health Benefits of Matcha:

Matcha is high in antioxidants, including one known as Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC). This is present in regular green tea, but Matcha contains more antioxidants per serving since you eat the whole tea leaf instead of simply steeping and tossing out the leaves.

Matcha also contains an amino acid known as L-Theanine, which can promote a state of calm awareness.

Where did this drink originate?

I’m sure people have been combining matcha and coffee for forever. But this delicious drink was popularized by Starbucks in Asia. 

Starbucks called in a matcha espresso fusion, which is such a fun name!

Sadly it isn’t available on the US menu at Starbucks, but you can order a custom drink that’s basically the same.

How to Order a Matcha Coffee:

In fact, you should be able to order this drink at most coffee shops. Simply ask for a matcha latte with a shot or two of espresso added.

If you want the beautiful layered look, you’ll have to ask the barista to make the drink in a special way. 

I’m personally too shy to ask coffee shop employees to make the drink in a particular way, but maybe you’re braver than I!

 

More Matcha Drinks:

• Easy Iced Matcha Latte
• Hot Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe
• Iced Matcha Latte with Boba Pearls
• Strawberry Matcha Latte
• Matcha Cocoa
• Copycat Starbucks Matcha Frappuccino
• Sugar Free Matcha Latte

More Matcha Recipes:

• Matcha Ice Cream
• Matcha Brownies (without white chocolate)

 

Recipe Card