Ronald M. Frye
Are you looking for an extra boost of caffeine in your morning cup? Try a dirty chai latte! This latte is trendy in coffee shops. It is made with chai concentrate and espresso and combines a regular and tea latte. You can enjoy it hot or cold. A homemade Chai Concentrate is my favorite for the best-tasting dirty tea. This double-strength Chai will not be overwhelmed by a strong espresso shot. The Chai’s spicy flavors and dark roast notes of the espresso are balanced. This latte is fun for coffee drinkers and tea lovers, as it offers the best of both.
What is a Dirty Chai Latte, you ask?
A Dirty Chai Latte consists of a chai latte topped with one shot of espresso. The Chai becomes “dirty” when you add espresso. This makes the tea darker, like dirt or mud.
This tea latte contains a lot of caffeine because it’s made with black tea and espresso.
Origin
The history of masala Chai, the base for this dirty latte, began more than 5,000 years ago. This spiced tea was first prepared in India. Legend has it that it was created by an Ayurvedic king who combined spices to make it.
Masala chai is different from a recipe. Many ingredients vary from one region to the next in India. Chai can even be made with just one spice. Common spices for Chai include cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
Learn more about masala Chai here.
In the 1990s, Dirty Chai was first introduced to the world. It was accidental!
One barista made a chai latté for a customer, and then, in a flash of insight, she poured one espresso into the chai latté. The customer saw the error and was willing to try it.
It was a happy accident, as the customer loved the drink, and others did.
What does a Dirty Chai Latte taste like?
A chai latte has the same great flavors as a regular latte, with warm spices and creaminess. But you get the extra kick of caffeine. With the addition of roasted notes, espresso adds comfort.
Chai Latte vs. Dirty Chai
The espresso is what makes a chai latte different from a dirty chai.
Chai Latte does not have espresso in it. It is made with black tea, spices, and frothed (or steamed) milk. A chai latte is different from a Dirty Chai.
Starbucks Dirty Chai
Dirty Chai is available on the secret menu at Starbucks. When ordering, ask for dirty Chai. Ask for a chai lat with an extra shot.
Ingredient Notes
A chai concentrate is the best way to make dirty chai lattes. It is more convenient because it takes less time to make the latte. Also, the chai concentrate will not spit out the espresso.
This means that you must get the right balance between your latte’s espresso and spiced tea flavor. The espresso will become too strong if the tea needs to be stronger.
Get my homemade Chai concentrate recipe here.
How to make a Dirty Chai Latte
This recipe makes 1 cup (12 ounces).
Here’s what you need:
1/2 cup chai concentrate
1/2 cup of milk of your choice
One shot of espresso (1 ounce, 30 mL).
For garnish, use star anise or cinnamon.
Directions
HOT DIRTY CHAI LATTE
Heat the Chai concentrate in a small saucepan until it is warm. Then, pour it into a mug.
Put the espresso in the mug of Chai.
To make foam, heat, and froth the milk. Add frothed milk to the top of your mug.
Optional: To garnish, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top or add star anise.
FOR AN ICED DIRTY CHAI LATTE
Add the chai concentrate, espresso shot, and milk to a glass with ice. Mix well.
Before enjoying, garnish the drink with cinnamon.
Note for the Cook
This recipe uses pre-sweetened homemade chai concentrate. You can also add one teaspoon of sweetener to the recipe if you use unsweetened chai concentrate.
Dirty Chai Latte (Hot or Iced)
yield: 1 Preparation time: 4 MINUTES Total time: 4 MINUTES
This recipe for dirty chai lattes combines chai concentrate, a shot of espresso, and your choice of milk. This chai latte is warm and spicy, but it also has a caffeine boost and the roasted flavor from the espresso.
5.0 stars (5 reviews)
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chai concentrate*
- 1/2 cup of milk of your choice
- One shot of espresso (1 ounce, 30 mL).
- For garnish, use star anise or cinnamon.
Instructions
HOT DIRTY CHAI LATTE
- Heat the Chai concentrate in a small saucepan. Then, add it to a mug.
- Put the espresso in the face of Chai.
- To make foam, heat, and froth the milk. Add frothed milk to the top of your profile.
- Optional: To garnish, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top or add star anise.
ICED DIRTY CHAI CHAI LATTE
- Add the chai concentrate, espresso shot, and milk to a glass with ice. Mix well.
- Before enjoying, garnish the drink with cinnamon.
Notes
* Get my Chai concentrate recipe.
This recipe uses pre-sweetened homemade chai concentrate. You can also add one teaspoon of sweetener to the recipe if you use unsweetened chai concentrate.
