As the rain settles in, so does the craving for a comforting beverage. This monsoon, India’s love for matcha is evolving, with two exciting new twists—Dirty Matcha and Coconut Matcha—taking centre stage in cafes and home kitchens alike.
The Green Wave: Matcha's Rise in India
Not long ago, matcha
was a niche wellness product, a vibrant green powder with a mysterious, earthy reputation. Today, it’s a mainstream sensation across India. Recent Google Trends data from August 2026 shows a massive 1,300% surge in searches for "how to make matcha" over the past year, proving that Indians are not just ordering it, but embracing it as a home ritual. This green tea, made from finely ground tea leaves, has transcended its origins in Japanese tea ceremonies to become a staple in urban cafes from Delhi to Goa. Its appeal lies in its unique flavour profile, perceived health benefits, and undeniable visual charm, which has now expanded into fashion and beauty.
Get to Know: The Dirty Matcha
What happens when your coffee habit collides with your matcha curiosity? You get a Dirty Matcha. This trendy drink is a simple but brilliant concept: a standard matcha latte with a shot of espresso poured over the top. The name comes from the way the dark coffee "dirties" the vibrant green, creating a beautiful layered effect that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate. The flavour is a fascinating blend of contrasts—the smooth, vegetal, and slightly sweet notes of matcha cut through by the bold, bitter kick of coffee. It offers a powerful caffeine boost from both sources, but the L-theanine in matcha is said to provide a smoother, less jittery energy lift, making it the perfect pick-me-up for a gloomy monsoon day.
A Tropical Twist: The Coconut Matcha
For those seeking a creamier, more comforting experience, the Coconut Matcha is quickly becoming a favourite. This variation simply swaps regular dairy milk for coconut milk, creating a drink that is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly. The tropical sweetness of coconut milk pairs beautifully with matcha's earthy notes, softening its grassy edge and adding a rich, velvety texture. It's a comforting hug in a mug, ideal for curling up with on a rainy afternoon. Whether served hot and steaming or poured over ice for a refreshing treat, the coconut milk lends the drink a subtly sweet, aromatic quality that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Why These Trends Are Perfect for the Monsoon
The rise of Dirty Matcha and Coconut Matcha during the monsoon isn't a coincidence. According to recent Google search data, both drinks saw a "breakout interest" during the rainy season in India. The monsoon often brings a desire for warm, comforting beverages that soothe and energise. A hot Coconut Matcha offers creamy comfort, while the robust Dirty Matcha provides the motivation needed to tackle a grey, rain-soaked day. These drinks represent a larger trend in India's cafe culture, where consumers are increasingly adventurous and open to experimenting with new flavour combinations, moving beyond the standard masala chai or cappuccino.
Try It at Home
Part of the fun of these new trends is how easy they are to replicate at home. For a Dirty Matcha, start by preparing a standard matcha latte: whisk a teaspoon of matcha powder with a little hot water until smooth, then top with your choice of steamed or cold milk. Finally, pour a freshly brewed shot of espresso over the top. For a Coconut Matcha, the process is similar; just substitute regular milk with a good quality, creamy coconut milk, which can be served either hot or iced. You can sweeten either drink to your liking with honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
