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Creamy Dirty Chai Iced Latte Recipe with Homemade Spice Blend

creamy dirty chai iced latte - featured image

A creamy and spicy iced latte featuring a homemade chai spice blend and a shot of espresso for a bold caffeine kick. Perfectly balanced with creamy milk and warming spices, this drink is quick, easy, and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (preferably Saigon cinnamon)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (fresh pods ground)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 shot strong brewed espresso (about 1 oz / 30 ml)
  • 1 cup milk of choice (240 ml) – whole milk or oat milk recommended
  • 2 teaspoons sweetener (maple syrup or honey)
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Combine 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon ginger, ยฝ teaspoon cloves, and ยผ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine. If grinding whole spices, pulse them gently in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to a fine powder.
  2. Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz / 30 ml). If you donโ€™t have an espresso machine, brew a strong coffee concentrate using a French press or moka pot. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small saucepan, gently warm 1 cup (240 ml) of your chosen milk over medium-low heat until just steaming (do not boil). Whisk in 1ยฝ teaspoons of the chai spice blend and 2 teaspoons of sweetener until well combined.
  4. Pour the spiced milk into a container and refrigerate until cold, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, add ice cubes directly to the milk to cool faster (may dilute flavor slightly).
  5. Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour the chilled spiced milk over the ice, then slowly pour the espresso shot on top to create a layered effect. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Sprinkle a pinch of the chai spice blend on top for texture and aroma. Optionally, add a cinnamon stick for stirring and extra flair. Serve immediately.

Notes

Let espresso cool slightly before pouring over ice to prevent melting ice too quickly and diluting the drink. Stir gently to maintain layered effect. Freshly grind spices for best flavor and texture. Use full-fat or oat milk for creaminess. Sweetener amount can be adjusted to taste. Store spice blend in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: dirty chai, iced latte, chai latte, homemade chai spice, espresso drink, creamy latte, iced coffee, vegan latte option