Delicious Dirty Chai Latte Easy Homemade Recipe

A dirty chai latte blends the warm, spiced flavors of traditional masala chai with the bold kick of espresso, creating a cozy and energizing drink. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and caffeine, and now you can make this coffeehouse favorite right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dirty chai latte is aromatic, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. The spices infuse the tea with a rich depth of flavor, while the espresso adds that essential boost of energy. You’ll love how customizable it is—whether you prefer it dairy-free, low-carb, or extra frothy, this recipe can be adapted to your needs. Plus, it’s quick to make and far less expensive than ordering at a café.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cardamom pods
4 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups water
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
2 black tea bags
1/2 cup whole milk, steamed or warmed
2 shots hot espresso or 1/2 cup double-strength hot coffee

Directions

1. Add cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, peppercorns, nutmeg, and water to a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the sugar and add the tea bags. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

3. Strain out the spices. Whisk in the warm milk and hot espresso.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Other time (steeping): 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use chai tea bags instead of whole spices for a quicker version.

• Swap the sweetener for honey, maple syrup, or a keto-friendly option.

• For a frothier latte, use a French press or mason jar to foam the milk.

• Make it dairy-free by using almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.

• Create a richer low-carb version with heavy cream and water.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the spiced tea base in advance. Store the strained tea concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the tea on the stove, then add freshly steamed milk and espresso. Avoid storing the full latte, as the milk and espresso lose quality after reheating.

FAQs

What is a dirty chai latte?

A dirty chai latte is a chai latte with one or more shots of espresso added for extra caffeine and bold flavor.

Can I make this iced?

Yes, prepare the spiced tea base, let it cool, then pour over ice with cold milk and espresso.

Can I make it without espresso?

Yes, simply leave out the espresso for a classic chai latte.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk creates a creamy texture, but oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk are great non-dairy options.

Can I make it sweeter?

Absolutely—just adjust the amount or type of sweetener to your preference.

Can I use pre-made chai concentrate?

Yes, store-bought chai concentrate can be used in place of the homemade spice mix for convenience.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener.

How much caffeine is in a dirty chai latte?

It varies, but typically about the same as a regular latte plus the caffeine from black tea.

Can I make it decaf?

Yes, use decaf espresso and caffeine-free chai or herbal tea.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people.

Conclusion

The dirty chai latte is a wonderful blend of comforting chai spices and energizing espresso. Whether you prefer it hot, iced, dairy-free, or extra strong, this recipe is easy to adapt to your taste. Making it at home not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy a café-quality drink anytime.

Print