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Dirty Coffee Recipe: How To Make Dirty Coffee Like A Pro

Learn a simple Dirty Coffee recipe and technique. In essence, Dirty Coffee is an espresso shot poured over chilled milk in a glass, but the details matter—the glass, espresso, and pouring technique. This video is a step-by-step guide to making Dirty Coffee for any barista.

Watch the video on our YouTube channel!

MILBOK sponsors this video; learn more about their ready-to-use competition milk produced in the Czech Republic on their Instagram page.


Why Dirty Coffee Is Becoming a Global Hit

Before we break down the recipe, let’s explore why Dirty Coffee is poised to become Europe’s next big coffee trend.

  1. Encourages Coffee Appreciation – Unlike iced lattes or cappuccinos where milk takes center stage, Dirty Coffee allows the espresso to shine. The first sip delivers pure espresso, making it a gateway drink for milk coffee lovers to enjoy the essence of coffee.
  2. Promotes Barista Craftsmanship – crafting the perfect Dirty Coffee requires a well-extracted espresso shot and careful attention to presentation. It’s not just a drink—it’s a showcase of barista skills.
  3. Social Media-Worthy – Dirty Coffee is visually stunning. Its distinct layers of rich espresso floating on chilled milk make it an instant hit for Instagram and TikTok.
  4. Simple Yet Innovative – with just two ingredients—milk and espresso—it’s easy to make yet feels like a specialty drink.
  5. Perfect for Cold Coffee Fans – as demand for cold coffee drinks grows, Dirty Coffee provides a refreshing, unique alternative that stands out on any café menu.

A Simple Dirty Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

  • Chilled milk
  • Freshly brewed espresso shot(s)

Instructions

  1. Choose the Right Glass
    Use a simple glass and chill the glass in the fridge for a few minutes to keep your drink cold (our glass is for 180ml)
  2. Pour the Milk
    Add 130 g of cold milk (we recommend MILBOK for its density and flavor balance).
  3. Brew the Espresso
    Use 18 g of coffee to extract 45 g of espresso. For best results, split the extraction into two shots.
  4. Create the Signature Layers
    Begin pouring the espresso directly from the machine. Tilt and raise the glass so the milk touches the spouts, allowing the espresso to layer beautifully on top of the milk.
  5. Serve Immediately
    Enjoy the dynamic interplay of hot espresso and cold milk without stirring.
Making Dirty Coffee on Victoria Arduino EXP espresso machine
Making Dirty Coffee on Victoria Arduino EXP.

Tips for the Best Dirty Coffee Experience

  1. Sip Immediately
    Drink Dirty Coffee right after preparation to enjoy the contrast between hot espresso and cold milk.
  2. No Stirring
    Skip the straw or spoon—Dirty Coffee is all about savoring the natural mixing of flavors.
  3. Experiment with Sip Sizes
    Take smaller sips to taste the espresso, and larger ones for a balanced mix of coffee and milk

Choosing the Best Glass for Dirty Coffee

The right glass enhances both the taste and visual appeal.

  • Narrow glasses concentrate flavors and preserve the temperature contrast.
  • Wider glasses create a creamier taste but reduce contrast as espresso cools faster.

For the ultimate Dirty Coffee experience, freeze your glass beforehand—this keeps the drink colder for longer.

Choosing the right glass for Dirty Coffee recipe
A unique glass makes the Dirty Coffee look amazing.

The Secret to Perfect Milk

Dense milk is key for a visually appealing and flavorful Dirty Coffee. Here are some options:

  1. Full-Fat Milk: Simple but blends quickly, losing the layered effect.
  2. Sweetened Condensed Milk: Great for sweetness but can overpower the coffee.
  3. Homemade Freeze-Distilled Milk: A dense option but time-intensive to prepare.
  4. MILBOK: Our favorite. Its partially condensed nature makes it perfect for maintaining the espresso layer while enhancing the drink’s taste.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using a Warm Glass
    Always use a chilled or frozen glass to preserve the drink’s integrity.
  2. Serving with a Straw or Spoon
    Dirty Coffee is meant to be enjoyed as is—no mixing required.
  3. Delaying Consumption
    Drink it immediately to fully appreciate the temperature contrast.
  4. Using Warm Milk
    Chilled milk is essential for the signature layering effect.
  5. Pouring Espresso from Too High
    Always pour espresso gently to maintain the visual separation of milk and coffee.

Dirty Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a barista, or a café owner, this trend is worth exploring. With its visual appeal, unique flavor dynamics, and simplicity, Dirty Coffee has all the ingredients to become a worldwide favorite.