Dirty Chai Latte Recipe for the Perfect Afternoon Boost

Some drinks you plan, others you stumble upon. The Dirty Chai Latte belongs to the second category, a happy surprise that quickly became a worldwide favorite. It takes the soul of chai, with its rich black tea and warming spices, and brings it together with the strength of coffee. What you get is a drink that feels familiar yet exciting, as if two rituals met in one glass.

Think of the creamy comfort of chai, steeped with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, then picture that moment when a bold shot of espresso flows in and transforms it completely. The sweetness softens the spice, the coffee deepens the tea, and the result is smooth, cool, and full of energy. The Dirty Chai Latte is not just a recipe, it is a pick-me-up that feels both grounding and refreshing.

The Story Behind the Dirty Chai Latte

The Dirty Chai Latte actually has a fun backstory. It is said to have been created in the 1990s when a barista in London accidentally added a shot of espresso to a customer’s chai latte. Instead of being a mistake, the drink turned out to be a hit, smooth, spiced, and unexpectedly energizing. Since then, it has become a favorite in coffee shops around the world, loved for its balance of cozy chai flavors and bold coffee kick.

How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte

Ingredients

• 1 Tea India Instant Masala Chai sachet 

• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup

• 1 shot of espresso

• Ice

Directions

1. Prepare a serving of Tea India Instant Masala Chai by mixing the powder with hot water until fully dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature or place it in the fridge for a few minutes if you prefer it extra chilled.

2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled chai over the ice, leaving room for milk and coffee.

3. Add the milk and vanilla syrup, stirring gently so the flavors blend together.

4. Brew a fresh shot of espresso and slowly pour it over the chai mixture. The layers will create a beautiful swirl before they mix.

5. Give it one last stir, take a sip, and enjoy the perfect balance of spiced chai and bold coffee.
   
   Tip: For the easiest prep, try our Masala Chai Tea Instant Latte Mix Powder. It blends authentic spices, premium black tea, and milk powder into a ready-to-use mix, just add water. We also offer an Unsweetened Masala Chai Latte Mix so you can sweeten your way. It’s just the perfect one to try this recipe. No guesswork needed.
   

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Chai Latte

• Combines the boldness of espresso with the comfort of spiced chai

• Easy to make with just a few ingredients

• Refreshing iced drink for any time of day

• Made withTea India’s Instant Chai Mix for authentic flavor without the wait

• Customizable: add more spice, skip the syrup, or swap in oat milk
  

A Chai with Character

The Dirty Chai Latte isn’t just another iced coffee. It’s a drink that celebrates the best of two traditions: the spiced warmth of Indian chai and the bold intensity of espresso. With Tea India’s Instant Masala Chai Latte Mix, you can make it in minutes, whether you want it sweet, unsweetened, hot, or iced.

So grab a glass, pour it over ice, and let this creamy, spiced latte be your next afternoon ritual.

Want to see how we made the Dirty Chai Latte step by step? Watch the full recipe in action on our Instagram page.