If you love the iced pumpkin chai latte, you’ll enjoy the Dirty Chai Latte! This warm and bold drink combines rich espresso with fragrant chai spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Contents
Dirty Chai Latte recipe
Dirty chai latte is a popular beverage that combines the aromatic spices of traditional chai with the bold kick of espresso, creating a harmonious and unique fusion of spices and coffee.

This drink boasts a smooth, milky texture complemented by a blend of fragrant spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. With the addition of espresso, it provides a delightful caffeine boost, making it a favorite among those seeking an energizing lift while enjoying their tea experience.
This is how to make the dirty chai latte:

Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients
For the Chai Tea
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 4-5 green cardamom pods crushed
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger sliced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of your choice adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
For the Latte
- 2 shots of espresso about 2 ounces
- 1 cup milk of your choice dairy, almond, oat, etc.
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Make the Chai Tea
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the black tea bags (or loose black tea) along with the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and ginger.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to steep.
- Add sugar (or sweetener) and vanilla extract (if using) to taste. Stir well.
- Strain the chai tea into a separate container, discarding the spices and tea bags. Set aside.
Make the Latte
- Brew 2 shots of espresso using your preferred method (espresso machine, stovetop, etc.).
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk over medium heat until steaming (but not boiling). You can froth the milk using a frother, whisk, or by shaking it in a jar if you want a frothy texture.
- In a large mug, combine the prepared chai tea and the espresso shots. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Pour the steamed milk over the chai and espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon if you want to layer it.
- Top with any remaining froth and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for garnish.
- Enjoy your warm, bold Dirty Chai Latte as a comforting treat any time of day!
Nutrition
Variations
1. Iced dirty chai latte
Iced dirty chai latte is a refreshing summer alternative to the hot version. To create this cooling variation, I often use cold brew coffee instead of hot espresso, which results in a smoother, less acidic flavor. The chai concentrate is mixed with the cold brew over ice, then topped with cold milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Pro tip: Ice dilution can weaken the flavor of your drink. To deal with this, make chai ice cubes by freezing strongly brewed chai tea. These will enhance rather than dilute your iced dirty chai latte as they melt.
2. Vegan and non-dairy options
To make these options, use
- Oat milk: Creamy texture, subtle sweetness
- Almond milk: Light, nutty flavor
- Coconut milk: Rich, tropical notes
- Soy milk: Neutral taste, froths well
- Cashew milk: Buttery texture, mild flavor
Oat milk provides a creamy texture that’s remarkably similar to dairy milk, while almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that enhances the spice notes in the chai. However, if you want a better frothing experience, oat milk is a better option.
3. Green tea version: Instead of black tea, this version uses green tea, offering a lighter flavor while still incorporating the chai spices.
4. Spice intensity adjustments
Spice intensity can be modified to cater to individual tastes. For those who prefer a bolder flavor, you can additional spices. Here are some suggestions to elevate your latte:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth
- Incorporate star anise for a licorice-like flavor
- Sprinkle in some allspice for complexity
- Grate fresh ginger for an extra kick
- Dust with cocoa powder for a mocha-chai fusion
5. Irish Dirty Chai Latte: This version includes Irish cream or whiskey for added richness.
6. Seasonal and specialty variations
As the seasons change, you can incorporate seasonal flavors into chai blends. Here are some of my favorite seasonal twists:
- Autumn: Pumpkin spice dirty chai add pumpkin puree and extra cinnamon
- Winter: Peppermint mocha dirty chai add peppermint extract and cocoa
- Spring: Lavender honey dirty chai infuse honey with lavender
- Summer: Mango lassi dirty chai blend with mango puree
These variations not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide a festive touch to your daily coffee ritual.
How to pair
1. Breakfast pairings
Dirty chai lattes complement a variety of breakfast foods. The robust flavors cut through rich, creamy dishes while the spices enhance the taste of many breakfast staples.
- Buttery croissants
- Cinnamon raisin toast with cream cheese
- Savory quiche
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
- Spiced pumpkin muffins
The key is to choose foods that either complement or contrast with the spicy-sweet profile of the dirty chai latte.
2. Desserts
The spices in the chai cut through the sweetness of desserts, creating a balanced flavor experience. Some dessert pairings I highly recommend include:
- Cheesecake with a graham cracker crust
- Spiced apple pie
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Vanilla bean scones
- Cardamom shortbread cookies
3. Savory snacks
The sweetness and spice provide a pleasant contrast to salty, umami flavors. Here are some unexpected but delightful savory pairings:
- Aged cheddar cheese
- Roasted nuts especially almonds or pecans
- Olive tapenade on crostini
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Spiced pumpkin seeds
These savory options offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional sweet pairings.