My favorite indulgence when it comes to coffee? A Iced Dirty Chai Latte! This decadent drink combines robust espresso with sweet, spicy Indian masala tea - a perfect combination. The bitterness of the bold espresso is balanced perfectly by the subtle sweetness of the chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. So if you're in the mood for something special, give this invigorating dirty chai tea latte a try. I guarantee you won't regret it! Enjoy!
What is Dirty Chai Latte?
A Dirty Chai Latte is a popular and tasty caffeinated drink made with elements of the classic masala chai tea and espresso or strongly brewed coffee. This beverage is aptly named "dirty" due to the added coffee, which brings out a deep, strong flavor against the aromatic spices of the original masala chai blend.
Origins of the Dirty Chai Tea Latte
It is said that the Dirty Chai Latte recipe was accidentally invented at a coffee shop in Convent Garden, England in the 1990s. The story goes that a lady making a Chai Latte for an American customer mistakenly added espresso into the mix. Despite this mishap, the American chose to give it a try - and found it absolutely delicious! Since then, this has become a beloved favorite around the world.
You might hear this unique coffee beverage referred to by other names in different locations and coffee shops around the world, such as Java chai latte, red eye chai, or chai charger. No matter what it's called though, the delicious combination of espresso and Indian masala tea is sure to satisfy any coffee lover!
Why should you make this recipe?
The dirty chai latte is a unique and delicious beverage that combines the taste of tea and coffee in a single drink.
The chai tea latte is super customizable and the drink can be enjoyed hot, cold, or any way you like.
It is super easy to make in just a few simple steps with ingredients that are easily found at most grocery stores.
Ingredients to make a dirty chai tea latte
- Loose-leaf black tea
- Masala Chai Spice blend
- 1 oz or a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Sweetener of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steep masala chai tea in hot milk: Heat your favorite milk of choice and steep a chai tea bag or loose-leaf black tea in it for 3-5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Alternatively, you could also add ½ cup of chai tea concentrate to ½ cup of steamed milk as well.
- Brew espresso or strong coffee: Prepare a shot of espresso drink or brew an ounce of strong coffee separately.
- Combine and enjoy: Pour the brewed espresso or coffee into a mug, then strain the spiced tea-infused milk, and froth it with a milk frother before adding it to the serving glass. Stir well and optionally add sweetener to the chai mixture. Your Chai coffee drink is ready to be served hot!
Substitutions and expert tips
- You could use store-bought or homemade chai concentrate instead of brewing tea right when you are preparing the chai latte.
- You can always substitute low-fat milk or dairy free milk instead of whole milk to make a vegan latte.
Flavor Variations
- Vanilla Dirty Chai: Infused with the rich and sweet flavor of vanilla, this variation adds a creamy twist to the traditional recipe.
- Chocolate Dirty Chai: For all the chocolate lovers out there, this variation combines the robust flavors of cocoa with the aromatic spices of Chai, creating a delightful and indulgent drink.
- Pumpkin Spice Dirty Chai: Perfect for the fall season, this variation incorporates the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, giving the original recipe a cozy and seasonal twist.
- Coconut Dirty Chai: By infusing coconut milk into the Dirty Chai Latte, this variation brings a tropical and creamy element to the drink, adding a unique flavor profile.
- Caramel Dirty Chai: Adding a drizzle of store-bought caramel syrup to the Dirty Chai Latte creates a sweet and buttery taste that pairs exceptionally well with the spices of Chai.
- Vegan Dirty Chai: By substituting regular milk with any dairy free plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk this variation offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the spiciness of Chai.
- Matcha Dirty Chai: You could also combine the earthy flavors of matcha green tea with the aromatic spices of Chai, resulting in a vibrant and refreshing variation of the Dirty Chai Latte.
- Honey Dirty Chai: Sweetened with a touch of honey, this variation balances the spices of Chai with a natural and mellow sweetness.
- Hazelnut Dirty Chai: By incorporating the rich and nutty flavor of hazelnut syrup, this variation provides a delightful twist to the traditional Dirty Chai Latte.
Dirty Chai Latte
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Dirty Chai Latte is a popular and tasty caffeinated drink made with elements of the classic masala chai tea and espresso or strongly brewed coffee. This beverage is aptly named "dirty" due to the added coffee, which brings out a deep, strong flavor against the aromatic spices of the original masala chai blend.
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag or 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chai tea
- 1 shot of espresso or 1 oz of strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup of milk (regular or plant-based)
- Sweetener of your choice
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam. Be careful not to let it boil.
-
Add the chai tea bag or loose-leaf chai tea to the milk. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, or according to the instructions on the tea packaging. This allows the flavors of the chai to infuse into the milk.
-
While the chai is steeping, prepare the espresso or strong brewed coffee using your preferred method.
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Once the chai has steeped, remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea leaves from the milk.
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For frothier milk, you can use a frother or whisk to froth the chai-infused milk before adding it to the mug.
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In a mug, combine the brewed espresso or coffee with the chai-infused milk. Add the desired sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey, to taste. Stir well to combine.
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Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the latte for added aroma and garnish.
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Your Dirty Chai Latte is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot and savor the delightful blend of chai spices and coffee flavors.
Notes
If you prefer your latte to be enjoyed cold, add in ice cubes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
Keywords: chai latte, dirty chai latte, starbucks inspired dirty chai latte, chai tea latte
Manju says
★★★★★