Matcha Coffee Latte (Iced Dirty Matcha Recipe) | How to Mix Matcha and Coffee

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"So delicious!! Thanks for the awesome recipe!" -Taylor

Full disclosure: I'm not a coffee drinker. Matcha, on the other hand, I can't live without.

I imagine you might be the other way around. You love your coffee. Maybe you're still matcha-curious or pretty green when it comes to whisking it at home. Am I right?

Or you love both and just had an epiphany, "I wonder if you can mix matcha and coffee?"

My goal with this recipe was to make it so surprisingly delicious that even a non-coffee drinker would love it. (That's me.) And second, I wanted it to be so tempting that even a matcha virgin wouldn’t be able to resist. Is that you?

I didn't know if it was actually possible. 

Now I know it is.

And I know you're going to love this recipe.

Matcha and coffee together is beyond good. It's heaven.

If you need any help, just leave me a comment below! I personally respond to every message.

❤️, ?, & ☕ from Japan, Matt

Can you mix matcha and coffee?

Yes! Who knew that powdered green tea leaves and coffee beans would turn out to be such a good match? No matcha pun intended.

You can even find this drink popping up at some local coffee shops in trendier cities like Tokyo, L.A., and soon to be in your innovative kitchen.

Visually and for your palate, it's better to make it as a layered drink. If you add matcha directly to black coffee or espresso, it can turn out to look like swamp water. You could add some tapioca bubbles to look like tadpole eggs. (But maybe don't.)

This recipe is for the iced version of a matcha coffee, with milk or your favorite non-dairy milk.  

If you'd prefer a more classic plant-based matcha latte, you can make these extra creamy matcha lattes with coconut milk.

What Is a Matcha Coffee Latte (aka Dirty Matcha)?

The fancy-looking drink is also known as matcha espresso, dirty matcha latte, or camo latte. It's a three-layered drink made with coffee, matcha, and milk. Typically, it's served unmixed with three distinct layers. Usually, the matcha layer is at the bottom. 

I first discovered matcha coffee in Harajuku at The Matcha Tokyo and then at Trunk Hotel, closer to Shibuya.

Starbucks popularized it in Asia with their Matcha & Espresso Fusion. They combined their signature espresso roast coffee with matcha and milk. You can order it hot or cold.

At stores in the US, it looks like you may have to custom order a matcha espresso fusion. You're more likely to find it on the menu in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, or Thailand.

But don't worry if you live outside the Asian market. I'm going to show you just how easy it is to make this drink at home. You can make yours taste better than Starbucks! Find the recipe below.

What Does Dirty Matcha Coffee Taste Like?

It's just like drinking a regular matcha latte with a subtle coffee aftertaste. At the start, all I taste is mild matcha with the creamy mouthfeel from the milk. It's the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. The honey and milk tone down any bitterness from the matcha. It's so smooth, mellow, luxurious, and comforting. And all the coffee adds is that extra final touch at the end. The coffee will linger on your tongue.

Again, I don't like coffee and I love the taste of this drink. I'll say it again– it's so good.

Benefits of a Matcha Coffee Latte

• Both matcha and coffee are high in antioxidants. Coffee-only drinkers tend to get all their antioxidants from just one source. Now you'll get the health benefits of matcha on top!
• It's half the amount of coffee, which means less caffeine from coffee. And the caffeine in matcha doesn't cause the same jitters or caffeine crash. Your caffeine buzz will be more gentle and longer lasting.
• The L-theanine, one of the amino acids in matcha, can have a calming effect. 
• Suits your diet: it can be made vegan, paleo, or keto-friendly.
• It's pretty! I would argue it's cooler looking than even three-layered strawberry or sakura lattes. The vibrant green color of matcha and the brown earth tones of coffee are a match.  
• In theory, you'll have better breath. But you'll have to kiss me to confirm that matcha counteracts your coffee breath. 😉 
• It's a simple recipe with only three ingredients. It's quick and easy to make.
• Iced matcha coffee is a delicious drink! 

How much caffeine is in a matcha coffee latte?

It depends on your ingredients, but here’s a general estimate:

• 1 teaspoon (2 g) of matcha contains about 38–89 mg of caffeine (source: PubMed Central)
• A small shot of brewed coffee adds another 35–65 mg (source: USDA)

That puts your drink in the range of 70–125 mg of caffeine total—about the same as a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee.

But how it feels is different. Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus and helps smooth out the caffeine buzz (source: PubMed).

Want to cut back? Try using less matcha, swapping in decaf coffee, or skipping the sweetener to lighten the load.

What’s in a Matcha Coffee Latte?

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• matcha green tea powder
• hot water
• whole milk (or alternatives: coconut milk, almond milk, or creamy oat milk)
• your favorite coffee (shot of espresso, French press, or even instant coffee)
• cup of ice cubes 
• optional: honey, simple syrup, or your favorite natural sweetener 

For best results, use good quality matcha powder for your bottom matcha layer. To learn more about how to choose the right matcha, read this post on ceremonial grade matcha vs culinary grade.

Good-tasting milk or non-dairy alternative also make a big difference.

Can I make matcha coffee without sweetener?

If you're going for the layered look, adding sweetener to your matcha is necessary.

You can definitely make it without sweetener. It will still taste amazing. You just won't be able to get three defined layers. The added density from a sweetener like honey or syrup is the secret to layered drinks.

Tools You'll Need

• matcha whisk (traditional bamboo whisk or milk frother)
• chawan bowl (or small bowl for whisking matcha)
• coffee machine (or espresso machine)
• glass jar with a screw-on lid
• tall glass, glass tumbler, or transparent latte mug
• ice-tray or ice-maker
• measuring spoon
• measuring cup (for liquids)

Don't own these tools? No problemo. The first three listed above are all optional. You can even mix your matcha in a small mason jar with a lid. Or even use a spoon. It doesn't need to be overly complicated. And you don't need to buy a bunch of expensive tools.

Tips for the Best Iced Dirty Matcha Coffee Latte

Follow these guidelines for the best results. The secret to this recipe is using quality ingredients, the right proportions, and the right technique.

You may have to remember some stuff you learned in your 9th-grade Physics class. Density or viscosity (the thickness of each liquid) matters. On top of that, you need to consider temperature, speed, force, and surface area.

1. Adding a sweetener like honey to matcha makes it the "heaviest" (densest) layer at the bottom. You want the matcha to sink and the milk to float on top. This is the secret to getting the matcha and milk to form layers. This will achieve a separation— just like oil and vinegar.
2. Measure the matcha-to-sweetener ratio carefully—it affects both the layering and the balance of flavor.
3. Let your matcha cool before adding the ice cubes. Otherwise, your ice cubes will melt too quickly. You can put matcha in the fridge to speed up the process. Even easier, mix your matcha powder with cooler water.
4. Use a small measuring cup with a spout to pour the milk and coffee. You want the stream of liquid to be as thin and light as possible.
5. Slowly and gently pour the milk directly on top of the ice cubes. Do the same with your coffee. This spreads out the stream of milk so it gently layers on top of the matcha.
6. Add a little bit less milk if needed to make enough space for 50 - 70 ml of coffee at the top of your glass. Also, adjust to your taste preferences.
7. A coffee with more of a sour taste matches well with matcha, I'm told. Though, I experimented with 3 different regular, classic coffee blends. They all paired well with matcha.

Even more matcha

Did you try this matcha coffee recipe? ?✨ I’d love to see your multi-layered creations!

Tag @eyesandhour ? on Instagram. Drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below—your feedback helps others discover this recipe!