Easy Dirty Chai Tea Latte (Vegan)

Who says that you need to go to coffee shops just to get an extra kick of caffeine in the morning? With this dirty chai tea latte recipe, you can enjoy the warmth and spice of chai tea combined with the energizing kick of espresso right in the comfort of your own home. It’s creamy, spicy, and pairs wonderfully with fresh muffins or buttered toast.

Jump to Recipe
A white ceramic mug filled with frothy chai sits on a saucer with a teaspoon. Star anise and cloves are scattered on the saucer. In the background, there's another mug, a bottle of milk, and bowls of spices. The scene is set on a marble surface.

Great Reasons You Will Want to Make This Recipe

  • Easy to do: Though this drink sounds fancy, it’s pretty easy to do with minimal steps. Steep black tea together with a blend of spices, add some espresso shot, and stir–it’s as straightforward as it gets. Perfect if you want to start the day hassle-free.
  • Comfort: The addition of ice makes this drink truly invigorating on warm days or when you’re looking for something to cool you down. I sometimes like to keep it warm to feel cozy on chilly mornings.
  • Health benefits: Making this dirty chai recipe is healthier as you get full control over the ingredients (more espresso? less sugar? Your call!). Unlike the traditional chai latte, we’ll be using maple syrup instead of honey, making it ideal for vegans.
  • Cost-saving: Skip the overpriced cafe run and make your own iced dirty chai latte instead. You can save up in the long run, and your wallet will thank you for it.

Ingredients Needed To Make Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Here are the basic ingredients that you need to make a wonderful cup of chai tea latte to energize your day.

  • Dairy-free milk: Choose oat milk or soy milk if you want to create a smooth foam. 
  • Black tea bags: You can choose different options of black tea, like Ceylon, Assam, and Darjeeling. If possible, pick a brand that uses larger leaves.
  • Espresso: Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. 
  • Maple syrup: For this recipe, use Grade A Amber or Grade A Dark to complement the chai spices and espresso.
  • Spices: You’ll need star anise, peppercorns, whole cardamom pods, and fresh ginger to spice up your tea.

Gina’s Tips For Making This Recipe

  • Avoid over-steeping your tea, or else you’ll get a bitter taste.
  • If you have an espresso machine, use it to brew your espresso for the best flavor.
  • Cool the chai tea before making the iced chai latte. If you’re in a pinch, put the tea in the fridge to cool fast.
  • Adjust the sweetness based on your personal preferences. 
  • Try to pour the milk slowly to create a fancier layered look before mixing.
  • Use leftover chai or espresso ice cubes to avoid diluting the drink as the ice melts

How To Make Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Combine Spices And Water

First, crush the cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns using a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or rolling pin. 

  • Spice grinder: Pulse a few times and check the consistency. You can grind them finely or coarsely, depending on your preference.
  • Mortar and pestle: Place the spices in the mortar, then gently press down with the pestle. 
  • Rolling pin: Place the spices inside a sandwich bag, then gently roll with a rolling pin.

Once done, transfer the crushed spices to a small pot along with the ginger, cinnamon sticks, black tea bags, and water.

A metal pot on a marble surface contains sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and tea leaves. Two tea bags rest nearby.

Steep

Place the pot on medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. This is the part where the spices release their essential oils and extract their flavor. Once it boils, turn off the heat and remove the tea bags (hurry; you don’t want your chai tea base to taste bitter). Covered or uncovered, leave the mixture to steep for at least 20 minutes.

If you want a bolder taste, steep the mixture for another 10 minutes. 

A small saucepan with a metal handle containing water, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and tea bags on a marble surface.

Strain And Assemble

After steeping, strain the chai tea mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices and any tea residue. Set aside.

Now, it’s time to assemble the latte. 

Get a tall glass and fill it halfway with ice cubes (this helps keep the latte cool and refreshing). Pour the chai mixture over the ice, then slowly pour in the milk. Next, add the espresso—this is the dirty part of the latte.

​Stir in the maple syrup for sweetness and give the mixture a stir with a spoon to combine all the flavors. Serve to enjoy!

A metal strainer containing cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger slices sits over a glass bowl. Dark liquid drains through the strainer, resting on a white marble countertop.

Variations & Substitutions

  • If you want a less creamy latte, choose almond milk with a hint of a nutty flavor or coconut milk for a slightly sweet flavor.
  • I like to use strong black tea like Ceylon, but you can also use a pre-spiced chai blend for convenience.
  • For a rich, creamy texture, try using whole milk instead of plant-based milk.
  • Use a strong coffee if you have no espresso machine. Want a stronger coffee flavor? Feel free to add more shots of espresso.
  • If you like your DIY dirty chai latte recipe to have that regular latte look, steam milk. Simply warm milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, then dip it with a milk frother to create foam. No frother? Shake the hot milk in a mason jar.
A hand holds a white mug of frothy coffee on a table. Nearby are a spoon, star anise, a small bowl of cardamom pods, a cup of black coffee, and another white mug on a white saucer. A light, airy setting with a focus on warm beverages and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what people ask about this recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the chai mixture, espresso, and milk separately in different airtight containers. If you’ve already assembled the drink, pour the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Can I customize the number of espresso shots?

Yes, you can adjust the number of espresso shots based on your caffeine tolerance. If you want it stronger, use 2 shots of espresso to make double dirty or filthy chai.

Serving Ideas

You can enjoy your iced dirty chai latte with a dash of cocoa powder on top. If you like it hot, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a nice aromatic finish. Pair it with a small biscuit or a slice of gingerbread for a perfect breakfast. 

Do you want to transform this drink into a delightful dessert? Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, then sprinkle with crushed graham crackers. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I also like to garnish it with crushed candy canes and serve it with gingerbread cookies (feels like Christmas!). If you want to feel the autumn vibes, add a splash of pumpkin spice syrup and top with pumpkin pie spice and whipped cream.

Dirty Chai Tea Latte

A person holding a white mug filled with a frothy dirty chai latte on a white plate. Next to the mug are a few whole star anise and cloves, adding a touch of spice to the cozy setting.
Who says that you need to go to coffee shops just to get an extra kick of caffeine in the morning? With this dirty chai tea latte recipe, you can enjoy the warmth and spice of chai tea combined with the energizing kick of espresso right in the comfort of your own home. It's creamy, spicy, and pairs wonderfully with fresh muffins or buttered toast.
Gina Dickson
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 cardamom pods whole, crushed
  • 4 cloves whole
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 4 peppercorns
  • 2-3 slices ginger fresh
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups non-dairy milk (e.g., almond, oat, or soy)
  • 1 shot espresso or strong brewed coffee
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Chai Base:

  • Crush the cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns.
    8 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 2-3 star anise, 4 peppercorns
  • In a small pot, combine the crushed spices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, black tea bags, and water.
    2-3 slices ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 black tea bags, 2 cups water

Simmer and Steep:

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately turn off the heat. Remove the tea bags to prevent bitterness. Let the mixture steep for at least 20 minutes.

Strain:

  • Strain the chai mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices.

Assemble the Latte:

  • Fill a glass with a few ice cubes. Add ½ cup of the chai mixture, ½ cup of non-dairy milk, a shot of espresso, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir well. Adjust sweetness or milk to taste.
    2 cups non-dairy milk, 1 shot espresso or strong brewed coffee, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve cold over ice or warm it up for a cozy version.

Notes

Gina’s Tips For Making This Recipe

  • Avoid over-steeping your tea, or else you’ll get a bitter taste.
  • If you have an espresso machine, use it to brew your espresso for the best flavor.
  • Cool the chai tea before making the iced chai latte. If you’re in a pinch, put the tea in the fridge to cool fast.
  • Adjust the sweetness based on your personal preferences. 
  • Try to pour the milk slowly to create a fancier layered look before mixing.
  • Use leftover chai or espresso ice cubes to avoid diluting the drink as the ice melts.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating