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This dirty chai latte is a blend of bold espresso, sweet & spicy chai concentrate, and your favorite milk in one delicious coffee recipe. Making a homemade version is easier than a drive-thru run to Starbucks! Enjoy this drink any time of year hot or iced.
Roasted coffee beans and black tea spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are a perfect pair in this coffeeshop copycat recipe for a dirty chai latte. Ready to make it? Let’s go!
Ingredients for a dirty chai
- Chai Concentrate – Either a homemade chai concentrate or store-bought.
- Milk – Whatever type you prefer.
- Espresso – This is what makes the drink “dirty.”
- Chai Spiced Blend - Used to garnish for a bit of extra flavor!
How to make a dirty chai latte at home
This is just a brief overview, find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below!
- Brew the espresso. And add it to your serving glass.
- Prepare the concentrate. I like to heat it up in the microwave.
- Add the milk. That’s been steamed.
- Garnish with chai spice. I like to do this to get even more of that delightful, deep masala chai flavor.
Iced Dirty Chai
If you’re more of an iced coffee beverage kind of person, opting more for a refreshing glass of homemade cold brew coffee topped with vanilla sweet cream, you’ll be pleased to know you can make this spicy coffee and tea recipe in an iced version!
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the brewed espresso over the ice.
- Add the chai concentrate.
- Top with your preferred choice of milk.
- Stir, garnish with a pinch of your favorite chai spice blend and enjoy!
What makes a dirty chai “dirty?”
A regular chai latte recipe is going to contain spiced black tea (masala chai) and milk. Adding a shot or two of espresso is what turns it from the original chai to a “dirty” chai.
How much caffeine in a dirty chai latte?
The drink is not only darker or “dirty” with the addition of espresso, but significantly more caffeinated than a plain chai latte.
This recipe contains roughly 160mg of caffeine, vs. approximately 40mg of caffeine in a standard cup of masala chai or approximately 120mg in a double shot of espresso.
If you’re someone who is sensitive to caffeine (like I am!), you can find decaf espresso and decaf black tea at most grocery stores or online.
Substituting with decaf options means you can still enjoy the wonderful rich, sweet, and spicy flavor of this latte without over-doing it on caffeine.
Making a dirty chai latte without a milk frother
It’s easy to make dirty chai lattes at home without a milk frother or steamer.
- Combine equal parts chai concentrate and milk and place in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Heat liquid until it is steaming.
- Whisk mixture vigorously for 20 seconds before pouring into a glass that already contains the espresso shots.
- Garnish with a pinch of chai spice blend (if desired) before serving.
Dirty Chai Latte
Equipment
- Milk Frother (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brewed espresso
- ½ cup chai concentrate
- ½ cup whole milk, or preferred milk alternative
Instructions
For a hot dirty chai latte:
- Place ½ cup chai concentrate in a microwave-safe mug and heat until steaming (about 30 seconds). Pour into the espresso shots and stir to combine.
- Meanwhile, use your milk frother to heat the milk. Pour steamed milk over the espresso and chai mixture.
- Garnish with a pinch of chai spice blend to serve, if desired.
For an iced dirty chai latte:
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the espresso shots, ½ cup chai concentrate, and ½ cup milk. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with a pinch of chai spice blend to serve, if desired.
Notes
- Refer to post for instructions on how to make this latte without a milk frother or steamer.
Kailee says
Yumm, excited to make this!
Foodie Digital says
We totally agree!