Dirty Chai Latte
A dirty chai latte is the caffeine boost we all need in our lives, with espresso and black tea, plus those signature cozy chai spices for flavour. It’ll keep you warm and help perk you up too!
The name might make you do a double-take, but a dirty chai latte is simply a chai latte with an added shot of espresso or strong coffee. Because let’s be real: sometimes just the tea is not enough to get you going. (Hello, mom of a toddler here. The struggle is real!) Like a standard latte, the drink is finished with steamed milk and a touch of foam, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It’s one of my favourites to order at coffee shops, but they’re also easy to make at home!
Why You Need This Dirty Chai Latte in Your Life
If you love the flavour of a chai latte, but you need that kick of espresso in the morning, the dirty chai latte is the best of both worlds. Here’s why you’ll love it.
- Warm chai spices. Chai tea is known for its cozy, warm spices, making it the perfect drink for chilly mornings. It’s like putting on your favourite cardigan, in beverage form!
- The caffeine boost. As if the delicious chai spices weren’t enough, adding a shot of espresso gives you that extra boost of energy to power through your day.
- Easy to make at home. You don’t have to go to a coffee shop every time you crave a dirty chai latte—this recipe is super simple and can be made in the comfort of your home at a fraction of the price.
Notes on Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a dirty chai latte. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Black tea bag – Or loose-leaf black tea, if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chai spices – You can buy a blend or use the combo in my chai sugar cookies.
- Boiling water
- Plant-based milk – I like using oat, almond, or soy. It should be unflavoured and unsweetened.
- Canned coconut milk or cream – This vegan heavy cream would also work.
- Brewed strong coffee or espresso
- Maple syrup or agave syrup – When I have date syrup on hand, I like using that too!
- Ground cinnamon and anise stars – Optional, for garnish.
How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte
The full instructions for making a dirty chai latte are at the bottom of the page, but here’s a brief overview.
- Brew the tea. Steep the tea and spices in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, then pour the tea through a fine mesh sieve.
- Warm the milk. Heat the plant milk in a small pan set over medium heat.
- Froth the coconut milk. Use a frother or a whisk to froth the coconut milk or cream.
- Assemble. Pour the chai into a mug, then stir in the espresso or coffee and sweetener. Slowly pour in the steamed milk and spoon the frothed coconut milk on top. Garnish with cinnamon and anise and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Reduce the caffeine. You can skip the black tea bag or use decaf tea if you want to reduce the caffeine content in your dirty chai latte.
- Add some chocolate. Take your dirty chai latte to the next level by using chocolate flavoured plant milk. It’s like a dirty chai mocha!
- Make it iced. Let the brewed tea and coffee cool before adding them to a glass filled with ice cubes and chilled milk. Top with whipped coconut cream.
How to Store Leftovers
If you can’t drink all of your dirty chai latte at once, cover it and refrigerate it for up to a day. You can drink it cold or warm it in the microwave; use your frother to mix it and froth it a bit before enjoying.
More Vegan Latte Recipes
Enjoy friends! If you make this dirty chai latte, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag, or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf black tea – 1 tea bag or 15 g
- 1 teaspoon chai spices, 2 g
- ½ cup boiling water, 120 ml
- 1 cup plant-based milk, oat, almond, or soy – 240 ml
- 4 tablespoons canned coconut milk or cream, 60 g
- ½ cup brewed strong coffee or espresso, 1–2 shots – 120 ml
- 1 –2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup, adjust to taste – 15–30 ml
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and anise stars, optional, for garnish – 0.69 g
Instructions
- Steep the tea and spices in 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- In a small saucepan, heat the plant-based milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Froth the coconut milk or cream with a frother or a whisk.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the brewed chai tea into a cup. Add the espresso or strong coffee and stir in the maple syrup (or agave). Slowly pour the steamed milk into the cup, then spoon the frothed milk or cream on top.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top for garnish, add anise star if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
This had my name all over it!!! I had to try it as I am a coffee junkie and I love chai! So delicious and so easy to make. 5 stars!!!
Judy! I love to hear this! So happy you loved it.