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Dirty Chai Latte

This drink combines the spiced comfort of chai tea with a bold shot of espresso, creating a drink that's part cozy afternoon ritual, part energizing pick-me-up. The result is smoother and less harsh than a typical latte, with layers of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger that make you slow down and actually taste what you're drinking.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 shot espresso approximately 1 ounce, freshly pulled
  • 1 cup whole milk or milk of choice
  • 1/3 cup chai concentrate or 1 chai tea bag steeped in hot water
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional
  • Pinch of ground cardamom for garnish

Equipment

  • Espresso machine or stovetop moka pot
  • Milk frother or small saucepan with whisk
  • 12-ounce mug or coffee cup
  • Small saucepan for heating chai
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Thermometer (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Pull a fresh shot of espresso directly into your mug. The espresso should be rich and dark, with a golden crema on top.
  2. Pour 1/3 cup chai concentrate into a small saucepan and heat until steaming, about 2 minutes over medium heat. Never let it boil.
  3. Pour 1 cup cold milk into a separate small saucepan or into a milk frother pitcher.
  4. If using a milk frother, turn it on and let it heat and froth the milk for about 60 to 90 seconds until it reaches roughly 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until steaming and small bubbles form, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Slowly pour the warm chai concentrate into your mug with the espresso, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Stir in honey or your sweetener of choice at this point, while the drink is hot. Taste and adjust.
  7. Pour the frothed milk into your chai and espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon to create layers. Pour slowly to create a small mound of microfoam on top.
  8. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cardamom over the foam. Serve immediately while the drink is at its warmest and the foam is still perfectly silky.

Notes

Use freshly pulled espresso every single time. The temperature of your milk matters; milk frothed between 150 and 155 degrees Fahrenheit creates the silkiest microfoam. Warm your mug before pouring by rinsing it with hot water. Chai brands vary wildly in spice intensity and sweetness, so taste your chai concentrate before buying in bulk.