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    Home » Recipes » Coffee

    September 12, 2022 · Updated August 27, 2024

    Dirty Chai Latte

    5 from 1 vote
    2 Comments

    · by Amanda Gajdosik

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    This post may contain affiliate links. This blog generates income via ads.

    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.

    A clear glass mug filled with a dirty chai latte and topped with a sprinkle of spices sits on a round wooden board.

    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!
    All the ingredients for a dirty chai latte are in various measuring cups on a rimmed baking sheet.

    How to make a dirty chai latte at home

    This is just a brief overview, find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below!

    1. Brew the espresso. And add it to your serving glass.
    2. Prepare the concentrate. I like to heat it up in the microwave.
    3. Add the milk. That’s been steamed.
    4. Garnish with chai spice. I like to do this to get even more of that delightful, deep masala chai flavor.
    A hand pours espresso into a clear glass mug.
    Make the espresso.
    Add the chai concentrate.
    Top with steamed milk.
    Garnish with chai spice to serve.

    Iced Dirty Chai

    If you’re more of an iced coffee beverage kind of person, you’ll be pleased to know you can make this spicy 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.

    A clear glass mug filled with a dirty chai latte sits on a round wooden board.

    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.

    A clear glass mug filled with dirty chai latte garnished with chai spice sits on a round, wooden board.

    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.

    Watch the recipe video!

    A clear glass mug filled with a dirty chai latte and topped with a sprinkle of spices sits on a round wooden board.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Dirty Chai Latte

    This dirty chai latte is a blend of bold espresso, masala chai, and your favorite milk in one delicious coffee recipe. Making a homemade version is easier than a drive-thru run to Starbucks!
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Chai Latte, Chai Tea Concentrate, Dirty Chai, Dirty Chai Latte, Espresso Drinks, Homemade Chai Latte, Starbucks Copycat
    Servings: 1 serving
    Calories: 135kcal
    Author: Amanda Gajdosik
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Video

    Notes

    • Refer to post for instructions on how to make this latte without a milk frother or steamer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1glass | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

      Leave a rating and review! Cancel reply

      Did you love the recipe? Let me know! And let others know too by leaving a comment and star rating. Reviews are so useful in helping other people find my site and make my recipes. Your support means the world to me!

      Amanda

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kailee says

      November 08, 2022 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      Yumm, excited to make this!

      Reply
      • Foodie Digital says

        November 08, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        We totally agree!

        Reply

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