This dirty chai latte recipe is a spiced chai latte with a shot of espresso. It's a cozy drink loaded with warming spices, with more kick than either drink has on its own. With just three ingredients and no fancy machine required, it is ready faster than you can get to a drive-thru.
When I was creating this homemade dirty chai recipe, I wanted something I could enjoy as a weekday staple, not a treat reserved for days when I had a lot of time. (Which, in my world and I'm guessing yours too, is almost never.)
That's why I use the convenience of a good store-bought concentrate. You can absolutely make chai concentrate from scratch, but that level of effort isn't required here.
Reader review
"I made this dirty chai latte for my Mom and she loved it! It was warm and full of flavor and spice." —Sara
Looking for more ways to enjoy coffee flavors? Don't miss this Coffee Quinoa Smoothie, Peppermint Mocha Cookies, and Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream.
What's in a Dirty Chai Latte?
To make a dirty chai latte, you need chai concentrate, milk, and espresso. The espresso is what makes it "dirty."
Ingredient Notes
Chai concentrate. Most boxed concentrates are already sweetened, so taste before adding more sweetener. I a big fan of Tazo tea, and that is the brand I use. You'll find it next to the other tea. Refrigerate after opening.
Milk.
- Oat milk adds a little sweetness and makes a nice foam, especially if you use a barista blend. This is my go-to.
- Cashew milk makes a lighter latte, not quite as rich.
- Whole milk is a classic you probably have on hand.
Espresso or coffee. Use 2 ounces of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor. No espresso machine? Make extra-strong coffee and use 5 ounces.
Tips and Tricks
- For a frothy latte, try using a milk frother. Froth milk into a foam 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.
- To make this drink even more decadent, top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Controlling the Caffeine: A dirty chai gets its caffeine from two sources. The espresso and the black tea in the chai concentrate. So it's got a little more kick than a plain latte. If you're after less,
You Will Need
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- Chai Tea Concentrate
- Saucepan
- Blender, immersion blender, or milk frother
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an 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 extra 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 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 iced dirty chai latte.
- If you want to make your latte sweeter, pour in a tablespoon of maple syrup before blending.
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte at Home
Divide among mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks or if desired.
How to Make It Iced
If it is hot out there and you are craving a dirty chai, it is easy to make it iced. Just remember one thing. Don't pour your hot espresso over ice because you will end up with a watery drink.
You can either brew the espresso and let it cool for a bit on the counter, or pop it in the freezer.
Instead of warming the milk before you add the chai concentrate to it, keep it cold.
My favorite way to mix an iced dirty chai latte is to shake it in a cocktail shaker with ice and then strain it over a fresh glass of ice. This makes it extra cold. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar and small strainer works too.
Homemade Dirty Chai Latte (Hot or Iced)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Chai Tea Latte Concentrate
- 1 ½ cups milk any milk works
- 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
- Most chai concentrates are sweetened. Taste before adding maple syrup or other sweetener.
- No concentrate? Use strong brewed chai tea in its place and sweeten to taste.
- For an iced dirty chai, keep the milk cold, cool the espresso first, and shake with ice instead of heating and blending.
- Pumpkin chai latte: omit the coffee and add ½ cup pumpkin puree and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice.
Stacie says
That looks so perfect for fall and winter! The drink and the ingredients are both so warming. I have to make this.
Samantha says
That sounds great! I love chai. I love that more people are drinking it now, so much more variety.
Ann F. Snook-Moreau says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Chai with espresso? Count me in! Also, I don't have to leave the house to have it? BONUS!
Ruth I says
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 says
I made this dirty chai latte for my Mom and she loved it! It was warm and full of flavor and spice.
Melanie Walsh says
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.