Skip the coffee shop and make this DIY Dirty Chai Latte Recipe at home! The marriage of chai tea concentrate and espresso is shockingly delicious. It tastes like fall in a mug! This delicious drink is perfect for those moments when you have time to linger.
When you are craving a break from your hectic life, this Dirty Chai Latte is the perfect solution.
Lingering over a delicious cup is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate - there is no need for a trip to your favorite coffee house.
Make this popular drink once and you will be hooked.
Ingredients Needed
- Chai Tea Concentrate: Chai tea concentrate is a mixture of black tea, spices, and sweeteners. It can be purchased premade at most grocery stores or made at home using black tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and honey or sugar. I keep this coffee chai latte simple, by using pre-made concentrate.
- Milk: I used cashew milk. I like it because it is rich and creamy, and keeps this recipe vegan. But you could use almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or dairy milk if you prefer. Keep in mind that the type of milk you use will impact the richness - whole milk will be a lot richer than dairy-free.
- Espresso or strong coffee: This adds an extra kick of caffeine to the latte. If using espresso, use 2 ounces for a smaller drink or 5 ounces for a larger one. For brewed coffee, aim for an extra-strong cup.
Tips and Tricks
- For a frothy latte, try using a milk frother or steaming the milk before adding it to your dirty chai tea latte.
- Feel free to adjust the ratios of chai tea concentrate, milk, and espresso/coffee to suit your personal taste.
- Experiment with different types of milk or sweeteners to change up the flavor.
- To make this drink even more decadent, top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
You Will Need
As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales.
- Chai Tea Concentrate
- Saucepan
- Blender, immersion blender, or milk frother
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dirty Chai Latte?
The Dirty Chai Latte is a twist on the traditional chai latte, adding in a shot of espresso or strong coffee to give it an extra kick of caffeine. It's creamy, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet.
What are the spices in Chai tea?
Every recipe is slightly different, but common spices include:
- Ginger
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Fennel Seed
Can I make a Dirty Chai Latte without an expensive espresso machine?
Absolutely! Simply use extra-strong brewed coffee instead of espresso for a similar result.
Another option is to use an inexpensive stovetop espresso maker.
What is the difference between a chai latte and a dirty chai latte?
A traditional chai latte is made with steamed milk and chai tea concentrate, while a dirty chai latte has the addition of espresso or strong coffee. This gives the drink an additional kick of caffeine and a slightly more intense flavor.
Some people also refer to the dirty chai latte as a "shot in the dark," as it includes a shot of espresso in the traditional chai latte.
Variations
- Make it a Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe! Omit the coffee and add a ½ cup of pumpkin puree and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice.
- If you don't have and don't want to get tea concentrate, you can use brewed chai tea bag in its place or make your own Chai Tea Mix.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine and don’t want to use extra-strong coffee, you can use instant espresso.
- I typically serve this as a hot drink, but you could serve it over ice for an ice chai latte.
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte
First, start by heating the Chai Tea Latte concentrate and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
When the mixture comes to a simmer, add the espresso.
Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend until foamy and frothy.
Divide among mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise if desired.
Serve warm.
More Drink Recipes to Try
Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Chai Tea Latte Concentrate
- 1 ½ cups cashew milk or milk of choice
- 2 ounces espresso or 5 ounces extra-strong brewed coffee
Instructions
- Place the Chai Tea Latte Concentrate and milk in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Add espresso or coffee and use an immersion blender to blend until foamy and frothy.
- Alternatively, transfer mixture to a blender and blend for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Divide among mugs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make it a Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe! Omit the coffee and add a ½ cup of pumpkin puree and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice.
- If you don't have and don't want to get Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, you can use brewed chai tea in its place or make your own chai tea mix.
Stacie
That looks so perfect for fall and winter! The drink and the ingredients are both so warming. I have to make this.
Samantha
That sounds great! I love chai. I love that more people are drinking it now, so much more variety.
Ann F. Snook-Moreau
Yum yum yum! Chai lattes are my jam . . . I love the spicy sweet flavor! Dirty chai used to be my go-to drink when I drank coffee.
Sarah Bailey
Now this I can imagine becoming the drink of winter! What an absolutely delicious sounding latte! I may have to whip this up for friends and family.
Brianne Manz
I could drink this every.single.day. It not only looks delicious it sounds so calming and yummy. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Shannan P
Chai with espresso? Count me in! Also, I don't have to leave the house to have it? BONUS!
Ruth I
I love to drink latte but never had chai latte before. It looks so good! Love that I can easily make one and enjoy this every day.
sara lafountain
I made this dirty chai latte for my Mom and she loved it! It was warm and full of flavor and spice.
Melanie Walsh
30 minutes with a Dirty Chai Latte and a magazine sound like heaven! I'm a fan of all things pumpkin, so I'll definitely need to try the pumpkin version this fall also.