Although its name may seem daring, Dirty Chai is a drink the whole family can enjoy without a problem. Whether you prefer a dirty chai, a filthy chai , or anything in between, in this article, I'll offer a complete guide to this fantastic and delicious drink.
What is Dirty Chai?
Dirty Chai is a simple but delicious blend: Masala chai (spiced black tea), steamed milk, and a shot of espresso.
The addition of espresso is what gives this popular beverage its name. When coffee is added to tea, the aroma and color change. , giving the appearance of being "dirty." For a "filthy" chai latte, two shots of espresso are used. In short, the dirty chai latte achieves the perfect balance between spiced, milky tea and strong coffee.
The history of this drink is somewhat ambiguous. It's said that a traveler passing through England in the 1990s asked a local barista for a chai latte, and the barista accidentally added a shot of espresso. Far from being upset, the traveler tried the drink and found it delicious, making dirty chai his go-to drink at every coffee shop he visited.
Although Dirty Chai became popular in many independent coffee shops, it owes much to Starbucks that it became popular. The chain added dirty chai to its menu, transforming it from an underground secret to a coffee shop staple.
Types of Dirty Chai
The two most popular types of dirty chai are the iced dirty chai latte and the blended dirty chai latte. Other versions include:
- Vegan or dairy-free dirty chai – made with almond or soy milk.
- Dirty green tea chai – replace black tea with green tea.
- Fake Dirty Chai – Includes ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon lattes with a shot of espresso.
How to Make Dirty Chai at Home
Making dirty chai at home is quick and easy. You just need the right ingredients and follow a few instructions. You can adjust the ingredients and spices according to your tastes and health needs.
Here are some common recipes:
Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients:
- Two heaping tablespoons of organic spiced tea.
- A shot of espresso.
- 1/4 cup boiling water.
- 1 cup of milk (whole or vegetable).
- Sugar or honey.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional).
Instructions :
- Steep two tablespoons of tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Froth the milk.
- Pour the chai, espresso, and frothed milk into a cup; sweeten with honey or sugar.
- Add cinnamon if desired.
- Serve hot or cold and enjoy.
Iced Dirty Chai
Ingredients:
- Two heaping tablespoons of organic spiced tea.
- A shot of espresso.
- 1/4 cup boiling water.
- 1 cup of milk (whole or vegetable).
- Sugar or honey.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional).
- Two medium ice cubes.
Instructions:
- Prepare your dirty chai according to the recipe above, but do not add honey or sugar.
- Place two ice cubes in a cup.
- Pour your Dirty Chai over ice.
- Add honey or caramelized sugar for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your refreshing drink.
Dirty Vegan Chai
For vegan coffee lovers, this version of the dirty chai latte is perfect. You just need to swap the regular milk for a non-dairy variety.
Ingredients:
- Two heaping tablespoons of organic spiced tea.
- 1/4 cup boiling water.
- 1 cup of vegetable milk (oat, almond or soy).
- Vegan sugar or honey.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional).
Instructions:
- Steep two tablespoons of organic spiced tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Froth the vegetable milk.
- Pour the chai, espresso, and frothed milk into a mug; sweeten with vegan honey or sugar.
- Add cinnamon if desired.
- Serve hot or cold and enjoy.
Additional Tips for Making Dirty Chai at Home
Advance Preparation: You can make a large batch of spiced tea and refrigerate it to make dirty chai lattes throughout the week. When you're ready for a latte, heat 3/4 cup of the tea, add a shot of espresso , and froth 1/2 cup of milk.
Customization: Adjust the spice level and sweetener amount to your personal preferences. You can also experiment with different types of milk to find your perfect combination.
Healthy Substitutions: If you prefer healthier options, replace artificial sugars with honey or natural sweeteners. Choose high-quality, organic black tea for a higher antioxidant content.