Creamy Dirty Chai Latte Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Coffee Drink
A cozy and creamy latte combining spiced chai tea with a bold espresso shot, wrapped in velvety milk foam. Perfect for a quick, indulgent coffee moment that feels like a warm hug in a mug.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 chai tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf chai (blend with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) hot water
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or dairy-free alternative (oat, almond, or coconut milk)
- 1 shot (1 oz or 30 ml) freshly brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pour ¾ cup (180 ml) of hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) over the chai tea bag or loose-leaf chai in a heatproof cup. Steep for 4 to 5 minutes until aromatic and amber-colored. Remove the tea bag or strain leaves.
- While the chai steeps, brew 1 shot (1 oz / 30 ml) of espresso or prepare strong brewed coffee. Set aside.
- Warm 1 cup (240 ml) of milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling (about 150°F / 65°C). Froth the milk using a milk frother, whisk, or by shaking in a sealed jar until creamy and bubbly.
- Pour the chai tea into a mug, add sweetener starting with 1 teaspoon and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Slowly pour the hot frothed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Pour the espresso shot over the latte to create the ‘dirty’ layered effect. Stir gently if desired.
- Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Do not over-steep chai to avoid bitterness; 4-5 minutes is ideal. Use fresh espresso for best flavor. Froth milk gently to achieve creamy texture. Adjust sweetener to taste. For vegan version, use oat or almond milk and maple syrup. Can be served iced by brewing chai and espresso strong and pouring over ice with cold frothed milk. Reheat gently if storing leftovers and re-froth milk for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (270 ml)
- Calories: 160220
- Fat: 58
- Carbohydrates: 2025
- Protein: 68
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