Simple Dirty Chai Latte Recipe
A quick, cozy dirty chai latte made with steeped chai, a double shot of espresso, and steamed milk — finished with a kiss of cinnamon. Ready in under 10 minutes for a cafe-style pick-me-up at home.
Servings: 1
Ingredients
Tea & Coffee
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1-2 chai tea bags
- 2 shots espresso or about 2 fl oz strong coffee
- 1 tsp granulated sugar start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste
Milk & Garnish
- 2/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon a small pinch for stirring and garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bring 1/4 cup water to a near-boil. Put the chai tea bag(s) in a mug and pour the hot water over them; let steep 4 to 5 minutes to get a concentrated chai base, then remove the tea bag(s).
- While the tea steeps, pull two shots of espresso. If you like it sweeter, brew the espresso directly over the sugar so it dissolves while you brew; otherwise stir the sugar into the warm chai after steeping.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low until warm (do not boil), about 1 to 2 minutes. Froth the milk by using a small whisk, a handheld frother, or by sealing it in a jar and shaking vigorously for 20–30 seconds to create foam.
- Combine the brewed espresso with the steeped chai in the mug and stir to blend and dissolve any remaining sugar. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour the warm, frothed milk over the chai + espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon and then spooning a thin layer of foam on top. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon over the foam for aroma and finish.
Notes
For a lighter latte, swap in unsweetened almond or oat milk and increase frothing time for more foam. Make the chai concentrate ahead (double the tea and water) and refrigerate for up to 3 days to speed morning prep.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Simple Dirty Chai Latte Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.