Dirty Chai Latte: A Spicy Twist on Your Favorite Drink

Last Updated on April 30, 2025

Are you a fan of both chai tea and coffee? Have you ever tried a dirty chai latte? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a delicious and energizing drink that’s gaining popularity in coffee shops and cafes worldwide.

So what exactly is a dirty chai latte? Simply put, it’s a chai latte with a shot of espresso added in. The combination of the spicy and aromatic flavors of chai tea with the rich and bold taste of coffee is what makes this drink so unique and satisfying.

If you’re a Starbucks regular, you may have noticed that dirty chai lattes aren’t always on the menu. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this delicious beverage. Most coffee shops that serve chai lattes can easily make a dirty chai upon request. And if you prefer to make your drinks at home, we’ve got you covered with an easy and delicious dirty chai latte recipe and it’s delicious in this affogato recipe.

What is a Dirty Chai Latte and Why It is Popular

If you haven’t tried a dirty chai latte yet, you’re missing out on a delicious and unique coffee experience. A dirty chai latte is a popular coffee drink that combines the bold and rich flavor of espresso with the fragrant and spicy taste of masala chai tea. This drink is usually made with steamed milk, but can also be enjoyed iced.

The name “dirty chai” comes from the fact that the drink contains both tea and coffee, making it a “dirty” combination. This type of latte originated in India, where chai is a popular beverage. The combination of coffee and tea is not only unique but also provides a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and caffeine.

The popularity of dirty chai lattes has been on the rise in recent years. One reason for this is the unique flavor combination that it offers. The spiciness of the chai tea and the boldness of the espresso complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying drink. Additionally, the drink is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spice, and espresso to your liking.

Another reason for the popularity of dirty chai lattes is that they are a great alternative to traditional coffee drinks. The addition of tea to the latte provides a natural sweetness that eliminates the need for added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Additionally, the spices used in the chai tea provide numerous health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.

Overall, a dirty chai latte is a unique and delicious coffee drink that offers the perfect balance of boldness and spiciness. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast, this drink is definitely worth a try.

Explain the Benefits of Making Dirty Chai Latte at Home with Real Food

Are you tired of spending money on expensive coffee shop drinks? Making a dirty chai latte at home with real food ingredients can save you money while also providing health benefits.

By using real ingredients, you can avoid the artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners found in many store-bought chai lattes. Plus, you have control over the amount of sugar and caffeine in your drink.

Here are some benefits of making a dirty chai latte at home with real food:

1. Reduced Sugar Intake

Many store-bought chai lattes contain high amounts of added sugar. By making your own dirty chai latte at home, you can control the amount of sugar you add. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar to reduce your sugar intake even further.

2. Increased Nutrient Intake

Making your own dirty chai latte at home allows you to use real spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. These spices not only add flavor but also provide health benefits. For example, cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Customization

When you make a dirty chai latte at home, you can customize it to your liking. Use your preferred type of milk, adjust the amount of espresso or tea, and add spices to your taste. You can also experiment with different types of tea or espresso to find your perfect combination.

4. Cost Savings

Buying a chai latte at a coffee shop can cost you anywhere from $4 to $6. Making your own dirty chai latte at home can save you money in the long run. Plus, you can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for later.

In conclusion, making a dirty chai latte at home with real food ingredients can provide health benefits, customization, and cost savings. Give it a try and see how delicious and easy it can be to make your own chai latte at home.

How to make a dirty chai latte

If you’re a fan of chai tea lattes and espresso, then a dirty chai latte might just be your new favorite drink. This delicious and indulgent beverage combines spiced chai tea and a shot of espresso, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and bitter flavors.

Making a hot dirty chai latte at home is easy, and requires only a few simple ingredients and equipment. To get started, gather the following items:

• Black tea
• Water
• Honey (optional)
• Espresso
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• Chai spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, cloves, ginger) or pre-made chai blend
• Tea kettle
• Measuring spoons
• Espresso maker
• Small saucepan
• Milk frother (optional)

To make a hot dirty chai latte, start by brewing a strong cup of black tea and adding in your desired amount of chai spices or pre-made chai blend. Next, heat up milk on the stove or in a microwave-safe container until it’s steaming hot. Froth the milk using a milk frother if you have one, or simply whisk it vigorously until it’s frothy.

Add a shot of espresso to your chai tea and stir well. Then, pour in the frothed milk and sweeten with honey if desired. Enjoy your hot dirty chai latte right away, while it’s still hot and frothy.

If you’re looking for an iced version of this delicious drink, simply brew your tea and spices as usual and let it cool. Then, pour the cooled tea over ice and add a shot of espresso. Top with cold milk and sweeten with honey if desired.

Making a dirty chai latte at home is a great way to save money and enjoy a delicious and indulgent beverage without leaving your house. Experiment with different chai blends and milk types to find your perfect combination.

How to Make a Hot Dirty Chai Latte recipe

If you’re a fan of tea and coffee, you’ll love the Dirty Chai Latte. This delicious coffee drink is made by combining a shot of espresso with a spicy, aromatic masala chai tea. Here’s how you can make a hot Dirty Chai Latte at home.

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by boiling 1 cup of water for the tea. Once the water has boiled, add your tea and steep for 3-5 minutes. You can use loose-leaf tea or a tea bag. We prefer a more robust tea flavor and usually let the tea steep for close to the full 5 minutes. Whisk in the honey to sweeten the tea.

Step 2: Heat and Froth the Milk

In a small saucepan, heat 3 ounces of your choice of milk until it reaches a low boil. You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Froth the milk with a frother or whisk if desired. This step is optional, but it adds a nice creamy texture to the latte.

Step 3: Make the Espresso

Make one shot of espresso with your espresso maker. If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can use a French press or Aeropress to make a strong coffee.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Measure out your spices or use a pre-made chai blend. Add them to the tea and stir well. You can use a store-bought chai spice mix or make your own by combining cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Latte

Pour the tea and espresso into a mug. Top with the frothed milk and sprinkle some spices if you like. You can adjust the amount of milk and spices to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade Dirty Chai Latte!

Now that you know how to make a hot Dirty Chai Latte, you can skip the coffee shop and enjoy this delicious coffee drink at home. It’s a great way to start your morning or enjoy a cozy afternoon. Plus, with the added caffeine from the espresso, it’s sure to give you a boost of energy.

How to Make an Iced Dirty Chai Latte

If you’re looking for a refreshing and energizing coffee drink, an iced dirty chai latte might be just what you need. This delicious coffee recipe is a mix of black tea, chai spices, espresso, and milk, all blended together with ice to create a frothy and creamy drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day. And the best part? You can make it at home!

Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need to make an iced dirty chai latte. Here’s what you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to make your iced dirty chai latte. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Boil 1 cup of water for the tea. Once the water has boiled, add your tea and steep for 3-5 minutes. Whisk in the honey. Let the tea cool down completely.
2. Make one shot of espresso with your espresso maker. Let it cool down completely.
3. Measure out your spices or use a pre-made chai blend. Add them to the tea and stir well.
4. Heat 3 ounces of your choice of milk in a small saucepan or microwave until warm. Froth the milk with a frother or whisk if desired.
5. Add ice cubes to your blender or shaker. Pour the tea and espresso over the ice. Blend or shake well until chilled and frothy.
6. Pour the drink into a glass. Top with the frothed milk and sprinkle some spices if you like.

And there you have it! Your very own iced dirty chai latte. Enjoy it on a hot summer day or anytime you need a caffeine kick. You can even add your own twist by experimenting with different types of milk or sweeteners. Don’t forget to share your copycat Starbucks drink with your friends and family!

Tips and Variations for Making Dirty Chai Latte

Looking to customize and improve your homemade dirty chai latte recipe? Here are some easy ways to make the perfect cup of this sweet and spicy tea latte.

• For more coffee flavor and caffeine, add an extra shot of espresso or use instant espresso powder.
• For more sweetness, use simple syrup, sugar, molasses, or agave syrup instead of honey.
• For more spice, increase the amount of spices or use fresh ginger instead of dried.
• For more creaminess, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• For a vegan or dairy-free option, use almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
• For a keto or low-carb option, use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
• For a festive or seasonal touch, add some whipped cream, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or pumpkin spice to the dirty chai latte.

When making a dirty chai latte, it’s important to start with a strong black tea, such as loose leaf black tea or a chai tea bag. You can also use a pre-made chai spice blend or make your own masala chai from scratch.

To make a dirty chai latte, simply brew the black tea and add a shot of espresso, chai spice, and your choice of milk. Froth the milk using a milk frother and add it to the tea and espresso mixture. For an iced dirty chai latte, simply pour the mixture over ice.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make a delicious dirty chai latte at home using strong coffee instead of espresso. Simply brew a cup of strong coffee and add the chai spice, milk, and sweetener of your choice.

If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, a dirty chai latte is a great choice. The combination of black tea and espresso provides a potent dose of caffeine that will keep you energized throughout the day.

So next time you’re at a coffee shop or making a cup at home, try these tips and variations to make your dirty chai latte even more delicious and satisfying.

Dirty Chai latte

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dirty chai latte

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 129 kcal

Author: Kelly Bejelly @ A Girl Worth Saving

Coffee infused with Chai is a drink everyone will love!

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp of whole coffee beans ground
• 1/2 tsp peppercorn
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 2 cardamon pods slighty crushed
• 1 piece of ginger – 1/2″ wide x 1 ” tall after peeling dice
• 3 cups of boiling water

Instructions

1. Add the ground coffee and spices to a French press. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over the spices and close your press. Let steep for 5 minutes and then enjoy with coconut milk or heavy whipping cream.

Nutrition Facts

Dirty Chai latte

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 129 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Sodium 451mg20%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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