I love the warm, comforting flavors of chai, but sometimes you just want an extra boost. Adding a quick shot of espresso turns this into a Dirty Chai Latte that will get you moving! Plus, if you’re a fan of both coffee and chai tea, combining the two just makes sense for a new drink recipe!
Are you a coffee or tea person? I know sometimes there’s a big divide – and I realized I haven’t shared much on tea so let’s change that! This Chai Latte is a great introduction to tea since it also includes espresso. If you can’t get enough espresso in your life, I also love a good Peppermint Latte, and then of course, what pairs better than Hot Chocolate Toppers?
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheat with concentrate: No need to brew tea bags here! Picking up a carton of concentrate makes this super simple.
- Coffee-shop-worthy froth: With an immersion blender, you will have amazing froth and perfectly blended flavors.
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients below with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Chai latte concentrate – One brand I usually see in the store is Tazo but I honestly love the Oregan Chai Tea brand the most. Look around in the coffee or juice aisle for ready-to-drink teas to find this yummy drink!
- Milk – I prefer whole milk, but even 2% will still add some nice froth.
- Espresso – Brew your own in an espresso maker or simply brew an extra strong cup with your usual method, such as in a French press.
- Honey – Use honey to add a little extra sweetness, depending on what chai you are starting with.
- Spices – These are optional, but add a fun flair. The chai is of course already “spicy” so feel free to adjust as needed.
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Milk – dairy-free? Go ahead and use a substitute here, but be aware that something like almond milk won’t give you much froth. Look for “barista blends” of non-dairy alternatives for extra frothing power. Cashew and oat milk are extra creamy options.
- Honey – if you are making this drink vegan/vegetarian with different milk, make sure and leave this out or use maple syrup.
- Coffee – No espresso machine? Many have “strong brew” options and there are also some delicious instant espresso options at the grocery store.
Variations
- Temperature – serve hot or cold!
- Late Night Cocktail – use decaf espresso and add a quick shot of Kahlúa to up the ante. Bailey’s would also be delicious.
- Got the expertise to make your own? Feel free to use a homemade chai concentrate.
Equipment
I like to use an immersion blender to get really great froth. If you have a handheld milk frother that will also work, but sometimes it works better in each glass rather than the entire quantity at once. Adding everything to a blender will also work – but be sure and vent the lid and cover with a towel when blending hot liquids!
How to Make a Hot Dirty Chai Latte
This takes literally minutes to pull together! Start the espresso in the machine and heat up the rest of the ingredients and boom, you’re done.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1. Heat the drink. Add chai concentrate, milk, and honey to a small saucepan. Heat until almost boiling. (Image 1).
Tip: Don’t let the milk boil! This only takes a few minutes to heat up so stir often and don’t walk away. Boiling will change the taste and texture of the milk, and if it boils over will be a huge mess.
STEP 2. Add espresso. Pour the espresso evenly among 3 large mugs or glasses (Image 2).
STEP 3. Add froth. Froth in the pot with an immersion blender, or use a mini frother in each glass.
STEP 4. Spice it up. Add whole spices if using, and serve!
Recipe Pro Tips
- Allow to fully cool. If you aren’t serving or drinking the entire pot full at once, pour into jars and let cool before adding a lid and storing in the fridge.
- Don’t boil. You want to bring the milk and chai close to a boil, but not hit that point. Otherwise, your milk can scald or form a skin and no one wants that!
Recipe FAQs
Nope – it’s just as good cold if that’s what you enjoy! Rather than heating the milk and concentrate, just froth it and combine it with the espresso and ice. Stir and enjoy! Use coffee ice cubes instead of regular water ice cubes to not water down your drink.
Adding a shot of espresso gives this a darker, brown color – almost as if it were dirty. Don’t let that name throw you off though!
Absolutely! If your concentrate will go bad before you can drink it all, go ahead and freeze just that or the entire combined recipe. Choose a leak-proof container and leave headroom for expansion when freezing.
To serve, let thaw overnight, then gently heat on the stove until ready to drink. Then froth and pour into cups!
What to Serve with Dirty Chai Latte
I love this as a morning brunch pick-me-up, maybe served alongside some scones? An afternoon pick-me-up is also a great excuse to make this, and I think it’s fun to pair with some Pumpkin Streusel Muffins because they have the same spice profile.
Storage
Store leftovers in a lidded jar in the fridge for a couple days. You could also combine all the ingredients cold and keep in the fridge, then heat and froth at serving time.
Prefer iced lattes? Freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray and then use to chill your latte. As they melt, they won’t water down your glass!
More Coffee Recipes You’ll Love
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Dirty Chai Latte
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups chai latte concentrate
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 ounces espresso prepared
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 star anise
- 1 tablespoon honey optional
Instructions
- Combine the latte concentrate, honey, and milk in a medium pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring until almost reaching a boil. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Carefully blend the milk mixture with an immersion blender until foamy. No stick blender? Transfer to a countertop blender and pulse with the lid vented.
- Split the mug of espresso among three large mugs. Then add the milk mixture on top.
- Place a cinnamon stick and a star anise on the top of each drink, stir it in for a burst of flavor. This step is optional!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Jessica says
Absolutely delicious. Will definitely make again.
April says
What a great drink!
Samantha says
This recipe has allowed me to skip my bi-weekly Starbucks run! I’ve always been a fan of a chai latte, but this takes it over the top. So much better (and less expensive) than any coffee shop…and I don’t even have to get out of my PJs! 😉