A Dirty Chai Latte perfectly blends spicy chai tea and bold espresso.
This flavorful drink originated in the 1990s.
It combines traditional Indian masala chai with the energy boost of coffee.
It’s creamy, warming, and offers a delicious kick of caffeine.
Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this latte combines the sweet and spicy chai flavors with the rich, smooth taste of espresso.
Ready to make your own?
Here’s how to create this popular drink at home.
How To Make A Dirty Chai Latte: At A Glance
- Brew chai tea
- Brew a shot of espresso
- Steam or froth milk
- Combine the ingredients
- Sweeten to taste
- Optional garnish
- Enjoy!
What is a Dirty Chai Latte?
As mentioned earlier, a Dirty Chai Latte is simply a chai latte with the added punch of espresso.
This combination gives the drink an extra boost of caffeine, making it a more energizing alternative to a regular chai latte.
While a traditional chai latte blends spiced black tea with milk, the Dirty Chai Latte steps it up with a shot of espresso, creating a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and bold flavors.
Variations include the “Filthy Chai,” which doubles the espresso for an even stronger kick, and the “Dirty Hippie,” which swaps out dairy milk for a plant-based option like almond or oat milk.
The caffeine content typically ranges from 160 to 200 mg, depending on how many espresso shots are added.
This makes it a great choice for anyone seeking a flavorful yet powerful drink.
Ingredients for a Dirty Chai Latte
Here are the specific ingredients you’ll need to make your Dirty Chai Latte:
- Black tea or chai tea bags: 1–2 bags depending on how strong you want the chai flavor.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: 1–2 shots (or 2–3 ounces of strong coffee).
- Milk (for creaminess):
- 3/4 cup of whole milk, or
- 3/4 cup of a dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan option.
- Chai spices (to enhance the flavor):
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
Optional Add-ins for Sweetness
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup, or
- 1–2 teaspoons of honey, maple syrup, or sugar, to taste.
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte at Home
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Dirty Chai Latte, whether you like it hot or iced:
Hot Dirty Chai Latte Recipe
- Brew chai tea: Use chai tea bags or chai concentrate, and steep it in hot water.
- Brew a shot of espresso: Alternatively, use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Steam or froth milk: Heat the milk and froth it until it’s smooth and foamy.
- Combine the ingredients: Pour the chai tea, espresso, and steamed milk into a mug and stir.
- Sweeten to taste: Add honey, vanilla syrup, maple syrup, or sugar, as per your preference.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle cinnamon or chai spice on top for extra flavor.
Iced Dirty Chai Latte Recipe
- Brew chai tea: Let it cool after steeping, or use chai concentrate for quicker preparation.
- Add ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in chai tea and espresso: Combine the chilled chai tea and a shot of espresso (or strong coffee) over the ice.
- Add cold milk: Stir in cold milk of your choice.
- Optional toppings: Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a finishing touch.
Variations and Customizations
Vegan Dirty Chai Latte
If you’re avoiding dairy, making a vegan Dirty Chai Latte is simple.
You can easily swap out the dairy milk for plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Almond milk tends to be lighter, while oat milk provides a creamier texture.
However, plant-based milks froth differently than dairy.
Oat milk produces the best froth for a latte-like texture, though it may not hold its foam as long as dairy milk.
Sweetener Options
Customizing the sweetness of your Dirty Chai Latte is easy.
Traditional sweeteners like maple syrup or honey add a natural richness.
If you prefer a lower-calorie option, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia.
Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Chai Spice Variations
The amount and type of chai spices you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your Dirty Chai Latte.
If you like a stronger spice kick, increase the amount of cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger.
For a milder flavor, reduce the spice blend slightly.
You can also experiment with adding nutmeg, cloves, or black pepper for extra depth.
Decaf Option
If you’re sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy the flavor of a Dirty Chai Latte, there’s an easy fix.
Simply use decaf espresso or strong-brewed decaf coffee.
You can also skip the espresso altogether for a completely caffeine-free chai latte.
Health Benefits of Chai Spices
The spices used in a Dirty Chai Latte do more than just add flavor; they offer a range of health benefits as well.
One of the key spices, cinnamon, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Cardamom is another essential ingredient that aids digestion and can help relieve nausea.
It also has antioxidant properties, which can promote overall health.
Ginger, a warming spice, is commonly used to soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and support immune function.
Together, these chai spices create a delicious blend that not only enhances the taste of your latte but also provides some noteworthy health benefits.
Final Words
Making a Dirty Chai Latte at home is simple and versatile.
With just a few ingredients, you can easily customize it to suit your taste, whether you prefer it hot, iced, sweet, or spicy.
Experiment with different types of milk, sweeteners, and spices to create your perfect blend.
Now it’s time to give it a try!
Follow the recipe, make your own version, and don’t forget to share your experience.
We’d love to hear how it turns out!
FAQs
How much caffeine is in a Dirty Chai Latte?
A Dirty Chai Latte typically contains between 160 and 200 mg of caffeine per serving.
This comes from both the chai tea and the added espresso.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can substitute strong brewed coffee for espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine.
This works well for both hot and iced versions.
How can I make it sweeter or less spicy?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more honey, maple syrup, or sugar.
To control the spiciness, increase or decrease the amount of chai spice, like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom, to match your preference.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Dirty Chai Latte can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
