Do you need an extra shot of jolt in your morning cup of tea? Give a dirty chai latte a try! This latte is popular in coffee shops. Made with a chai concentrate and espresso, it is a mix of a regular latte and a tea latte. It can also be referred to as a Java Chai or Red Eye Chai and it can be enjoyed hot or iced. For the best tasting dirty chai, I like to use a homemade chai concentrate. This is a double-strength chai that won’t be overpowered by the strong shot of espresso. So, the spicy flavours from the chai and the dark roast notes from the espresso are well-balanced. This is a fun latte for both tea and coffee drinkers as it offers the best of both worlds.
What is a Dirty Chai Latte?
A Dirty Chai Latte is a chai latte with a shot of espresso. Adding espresso makes the chai “dirty”. It makes the colour of the tea darker, like dirt or mud.
Since it is made with a black tea and espresso this tea latte is high in caffeine.
Origin
The history of masala chai, the base of this dirty latte, began over 5,000 years ago. The preparation of this spiced tea originated in India. Legend has it that a king created it by combining spices for an Ayurvedic beverage.
There is no set recipe for masala chai. The ingredients different from region to region in India. In fact, chai can be as simple as black tea with only one other spice. Some common spices used for chai are cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom.
You can learn more about masala chai here.
Dirty Chai was introduced to the world in the 1990s. Apparently, it was invented by accident!
The story is that a barista was making a chai latte for a customer and, without thinking, poured a shot of espresso in the chai latte. The customer was understanding of the mistake and decided to give it a try.
It turned out to be a happy accident because the customer enjoyed the drink and it others soon did as well!
What Does a Dirty Chai Latte Taste Like?
You get the same great flavours from a chai latte – warm spices and creaminess – but with the added jolt of caffeine. The espresso also adds an extra layer of comfort with the roasted notes.
Chai Latte vs. Dirty Chai
The main difference between a chai latte and dirty chai is the espresso.
Chai Latte does not have espresso in it. It is simply black tea, spices and frothed or steamed milk. Unlike a Dirty Chai, there is no espresso in a chai latte.
Starbucks Dirty Chai
Dirty Chai is on Starbucks secret menu. Simply ask for a dirty chai when ordering. If the barista doesn’t know what that is then ask for a chai latte with an extra shot of espresso.
Ingredient Notes
The best way to make a dirty chai latte is with a chai concentrate. Not only does it make it more convenient as it will take less time to make the latte, but since the chai concentrate is very strong it will hold up to the espresso.
This means you should get a nice balance of both spiced tea flavour and espresso in the latte. If the tea is not strong enough, the espresso will be overpowering.
Get my homemade chai concentrate recipe here.
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte
This recipe serves 1 (~ 12 ounce cup)
Here is what you will need:
½ cup chai concentrate
½ cup milk of choice
1 shot of espresso (1 ounce or 30 mL)
Cinnamon or star anise, for garnish
Directions
FOR HOT DIRTY CHAI LATTE
In a small saucepan, heat the chai concentrate until warm then add to a mug.
Pour the shot of espresso into the mug of chai.
Heat and froth milk to create foam. Top mug with frothed milk.
Optional: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or add a star anise on top for garnish.
FOR ICED DIRTY CHAI LATTE
In a glass filled with ice add the chai concentrate, shot of espresso and milk. Stir to combine.
Garnish glass with cinnamon before enjoying.
Recipe Note
The homemade chai concentrate I use for this recipe is pre-sweetened. If you are using an unsweetened chai concentrate you can add 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice to this recipe if desired.
Dirty Chai Latte (Hot or Iced)
Ingredients
- ½ cup chai concentrate*
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 shot of espresso 1 ounce or 30 mL
- Cinnamon or star anise for garnish
Instructions
FOR HOT DIRTY CHAI LATTE
- In a small saucepan, heat up the chai concentrate then add to a mug.
- Pour the shot of espresso into the mug of chai.
- Heat and froth milk to create foam. Top mug with frothed milk.
- Optional: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or add a star anise on top for garnish.
FOR ICED DIRTY CHAI LATTE
- In a glass filled with ice add the chai concentrate, shot of espresso and milk. Stir to combine.
- Garnish glass with cinnamon before enjoying.
Notes
Like this recipe? Pin it for later here –> https://bit.ly/3ByYH2O
Have you tried a chai with espresso before? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Hello Lu Ann Pannunzio,
I have read your blog about the dirty chai latte and found it very useful. I must say the ways in which you have covered all the important topics on dirty chai latte is quite commendable.
Keep writing such an informative post.