The Best of Both Worlds: How to Make an Iced Dirty Matcha with Espresso at Home

Matcha has captured hearts globally with its vibrant green hue, earthy flavour, and balanced energy boost. Meanwhile, the robust kick of espresso remains an undeniable favourite. What happens when these two powerhouses meet? You get an Iced Dirty Matcha with Espresso -- a trending drink that combines the best qualities of both worlds, offering sustained focus without the coffee jitters, and a delightful flavour fusion.

This unique beverage has become increasingly popular, especially in North America, appearing on café menus as "Matcha Espresso Fusion" or "Dirty Matcha with Espresso". It's a testament to matcha's versatility and its ability to blend seamlessly with various flavours, even the bold notes of coffee.

What is a "Dirty Matcha with Espresso"?

Simply put, a "dirty matcha" is a matcha latte with a shot (or two) of espresso added. It's a harmonious blend where the earthy, slightly sweet notes of matcha meet the rich, intense flavour of coffee. You get the calm alertness provided by matcha's L-theanine, which alters the effects of caffeine, preventing the energy crash often associated with coffee, alongside the immediate pick-me-up from the espresso. This makes for a functional drink that provides both sustained energy and focus.

Why You'll Love This Fusion Drink

• Balanced Energy: Enjoy the best of both caffeine sources -- a quick jolt from espresso and sustained, calm focus from matcha.
• Unique Flavour Profile: The vibrant, grassy, and sometimes subtly bitter notes of matcha beautifully complement the rich, roasted flavours of espresso.
• Visually Appealing: The distinct layers of green matcha, white milk, and dark espresso create a stunning drink, perfect for social media.
• Customisable: Easily adjust the sweetness, strength of matcha, and milk type to perfectly suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Matcha Powder: 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of ceremonial or high-quality culinary grade matcha. Adjust based on your preferred strength and the intensity of the espresso.
• Hot Water (for matcha): 60ml of hot water, ideally between 60-80°C. Crucially, avoid boiling water as it can make matcha bitter. For iced lattes, some sources suggest using less water (30-40ml) for the matcha base to prevent dilution.
• Espresso: 1-2 shots (30-60ml) of freshly brewed espresso.
• Milk of Choice: 180-240ml of cold milk. Oat milk, almond milk, soya milk, or cow's milk are excellent choices for creaminess.
• Sweetener (Optional): 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, vanilla syrup, honey, or brown sugar, to taste.
• Ice: Plenty of ice cubes to fill your serving glass.

Instructions: Crafting Your Iced Dirty Matcha

1. Prepare Your Matcha Base
   • Sieve your matcha powder into a small bowl or a mug to prevent lumps. This is a simple step that significantly improves the texture.
   • Pour the hot (not boiling) water over the sieved matcha.
   • Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small milk frother, whisk vigorously in a "M" or zig-zag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy. Avoid circular motions. This creates a concentrated matcha "shot."
   • If using sweetener, stir it into the whisked matcha now to ensure it dissolves completely.
2. Brew Your Espresso
   • Prepare 1-2 shots of fresh espresso using your preferred method. Let it cool slightly, or brew it directly over a few ice cubes to cool it down without dilution for the iced drink.
3. Assemble Your Iced Dirty Matcha
   • Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes.
   • Pour your cold milk of choice over the ice.
   • Gently pour the whisked matcha base into the glass over the milk and ice. For a beautiful layered effect, aim to pour the matcha directly onto the ice cubes.
   • Finally, slowly pour the freshly brewed espresso over the top. It will create a distinct layer, adding to the visual appeal.
   • Stir gently to combine the layers before enjoying, or let them sit for a moment to appreciate the visual gradient.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Dirty Matcha

• Water Temperature is Key: Always use hot, but not boiling, water for your matcha. Too hot, and it can scorch the tea, leading to a bitter taste.
• Don't Skip Sieving: Sieving your matcha powder is essential for a smooth, lump-free drink.
• Quality Matters: For the best flavour, invest in a ceremonial or high-grade culinary matcha. Reputable brands like Ippodo Tea, Jade Leaf, and Golde Pure Matcha are often recommended.
• Chill Your Espresso: If you want to maintain the icy temperature of your drink, make sure your espresso is cooled before adding it to the mix. Brewing it over a few ice cubes can help.
• Experiment with Milks: Oat milk, soya milk, and cashew milk are noted for producing a decadent froth and creamy texture.
• Add Flavour Variations: Matcha pairs wonderfully with vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, coconut, and even a hint of cardamom or mint. Consider adding a splash of vanilla syrup or a strawberry purée for a sweet twist.

Combining the invigorating boost of coffee with the serene focus of matcha, the Iced Dirty Matcha with Espresso is a delightful and trending beverage you can easily make at home. Experiment with the ratios and flavours to find your perfect cup!