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Dirty Chai Latte

This homemade dirty chai latte has all the warmth and coziness you love, with espresso to put some pep in your step! Itā€™s easy to make at home, too.

Two dirty chai lattes in glass mugs

I love a classic chai latte and my matcha latte, but sometimes I need a little more of a boost to wake me up in the morning or get me through that afternoon slump. Solution? This dirty chai latte recipe. It's got the cozy, comforting flavors of a traditional chai latte, but with an added shot (okay, two shotsā€”working mom here!) of espresso for an extra kick.

Why This Dirty Chai Latte Recipe Is Totally Worth It

  • Cheaper than a trip to the coffee shop. No more $5 drinks every day! Starting your morning with a homemade dirty chai latte will help you save money.
  • Customizable to your taste. Make it yourself and you can add more caffeine, make it spicier, or use whatever milk you like (without an upcharge).
  • Easy to make. Keep a stash of chai concentrate on hand in the refrigerator and this dirty chai recipe comes together in a matter of minutes.
Overhead view of ingredients for dirty chai latte with labels

What Youā€™ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

  • Espresso ā€“ If you donā€™t have an espresso maker, no worries! Just use instant espresso.
  • Chai concentrate ā€“ Use the concentrate from my chai latte recipe.
  • Steamed milk ā€“ Any kind of milk you like.
  • Cinnamon ā€“ For sprinkling over the top.

How Do You Steam Milk?

To steam milk, add the milk to a saucepan set over medium heat. (Ideally, youā€™ll have a pan with a little spout for pouring; if not, just be careful when pouring it into your mug.) Warm until the milk is hot but not boiling. Use a whisk or frother to make the milk frothy and pour the milk into a mug.

How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte

  • Combine the espresso and chai concentrate. Pour them into a large mug.
  • Add the milk. Top the espresso mixture with the steamed milk 
  • Garnish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.

Variations

  • Make a swap for the chai concentrate. If you don't want to make a concentrate for your dirty chai latte, steep 2 chai tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for at least 10 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
  • Try it iced. For a summery version of this recipe, pour the espresso, chai concentrate, and milk over ice instead of steaming the milk.
  • Top it off. Garnish with coconut whipped cream to make your dirty chai a little more indulgent.
Overhead view of dirty chai lattes in glass mugs

How to Store Leftovers

If you canā€™t finish your dirty chai latte, you can refrigerate it for laterā€”it will keep for up to a day. Reheat it in a saucepan or in the microwave and give it a good stir before sipping it, or simply drink it chilled.

Hand holding dirty chai latte in glass mug

Dirty Chai Latte

This homemade dirty chai latte has all the warmth and coziness you love, with espresso to put some pep in your step. Easy to make at home!
author: Alyssa
yield: 2 servings
Top-down view of dirty chai latte in mug
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add the espresso into a mug, followed by the chai concentrate.
  • Top with steamed milk and a dash of cinnamon on each.

Notes

  • Note: If you don't want to make a concentrate (or don't have one!), use 1 cup hot water, with 2 chai tea bags steeped for at least 10 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup and use that as your concentrate.
  • Nutrition information depends on the type of milk you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 218mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 0.04mg
cuisine: American
course: Drinks

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