I’ve been making lattes at home for a while now — matcha lattes, coffee lattes, whatever mood I’m in — but somehow this combo flew under my radar until recently. And now? It’s in the rotation. Not every day (the caffeine is no joke), but an iced dirty matcha latte is perfect for those afternoons when I need a cold, creamy, maple-sweetened boost.
That $7 latte I keep grabbing? Adds up quick. This one’s just as good, and I don’t even have to leave the house.
Why This Iced Dirty Matcha Latte Recipe Works
A dirty iced matcha latte is basically the perfect combination between your morning matcha and your coffee addiction! The grassy, slightly sweet matcha brings its chill vibe and sustained energy boost (hello, L-theanine!), while espresso has that bold coffee kick we all secretly crave.
This iced dirty matcha latte recipe is literally foolproof. Just whisk everything in one glass (who has time for extra dishes?), layer it up for that picture-perfect look, and you’ve got yourself a drink that’s both delicious and energizing. No need to go to the coffee shop!
Ingredients You Need
- Matcha Powder: Use your favorite culinary grade, high quality matcha powder here!
- Hot Water: You will need hot water to fully dissolve the matcha powder.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice. If you prefer brown sugar, add it with the hot water and matcha. You can also opt for honey!
- Milk: Use any of your favorite milks! Coconut milk, whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk are all delicious here.
- Espresso: I like to top mine off with freshly brewed espresso, but you can also brew regular coffee, just make it extra strong.
- Ice: To make it iced!
How to Make a Homemade Iced Dirty Matcha Latte
- Combine Water & Matcha. Add the matcha and hot water straight into your glass — I just froth it right in there with my handy dandy handheld whisk.
- Add Maple Syrup. Once it’s smooth and lightly foamy, add in the maple syrup and froth again for a few seconds to combine.
- Prep the Glass. Fill the rest of the glass with ice.
- Add Milk. Pour in your milk.
- Add Coffee. Top it off with your shot of espresso.
That’s it. You can give it a quick stir if you want, or leave the layers just as they are. It’s earthy and creamy with just enough sweetness and caffeine to wake things up.
And if you prefer to froth in a separate bowl? Totally works too.
Tips for Success
- Choose quality matcha. The flavor of your latte depends heavily on your matcha powder. Ceremonial grade will give you the smoothest, most vibrant taste, but a good culinary grade works well too. Avoid the cheapest options as they tend to be bitter.
- Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or handheld milk frother to create the smoothest texture without clumps!
- Experiment with milks. Each type of milk brings different qualities. Whole milk offers richness, oat milk provides natural sweetness, and almond milk adds a nutty complement to the matcha.
- Since espresso is the “dirty” part of this iced matcha latte, use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee that you enjoy on its own!
Recipe Variations
Decaf Coffee: If you are worried about too much caffeine but still want the coffee flavor, feel free to use a decaf coffee or espresso!
Chocolate or Caramel Dirty Matcha: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce inside the glass!
Frozen Dirty Matcha: Blend all ingredients with extra ice for a frappuccino-style drink.
Spiced Dirty Matcha: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg to the matcha mixture for a chai-inspired version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Simply warm your milk and skip the ice. Add the espresso shot at the end just as you would for the cold version!
Try sifting your matcha powder before adding hot water, or invest in a matcha whisk for the smoothest results.
Yes! Honey works beautifully, though it has a stronger flavor. Start with a bit less than you would maple syrup and adjust to taste.
More Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Banana Pudding with Matcha
- Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce
- Matcha Cookies
- Roasted Asparagus & Carrots with Pesto
- Garlic Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Iced Dirty Matcha Latte Recipe (So Easy)
If you love matcha but also love coffee (hi, me too), this is your drink. A dirty matcha latte is what happens when your cozy, wholesome matcha meets your loud, caffeinated espresso habit — and honestly, they get along great.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (use ceremonial or good-quality culinary grade)
- 2–3 tablespoons hot water
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (more if you like it sweeter)
- 3/4 cup cold milk of choice (whole, oat, almond — whatever you like)
- 1 shot of espresso or 2 oz strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Ice
Instructions
- Add the matcha and hot water straight into your glass — I just froth it right in there with my handy dandy handheld whisk.
- Once it’s smooth and lightly foamy, add in the maple syrup and froth again for a few seconds to combine.
- Fill the rest of the glass with ice.
- Pour in your milk.
- Top it off with your shot of espresso. Give it a quick stir if you want, or leave the layers just as they are.
Keywords: iced dirty matcha latte
