Dirty Matcha Lattes are trending: Here’s how to get the balance right

Search interest in the “Dirty Matcha Latte” has risen sharply in recent weeks, with Google searches for “what is a dirty matcha?” up 70% month-on-month, and YouTube searches for “dirty matcha latte” peaking on 25 May, as more people look to replicate the drink at home*.
The trend reflects a growing appetite for drinks that balance flavour with function, combining the perceived wellness qualities of matcha with the caffeine hit of espresso. The result is a layered, green-and-brown “Dirty Matcha Latte”, where coffee is poured over matcha to create a drink that is both visually distinctive and more complex in taste.

While the concept itself is straightforward, achieving the right balance between matcha and coffee can be less so. Combining two naturally bitter ingredients requires care, from bean selection through to milk texture, to avoid overpowering the drink’s more delicate notes.
In celebration of its Barista Max Espresso Machine being on sale this Prime Day, Breville has collated some expert top tips and insight from pro Barista and Global Brand Manager, Chloe Taylor: “Creating a Dirty Matcha Latte at home is relatively straightforward and certainly shouldn’t daunt at home baristas, but there are a few key things that will help prevent creating a bitter latte, while achieving the distinctive velvety lightness of a matcha latte. It of course helps to have a user-friendly coffee machine that will result in a great tasting coffee and doubles up for steaming your milk – the Barista Max is the perfect machine for that.”

Prep the espresso first
If you prefer a slightly sweeter coffee drink, you’ll want to select a medium-to-dark roast Arabica coffee beans from regions known for chocolate and caramel tasting notes. These are naturally sweeter and will soften some of the earthy tones this drink provides.
Chloe continues: “Adding freshly extracted espresso directly onto matcha will most likely overpower its delicate flavour and in turn, affect the drink’s smooth texture. Pulling a shot on from your Breville is nice and straightforward: use a fine, even grind, tamp so that your grounds are completely even and flat to ensure a balanced flavour then let the machine extract. You should end up with an espresso shot with a slight top layer of foam. Simply set it aside to allow it to cool.”

Whisk your matcha
“The way in which you froth your milk will be key, especially if you’re a warm latte lover, beforehand, whisking a smooth, frothy matcha base is essential for achieving the signature velvety lightness of a matcha latte. And for the novices, just make sure to whisk until there are no lumps of powder in your matcha.”
• Add recommended measurement of matcha powder to a bowl or cup
• Pour in a small splash of hot (not boiling) water
• Whisk until fully dissolved and frothy

Steam your milk
“Steamed milk softens the earthy bitterness of both coffee and matcha, creating a smoother, more balanced flavour profile while maintaining the latte’s creaminess.”
• Position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk to introduce a small amount of air
• Once the milk begins to expand, lower the steam wand slightly to create a gentle whirlpool
• Continue steaming until the milk reaches around 60–65°C, if you’ve opted for a plant-based milk you’ll want to keep this range slightly lower, around 55–60°C.
• Tap the steaming jug lightly on the counter and swirl to remove any large bubbles

“When steaming milk for a Dirty Matcha Latte, aim for a smooth, silky microfoam rather than a thick, airy froth. The milk should have a silky sheen and pour seamlessly into the matcha, helping to preserve the drink’s signature velvety texture while balancing the earthy flavours of both matcha and espresso. Barista Max features a cool touch steam wand set on a 360 degree ball joint, giving you full control as you practise working the milk, great for honing your skills.”
Combine your matcha, milk, and coffee
“Combine your matcha with the milk, making sure to pour with a slow, steady hand while holding your cup at a 45° angle. Adding the espresso last creates the signature layered look that gives the Dirty Matcha Latte its name, allowing both flavours to remain distinct before you mix them together.”
• Slowly pour the espresso shot over the matcha latte
• Optionally add ice if making an iced version
After the final pour, the structure of a well-made Dirty Matcha Latte speaks for itself. With the Barista Max discounted for Prime Day, refining that finish is even sweeter.

The Breville Barista Max is on an Amazon Prime day deal reduced from £319.99 to £269.