Chai 101: Dirty Chai

If you're a fan of both coffee and tea, then Dirty Chai might just be your new favorite beverage. This unique concoction combines the bold flavors of coffee with the aromatic spices of chai, creating a delightful fusion that awakens your taste buds. 

What is Dirty Chai?

Dirty Chai is a popular beverage that blends the robustness of espresso or coffee with the traditional flavors of masala chai. It was created in a coffee shop in England where a barista accidentally poured a shot of espresso into a traveler’s cup of chai. The traveler chose to try it anyway and the dirty chai was born. It is a delightful twist on the classic chai latte, adding a caffeine kick to the already comforting and aromatic blend of spices.

Ingredients

The key components of a Dirty Chai typically include:

Espresso or Coffee: Dirty Chai traditionally incorporates a shot of espresso as its base. However, some variations use brewed coffee as a substitute, catering to personal preferences and caffeine tolerance.

Chai: The heart and soul of Dirty Chai is the infusion of chai. Chai is made by simmering loose-leaf tea, a mixture of black tea leaves and an assortment of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. The resulting chai concentrate is then mixed with the espresso or coffee. If you’re a fan of chai, check out our chai concentrate, available in both sweetened and unsweetened options.

Milk: To create a creamy and velvety texture, milk is added to the Dirty Chai. The choice of milk can vary from cow's milk to plant-based alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.

Sweetener (Optional): Depending on personal taste preferences, a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel can be added to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Dirty Chai is a delightful fusion of coffee and chai, combining the best of both worlds to create a beverage that is rich in flavor, complexity, and a hint of spiciness. Whether you're seeking a new caffeine fix or an adventurous twist on your usual chai latte, Dirty Chai offers a harmonious blend that satisfies both your coffee and chai cravings. If you’re wondering where to start, check out our Dirty Chai recipe below. Give it a try, experiment with your preferred ingredients, and embrace the enticing allure of this unique beverage. Cheers to the bold and spicy journey of Dirty Chai!

Recipe

What You Need

- One shot of Espresso (or strongly brewed coffee)

- 1/2 cup of Chai Concentrate

- 1/2 cup of Milk (Dairy or Alternative Milk)

- Instant Coffee for decoration

Directions

- Brew your espresso

- Combine equal parts of Chai Concentrate and your choice of cold or warm milk (if preparing a warm drink, try frothing your milk first)

- Add the shot of espresso to your Chai

- Mix and top with instant coffee for decoration

Enjoy!