A Dirty Chai is what happens when a barista falls in love with a chai wallah.
It’s a little bit bold, a little bit spiced, and fully addictive.
This drink blends the depth of chai with the punch of espresso, a cozy-meets-caffeinated classic you can make at home in minutes. It’s also one of the easiest ways to wow guests, or upgrade your afternoon pick-me-up.
Here’s how to make a Dirty Chai (hot or iced), plus a few seasonal twists you’ll want to save.
What You’ll Need
For 1 serving:
- ¾ cup strong brewed Masala Chai (stovetop or concentrate)
- 1 shot espresso (or strong coffee)
- ½ cup steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Optional: sweetener to taste, cinnamon dusting
Hot Dirty Chai
- Brew a strong cup of Masala Chai (stovetop preferred).
- Pull an espresso shot.
- Combine chai + espresso in a mug.
- Steam or froth milk, then pour over.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Result: warm, spicy, cozy, energizing.
Iced Dirty Chai
- Brew Masala Chai and cool it down.
- Add ice to a tall glass.
- Pour chai, then espresso, then milk.
- Stir & sweeten to taste.
Result: refreshing, buzzy, perfect for warm afternoons.
Seasonal Twists to Try
- Maple Dirty Chai: add 1 tbsp maple syrup before milk.
- Pumpkin Dirty Chai: stir 1 tbsp pumpkin purée + pumpkin spice into the chai.
- Dirty Chai Affogato: pour espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, top with chai concentrate.
Save this Recipe
Dirty Chai = a café favorite, made personal.
Once you learn the base, the variations are endless. And that’s where the fun begins.
