Are you a chai or coffee enthusiast? Perhaps you have heard of or even tried a dirty chai latte. If not, we have you covered. We have discussed everything about dirty chai, from the common ingredients, benefits, and a few recipes.
| Dirty Chai at a Glance | |
| Also known as | Spicy Espresso Latte, Chai Shot, Chai Bomb, Morning Masala Kick |
|---|---|
| Served | Hot or iced |
| Core ingredients | Espresso, black tea, steamed milk, chai spices |
| Flavour profile | Bold, creamy, spicy, slightly sweet |
| Popular variations | Iced dirty chai, Vegan dirty chai, Green tea dirty chai |
| Caffeine level | Moderate to high (~160 mg per 11 oz cup) |
| Best for | Mornings, afternoon slumps, or anytime you crave a cosy caffeine kick |
What is dirty chai?
What is dirty chai, essentially?
Essentially, dirty chai is chai latte with a shot of espresso. Unlike ordinary chai (masala chai) or sticky chai, it's made with black tea or chai concentrate, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk, it’s like a blend of a latte and chai tea. The drink is flavored with spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves, giving it a comforting and aromatic profile. Dirty chai can be served hot or iced, making it a versatile option for any season.
Ingredients of dirty chai:
- Black Tea: The base of dirty chai, often a high-grade Assam black tea for its rich and bold flavor.
- Espresso: Adds a creamy, bold coffee flavor and smooth texture.
- Ground Spices: Includes ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, star anise, and cloves for a balanced spice profile.
This combination creates a creamy, flavorful drink that’s like a mix of a latte and traditional chai.
Types of dirty chai
The two most popular types of dirty chai are iced dirty chai latte and blended dirty chai latte. Other versions of dirty chai are:
- Vegan/dairy free dirty chai: prepared using almond or soy milk.
- Green tea dirty chai: You only replace black tea with green tea with this alternative.
- Faux dirty chai: comprises either ginger latte, cardamom latte, or cinnamon latte with an espresso shot.
Benefits of dirty chai
Like any chai product, dirty chai offers several health benefits. These include, but are not limited to:
- Boosted immunity. Black tea in dirty chai is rich in Polyphenols such as catechins and thearubigins, the primary sources of antioxidants known to boost the immune system.
- Diabetes management. Organic black tea regulates blood glucose levels, while coffee is known to be suitable for people with Type II diabetes.
- Relieves hypertension. The high potassium content in dirty chai relaxes the tension in arteries and blood vessels.
- Anti-cancer properties. Some studies have linked espresso to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
- Improves digestion. Polyphenols in black tea increase the presence of good bacteria. It also reduces harmful ones, improving gut health.
- Boosts cognitive function. The espresso in dirty chai enhances memory and brain functions. Caffeine is also known to boost energy levels and increase concentration.
- Weight loss. Espresso helps reduce hunger pangs linked to regular snacking. The latter increases the likelihood of obesity and weight-related issues.
Explore more: Health Benefits of Chai
Calories in a cup of dirty chai
The calories in a cup of dirty chai depends on your ingredients such as the amount of sugar, honey, milk you put in your cup. But normally, dirty chai will contains around 200 calories for a cup, base on calories counter of WebMD. You can also count your carbs and calories for your own cup of dirty chai by using this calculator.
Caffeine content in dirty chai
Yes! As we know about the benefits of chai in general and dirty chai for particular, chai or dirty chai can boost cognitive function, it is because the caffeine content in black tea and espresso. The average caffeine is about 160 milligrams for 11-ounce dirty chai.
Learn more on our post: Is there caffeine in chai latte
How to make Karak Chai (at home)
If you already know how to make a cup of tea, you’re halfway there. Making Karak Chai at home is just as easy - except it’s a little richer, a little bolder, and a whole lot more satisfying.
Below, we’ve included three easy Karak Chai recipes - one for beginners using pantry staples, one is for those vegan tea lovers, and another using our Monk’s Chai blend for something a little more elevated:
| Dirty Chai Recipes | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Dirty Chai Latte | - 2 tsp Monk’s Chai tea - 1 shot espresso - ¼ cup boiling water - ¾ cup whole milk - Honey or sugar (to taste) - Cinnamon/nutmeg (optional) |
1. Steep tea in boiling water 4–5 min. 2. Steam milk until frothy. 3. Mix brewed tea, espresso & milk. 4. Sweeten and garnish if desired. |
| Vegan Iced Dirty Chai | - 2 tsp Monk’s Chai tea - 1 shot espresso - ¼ cup boiling water - ¾ cup oat/almond milk - Maple syrup or agave - Ice cubes |
1. Steep tea and let cool. 2. Brew espresso and cool slightly. 3. Fill glass with ice, pour in tea, espresso, milk. 4. Sweeten and stir well. |
| Blended Dirty Chai Frappe | - 2 tsp Monk’s Chai tea - 1 shot espresso - ¼ cup boiling water - ½ cup milk - 1 cup ice - 1 tbsp honey/sweetener - Dash of vanilla (optional) |
1. Brew and cool tea. 2. Blend tea, espresso, milk, ice & sweetener. 3. Blend smooth, pour & serve chilled. |
Brew You Dirty Chai Today!
Get all your ingredients ready and stick with the above recipes to brew your favorite dirty chai latte. Remember, you can always substitute the ingredients to suit your unique taste. Get the Monk's chai organic tea from our shop today to enjoy a healthy, tasteful dirty chai latte.
... Want more drinks? Explore Karak chai!
FAQ about dirty chai
Our most common dirty chai questions!
What is dirty chai?
Dirty chai is a popular espresso beverage made with tea or chai concentrate, one shot of espresso, and steamed milk.
How many calories in a cup of dirty chai?
Dirty chai contains around 200 calories per cup, based on calorie counts from WebMD. This can vary depending on milk and sweeteners used.
Can kids drink dirty chai?
Due to the caffeine content from both tea and coffee, it's best reserved for teens and adults. For kids, skip the espresso and use decaf chai for a safer option.
What foods pair well with dirty chai?
It pairs beautifully with pastries, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, oatmeal cookies, or savoury breakfasts like avocado toast.
How much espresso should I add to my dirty chai?
Start with 1 shot (about 1 oz) for a mild kick. Use 2 shots if you prefer a bolder, more energizing cup. Adjust to your taste and caffeine preference.
More chai pairing tips: The Ultimate Guide to Chai Snacks & Drinks Pairings