Smooth matcha meets bold espresso — the Matcha Espresso Fusion, also known as Dirty Matcha, is a drink of contrasts. Green meets brown, calm meets focus, tea meets coffee.
Perfect for mornings that need a balance between clarity and strength, this layered drink is as beautiful as it is energizing.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Balanced blend of calm matcha focus and espresso energy
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Stunning visual layering — earthy green and deep brown
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Naturally sweet and creamy with no artificial syrups
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Ideal for coffee lovers exploring the matcha ritual
🪷 Create café-style layered drinks at home with the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🍃 Ingredients (1 Serving)
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1 teaspoon (2 g) ceremonial-grade matcha powder
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60 ml (2 oz) hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F)
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1 shot (30 ml / 1 oz) espresso (freshly brewed)
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180 ml (6 oz) milk or plant milk (oat, soy, or almond)
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1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup (optional)
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Ice cubes (for the iced version)
🍵 Tools You’ll Need
From your ZENSŌ Matcha Ritual Set:
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Sifter (Furui) – to create a smooth matcha base
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Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) – for precise matcha dosing
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Matcha Bowl (Chawan) – to whisk your matcha
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Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) – for a frothy, even texture
Additional tool:
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Espresso machine or Moka pot – to prepare the coffee layer
💚 Discover ceremonial tools for your daily rituals in the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Matcha Base
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Sift 1 tsp (2 g) of matcha into your Chawan using the Furui (Sifter).
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Add 60 ml (2 oz) of hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F).
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Whisk briskly in a “W” motion with your Chasen until fully dissolved and smooth.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Brew the Espresso
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Prepare 1 shot (30 ml / 1 oz) of espresso using your preferred method.
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Let it rest for 30 seconds so the heat doesn’t melt the ice too fast (if iced).
3️⃣ Layer the Drink
For Iced Version:
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Fill a glass with ice cubes.
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Pour in milk and optional sweetener.
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Gently pour the matcha base over the milk.
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Finally, pour the espresso slowly over the matcha to create a layered effect — deep brown meeting vivid green.
For Hot Version:
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Pour milk into a cup.
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Add whisked matcha and stir gently.
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Top with espresso, pouring slowly for a soft gradient effect.
4️⃣ Sip and Enjoy
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Stir slightly if you prefer balanced flavor, or sip through the layers for contrast.
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Enjoy the dual energy of calm focus and rich boldness.
🌸 Pro Tips for Perfect Layers
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Cool matcha slightly before layering — hot matcha blends too quickly.
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Pour espresso last and gently. It should float just above the matcha layer.
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Use oat milk for the best visual layering and creamy texture.
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Adjust sweetness — matcha prefers mild sweetness to highlight umami.
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Chill glass beforehand if serving iced — it preserves clarity in layers.
☕ Flavor Variations
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Vanilla Dirty Matcha: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the milk.
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Coconut Fusion: Use coconut milk for a tropical aroma.
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Honey Dirty Matcha: Sweeten with honey for a golden tone.
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Mocha Matcha Fusion: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the espresso before layering.
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Dirty Chai Matcha: Add a dash of cinnamon or chai spice for warmth.
🧽 Cleaning and Care
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Rinse your Chawan and Chasen immediately after use with warm water.
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Avoid soap on bamboo tools.
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Wipe your whisk clean and air-dry upright.
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Store your matcha airtight to preserve its vibrant color.
☯️ Every ZENSŌ tool is crafted for mindful living and beauty in daily rituals — explore them here
🌼 Serving Suggestions
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Serve in a clear glass to showcase the matcha–espresso gradient.
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Pair with light biscuits or a small chocolate square.
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Sprinkle a little matcha or cocoa on top for café-style presentation.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The Matcha Espresso Fusion is where two rituals meet: the Zen calm of matcha and the bold intensity of espresso. It’s not about choosing between tea or coffee — it’s about balance.
With your ZENSŌ Matcha Set, you can turn even this modern fusion into a meditative act: whisk, pour, watch the layers form, and sip with intention. 🌿☕