Are you craving a refreshing drink with a robust flavor profile of cozy spices? Or perhaps you’re looking for a coffee alternative for that extra boost of energy? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. My dirty chai tea latte will have you making it on repeat, and the best part is that it’s super simple!
I’m typically an avid coffee drinker, with the exception of a dirty chai tea latte. In fact, I used to buy my chai tea concentrate from the store and make a cup of it every morning before work. However, this became pricey, so I eventually switched back to office coffee- but I’ve never stopped loving chai lattes.
The beauty of making your own chai tea powder is that you can easily adjust it to suit your own preferences. Some people like a more “spicey” chai, while others like a sweeter chai. Whatever your preference, I’ve got you covered! Also, this homemade chai tea latte mix makes a wonderful gift too.
What is a dirty chai tea latte?
A dirty chai tea latte is a combination of traditional chai tea with some added shots of espresso. The espresso gives the drink a rich flavor and extra caffeine.
If you’re not a fan of espresso, don’t worry! You can make a regular chai tea latte by following the steps of this recipe without making the shots of espresso.
Why is it called a dirty chai?
The added espresso changes the color of the drink to make it darker, thus earning the term “dirty”.
What does a dirty chai tea taste like?
A dirty chai tea latte has all of the cozy spices of a regular chai tea latte with an additional level of richness. Depending on how much sweetener you add to the mix, your dirty chai tea latte may taste a little less sweet.
What is in a chai tea latte?
Chai tea often includes a type of black tea paired with various cozy spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. Additionally, to make it a latte, you have some sort of milk as well.
What spices are in a chai tea latte?
Recipes can vary from one another and are influenced by preferences as well. This particular recipe includes:
black pepper
cardamom
cinnamon
ginger
nutmeg
cloves
Is there caffeine in a dirty chai tea latte?
Yes, there is caffeine. Not only are you getting caffeine from the black tea, but you will also get caffeine from the espresso as well. This makes the dirty chai tea latte the perfect pick-me-up beverage!
Is chai tea good for you?
According to Healthline.com, chai tea may help with digestion, heart health, and even weight loss. However, you’d have to use a very minimal amount of sugar or sweetener.
Please do further research though if you have any health related questions. I am NOT a health care professional or doctor.
Ingredient variations/subsitutions
Milk- I know that some people don’t do dairy and so if that’s you, use whatever milk alternative you’d like! In fact, you could do the same ratio of milk alternative that my recipe calls for regular milk.
Black Tea- There are many different versions of black teas on the market. However, one type of black tea I wouldn’t use for this recipe is Earl Grey. Earl Grey has a bright, citrusy taste that isn’t traditionally used in chai. Instead, go for English or Irish Breakfasts teas, Ceylon, Darjeeling, or Assam black teas.
Espresso- I know that not everyone has an espresso machine, so you could use instant espresso instead. For instant espresso, start by dissolving 1-2 teaspoons of powder into a little bit of water. You can always add more teaspoons of instant espresso if need be.
Vanilla & Lavender Extracts- To add an extra depth of flavor to your dirty chai tea latte, you could add a splash of vanilla and/or a couple drops of lavender extract.
Half-n-Half- For anyone that doesn’t know, half-n-half is half cream and half milk. Adding a splash, or a little more to taste, to the dirty chai tea latte, makes the drink more rich and creamy.
Sweetener- You could do regular sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey, just to name a few different options! I personally love brown sugar and maple syrup in my dirty chai latte.
Chai Tea Mix- I decided to include a little section on making a dirty chai tea latte with chai tea concentrate. So using a concentrate, rather then the chai tea mix, is certainly an option.
Why this dirty chai tea latte is the best recipe.
It all comes down to the homemade chai mix! This chai mix lasts longer then an open container of chai concentrate. Also, it calls for a lot of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Lastly, the chai tea mix makes a delicious gift idea too!
Do I need an espresso machine?
No, you could use instant espresso or even very strong coffee?
Equipment Needed
Measuring Spoons
Espresso Machine– optional
Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheese Cloth
Small Container with Air Tight Lid
Kettle- to boil water
Frother– optional
Coffee Bean Grinder- optional
Ingredients to make dirty chai tea latte
3 teaspoons of cardamom
3 tablespoons of cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons of ginger
1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 teaspoon of cloves
3 tablespoons of black tea- finely grounded up
Sweetener of choice to taste
Splash of vanilla extract- optional
Couple drops of lavender extract– optional
1-2 shots of espresso- You could use instant espresso in a pinch, however taste may vary slightly.
Milk of choice- 1/3 cup
Splash of half-n-half- optional, this makes the dirty chai tea latte a little more rich and creamy.
whipped cream- optional garnish
How to make a dirty chai tea latte.
Cook time: About 15 minutes
Cuisine: Indian and Western
Recipe Name: Dirty Chai Tea Latte
How to make your chai mix
Begin by adding the cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves to a small bowl. Mix all the spices and set aside.
Next, measure out the tea leaves. You can use a coffee bean grinder or food processor to grind up the tea leaves into a powder if they aren’t already finely ground. Once ground, add the tea leaves to the spice mixture and stir everything together. Then set aside.
Now, brew 1-2 shots of espresso. When the espresso is ready, add 2 teaspoons of the chai tea spice mix to the espresso along with your desired amount of sweetener. Stir and let steep for about 5 minutes.
Once the chai tea mix has steeped for at least 5 minutes in the espresso, use a fine mesh strainer to get out the majority of the spices for a smoother drink, optional. Set aside.
Then, add your milk of choice to a tall glass or mug. At this point you can either heat or froth the milk or you can pour it over ice depending on if you want the drink to be hot or iced. Add a splash of half-n-half if desired. Add in any flavor extracts, optional, and the chai tea espresso mix and stir it all together.
Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or nutmeg and enjoy!
*How to make a dirty chai tea latte with store bought concentrate.
I decided to add a section using store bought concentrate just in case that’s what you’d prefer to use for your dirty chai tea latte!
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup of milk
About 1/2 cup of chai tea concentrate
Freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
Optional add-ins: lavender extract, vanilla extract, whipped cream, cinnamon and/or nutmeg to garnish
First, start by brewing 1-2 shots of espresso or prepping your instant espresso or strong coffee.
In a separate cup, combine a 1:1 ratio of chai concentrate and milk, or milk substitute. You can adjust the amount of concentrate to taste.
Then add the espresso to the milk, be sure to heat or froth milk if serving hot, and chai tea concentrate and stir. Serve warm or over ice. Optional- garnish with whipped cream and or cinnamon or even nutmeg!
Additional Notes
You can make a regular chai tea latte by following the steps on either recipe and just skipping the espresso or strong coffee altogether!
While straining the chai tea mix isn’t a must, I do recommend it for a smoother dirty chai tea latte.
How to store
You can store the chai tea mix in an air tight container for up to 6 months. Keep the chai mix in a cool, dry place away from moisture, extreme heat, or direct sunlight.
To store the concentrate, most store bought concentrates say to store in the fridge for a few days.
Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Espresso Machine- optional
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheese Cloth
- Small Container with Air Tight Lid
- Kettle- to boil water
- Frother- optional
- Coffee Bean Grinder- optional
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons of cardamom
- 3 tablespoons of cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of cloves
- 3 tablespoons of black tea- finely grounded up
- Sweetener of choice to taste
- Splash of vanilla extract- optional
- Couple drops of lavender extract- optional
- 1-2 shots of espresso- You could use instant espresso in a pinch however taste may vary slightly.
- Milk of choice- 1/3 cup
- Splash of half-n-half- optional this makes the dirty chai tea latte more rich and creamy.
- whipped cream- optional garnish
Instructions
- How to make your chai mix
- Begin by adding the cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves to a small bowl. Mix all the spices and set aside.
- Next, measure out the tea leaves. You can use a coffee bean grinder or food processor to grind up the tea leaves into a powder if they aren’t already finely ground. Once ground, add the tea leaves to the spice mixture and stir everything together. Then set aside.
- Now, brew 1-2 shots of espresso. When the espresso is ready, add 2 teaspoons of the chai tea spice mix to the espresso along with your desired amount of sweetener. Stir and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Once the chai tea mix has steeped for at least 5 minutes in the espresso, use a fine mesh strainer to get out the majority of the spices for a smoother drink, optional. Set aside.
- Then, add your milk of choice to a tall glass or mug. At this point you can either heat or froth the milk or you can pour it over ice depending on if you want the drink to be hot or iced. Add a splash of half-n-half if desired. Add in any flavor extracts, optional, and the chai tea espresso mix and stir it all together.
- Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or nutmeg and enjoy!
- *How to make a dirty chai tea latte with store bought concentrate.
- I decided to add a section using store bought concentrate just in case that’s what you’d prefer to use for your dirty chai tea latte!
Dirty chai lattes have definitely grown on me. I hope you all enjoy this recipe. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions! 🙂