This Dirty Chai Latte Recipe is the perfect combination of tea and espresso. Three ingredients and ready in under 10-minutes!

It is no secret that I am a big coffee fan. I have made dozens of different latte flavor vitiations but this chai tea has to be one of my favorites.

Mainly because it is a super simple and a 3-ingredient latte but also because it packs a bold flavor! I used a chai tea concentrate, which is more widely available, to get the perfect balance of sweet and tea flavor.

Recipe Features:

  • Quick and Easy: Literally ready in under 10 minutes. The hardest part is brewing the espresso or coffee.
  • 3-Ingredient: Three simple ingredients is all you need.
  • Better than Starbucks! Ok, so maybe not better, but it tastes incredibly close. And is 10X cheaper to make!

What You Need:

I think the first place we need to start is by answering the question, what is a dirty chai? A dirty chai latte is when you add a shot of espresso into the drink along with frothed milk. Since I use a pre-made chai tea you only need three ingredients for this delicious coffee.

  • Chai Tea- I like Oregon Chai, but I know Tazo is another popular option.
  • Espresso- Optionally, you could use a strong brewed coffee.
  • Milk- 2% works best, but you could also use whole.

Optionally, you could also add sweeteners. I like my coffee more on the strong side and the tea I use is already quite sweet.

Step by Step Instructions:

This copycat Starbucks dirty chai is one for the books. You don’t need any fancy equipment to make it, although some items would come in handy.

  1. Brew your espresso and add it to a glass.
  2. Top with heated chai tea concentrate, leaving 1 inch empty in the glass.
  3. Froth the milk with a milk frother, or using the mason jar method below.
  4. Pour or spoon over the coffee tea mixture.
  5. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired and enjoy!

Tips and FAQs:

Easy peasy and perfect for a morning pick-me-up! But I also have a few great tips to help you along.

Helpful Tools:

A few tools that are not required, but are incredibly helpful to make this recipe super simple.

  • Espresso Maker- This one is reasonably priced and easy to use.
  • OR an AeroPress- I’ve used mine for years. It makes an incredible cup of coffee and even espresso! Almost like a mini French press.
  • Milk Frother- Read on for instructions on how to skip this tool and use a mason jar instead.

How to froth milk in a mason jar:

THIS is my favorite kitchen hack of all-time. Froth milk with a mason jar in under two minutes. And it REALLY WORKS.

  1. For a single serving, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup 2% milk to a pint sized mason jar.
  2. Screw the lid on and shake vigorously for one minute.
  3. Remove the lid. Microwave for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour or spoon the froth onto your coffee and enjoy.

Can you make a latte without espresso?

Yes. You can.

Sometimes I don’t feel like all of the work that comes with my espresso machine, call me lazy, and make this recipe with a strong cup of brewed coffee. It isn’t as strong, but just as delicious!

Related Recipes:

  • Coconut Milk Latte
  • Easy Snickerdoodle Latte Recipe
  • Iced Vanilla Coffee
  • Coconut Horchata Latte

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Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003