If you’re a coffee lover and enjoy exploring new flavor profiles, then you’re in for a treat with this one. Have you ever wondered what is a Dirty Chai Latte? This trendy beverage is the perfect fusion of two beloved drinks: coffee and chai tea.
Imagine the boldness of espresso mixed with the aromatic spices of chai tea and topped with velvety steamed milk. The result is a deliciously rich and creamy drink that will awaken your senses. Pair your Latte with one of our delicious cinnamon scones.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this drink even special is the addition of a shot of espresso, giving it an extra kick of caffeine.
The blend of flavors is simply incredible – the sweetness of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom perfectly balances the bitterness of the espresso. The aroma alone will have you craving it before you’ve taken your first sip.
Not only does this recipe offer an indulgent treat for your taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. It’s a great alternative to regular coffee when you’re looking for something more exciting.
Plus, it pairs well with your favorite treats, making it the perfect companion for breakfast or dessert. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the warm, cozy feeling of sipping on a Dirty Chai Latte. One of my other favorites you must try is the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Pumpkin Foam and Iced Dalgona Coffee.
Ingredients
- Strong Chai Tea: Strong black tea forms the bold and robust base of the latte, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor that pairs well with milk and sweeteners.
- Whole Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Whole milk adds a creamy richness while balancing the bold flavors of tea or coffee with its smooth texture and natural sweetness.
- Brewed Espresso or Espresso Powder: Brewed espresso serves as the bold and concentrated heart of the drink, delivering a rich, intense coffee flavor that blends beautifully with milk.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of a latte by adding a warm, sweet, and aromatic depth that complements the coffee and milk.
- Vanilla Syrup, brown sugar, or honey Optional
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings a warm, spicy aroma and subtle sweetness while enhancing its flavor complexity.
Chai Latte Instructions
Step 1: Brew 1 Teabag of Masala Tea in 6-8 oz of Water
Step 2: Use 1 oz of Brewed Espresso or 1 Tablespoon Espresso powder in 1 oz of hot water.
Step 3: In a nice glass mug add the Espresso and Chai Tea blend. Add vanilla extract, vanilla simple syrup, or sweetener of your choice.
Step 4: In a separate container, froth steamed milk and pour over tea. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
Optional: Add Ice for an Iced Dirty Chai Latte before the milk.
Expert Tips & Notes
To make this recipe stand out, opt for a high-quality espresso and chai powder. The combination of the two will give you an extra boost of flavor and truly bring your latte to life.
These are just some tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of this delicious recipe. With a few simple ingredients and instructions, you can easily whip up a Dirty Chai Latte that’s sure to satisfy your coffee and tea cravings.
Another great tip is to use our favorite Chai Mix to add to your Latte or give as a gift during the holidays.
FAQs
Yes, you can leave out the espresso if you prefer a less caffeinated drink. You can also substitute a decaffeinated espresso shot to get the taste without the caffeine.
Yes and no—you can make the chai concentrate ahead of time. The chai concentrate will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can also make a dirty chai latte with cold milk. Simply pour the espresso and chai concentrate over ice and top with your desired type of milk. For an extra creamy texture, use oat or almond milk.
The main difference between these two drinks is that a dirty chai tea latte includes an extra shot of espresso for added caffeine. This gives it a bolder flavor and a more energizing kick!
Depending on the drink if you are making a hot beverage you will need to use scalding milk at approximately 150 degrees. Use whole milk or a mixture of whole milk and 2% fat milk. Use a hand frother or whisk to make the froth. Let sit a minute and then add on top of the latte. If making an iced beverage, use cold milk.
Equipment Used
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Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients
- Strong Chai Tea Like Masala 1-2 teabags per drink
- 1 cup Whole Milk or Plant-Based Milk warmed or steamed to 150 degrees
- 1 ounce Brewed Espresso or Espresso Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Syrup brown sugar, or honey Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Brew 1 Teabag of Masala Tea in 6 – 8 ounces of Water
- Use 1 ounce of Brewed Espresso or 1 Tablespoon Espresso powder in 1 ounce of hot water
- In a nice glass mug add the Espresso and Chai Tea
- Add vanilla extract vanilla simple syrup or sweetener of your choice.
- In a separate container, froth warmed milk (150 degrees) and pour over tea
- Sprinkle some cinnamon on top
- Add Ice for an Iced Dirty Chai Latte before the milk. Use cold milk for an iced beverage with cold foam.