The Ultimate Dirty Chai Latte Recipe

Can’t decide between coffee and tea? Why not have both?

The Dirty Chai Latte is the perfect fusion of rich espresso and aromatic spiced chai. It’s a coffee shop favorite that’s surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen.

What is a Dirty Chai Latte?

• A dirty chai latte starts with a classic chai latte, a blend of black tea, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and steamed milk.
• The “dirty” part comes from adding a shot of espresso, which introduces a bold coffee flavor and an extra caffeine kick.
• This combination creates a beautifully layered drink. You get the warming, sweet spice from the chai, balanced by the robust bitterness of the espresso, all mellowed by creamy, frothed milk. 

How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte

Ready to brew? This simple Dirty Chai Latte Recipe comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. It’s a perfect morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chai Tea: 1 high-quality black chai tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf chai.
• Espresso: 1-2 shots of freshly brewed espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use 2 ounces of strongly brewed coffee from a Moka pot or AeroPress.
• Milk: ½ cup of milk. 2% or whole milk froths best, but plant-based milks like oat or almond are great vegan options.
• Water: ½ cup of hot water for brewing the tea.
• Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, honey, or sugar, adjusted to your taste.
• Garnish (Optional): A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a star anise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brew the Chai

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Add the chai tea bag or loose-leaf tea and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the spice flavor will be.

Prepare the Espresso

While the tea is steeping, brew one or two shots of espresso using your preferred method.

Steam the Milk

Heat your milk in a saucepan until it reaches about 150°F (hot to the touch with small bubbles forming). Use a milk frother, French press, or whisk to froth the milk until it’s light and airy.

Assemble Your Latte

Pour the brewed espresso into your favorite mug. Strain the chai tea concentrate into the mug and stir in your sweetener.

Add the Milk

Gently pour the steamed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon. Top it off with a generous layer of milk foam.

Garnish and Serve

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a star anise on top for a finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade dirty chai latte immediately!

Dirty Chai Latte Variations

Explain in the table.

Variation	Description	Special Notes
Iced Dirty Chai Latte	A refreshing, chilled version of the classic dirty chai.	Brewed chai and espresso are cooled, then poured over ice. Add cold milk and sweetener.
Vegan Dirty Chai Latte	A plant-based alternative that maintains a creamy texture.	Swap dairy milk for a non-dairy option like oat, almond, or soy milk.
Filthy Chai Latte	An extra-strong version for those needing an additional caffeine boost.	Prepare as usual, but add a second shot of espresso. Also known as a “double dirty chai.”
Sweet and Flavored	A customized dirty chai with an added touch of sweetness or flavor.	Mix in sweeteners like honey or agave, or add flavored syrups such as vanilla or caramel.

Health Benefits of a Dirty Chai Latte

When you make a dirty chai latte at home, you’re not just getting a tasty beverage; you’re also sipping on some potential health benefits.

The spices in masala chai, like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

According to health experts, these spices are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.

Black tea and coffee are both rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage by free radicals. 

Of course, caffeine provides a well-known boost in energy and mental alertness.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

While picking up a dirty chai from your local café is convenient, making it at home offers several advantages.

Cost

Making your own is significantly more affordable. A café-made latte can cost upwards of $5, while a homemade version is a fraction of that price.

Customization

You have complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness, the strength of the coffee, the type of milk, and the spice level.

Health

By making it yourself, you can avoid the high sugar content often found in café-style chai concentrates and syrups.

Cost Breakdown: Homemade vs. Café

Ingredient	Estimated Cost per Serving (Home)
Chai Tea Bag	$0.30
Espresso Shot	$0.60
Milk (Whole)	$0.25
Sweetener (Maple)	$0.15
Total Cost	$1.30
Café Price	$5.00 – $7.00

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of a standard homemade dirty chai latte.

Nutrient	Per Serving (8 oz)
Calories	125
Total Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	18g
Sugars	15g
Protein	5g
Caffeine	~130mg

*Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Your Perfect Dirty Chai Awaits

Making a Dirty Chai Latte at home is a simple pleasure that combines the best of the coffee and tea worlds.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can craft a delicious, perfectly spiced, and creamy latte that rivals any coffee shop creation.

Now it’s your turn to get brewing! Try this Dirty Chai Latte Recipe and let us know how you customized it. Share your creations and tips in the comments below!