Dirty Chai vs Chai Latte: Which One Should You Choose?

Dirty Chai vs Chai Latte. We explain the differences here!

Are you a fan of chai tea? If so, you may have heard of two popular variations: Dirty Chai and Chai Latte. While both are delicious, some key differences set them apart.

Dirty Chai is a twist on traditional chai tea that adds a shot of espresso to the mix. This gives the drink an extra caffeine kick and a rich, creamy flavor. On the other hand, a Chai Latte is made by combining chai tea with steamed milk and a sweetener, such as honey or sugar. The result is a smooth, comforting drink that’s perfect for relaxing.

If these descriptions entice you, keep reading since we have much more information to share about these popular beverages.

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Table of Contents

What is Chai?

Technically, chai is another word for tea. However, in many countries, the term refers to masala chai.

Masala chai is a spiced tea that originated in India. It’s a popular beverage made by brewing tea with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Nutmeg and black pepper are also sometimes added to the mix.

Traditionally, masala chai is made by boiling the spices and tea leaves in water and adding milk and sugar. The resulting beverage is rich, creamy, and flavorful, with a spicy kick perfect for warming you up on a cold day.

The exact origin of chai is unclear, but it’s believed to have been developed in India thousands of years ago. Over time, the recipe has evolved and spread to other parts of the world, where it’s often enjoyed with various spices and flavorings.

Masala chai is available in many forms today, including tea bags, loose-leaf tea, and pre-made mixes. It can be brewed hot or cold and enjoyed plain or with milk and sweetener.

Dirty Chai vs Chai Latte

When you walk into a coffee shop and see “Chai Latte” and “Dirty Chai” on the menu, you might wonder what the difference is. Both drinks are made with tea, steamed milk, and spices, but some key differences exist.

A Chai Latte is made with black tea, steamed milk, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. It’s a creamy, comforting drink perfect for a chilly day. You can customize your Chai Latte by choosing the type of milk you want: whole, almond, soy, or any other milk alternative.

On the other hand, a Dirty Chai is a Chai Latte with a shot of espresso added to it. The espresso adds a bold, rich flavor and a caffeine kick to the already-spiced drink. A Dirty Chai might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a comforting and energizing drink.

When it comes to milk, both Chai Lattes and Dirty Chais can be made with any milk you prefer. However, some people might prefer whole milk in their Chai Latte to get a creamier texture, while others might opt for almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free option.

Menu Items

Coffee shops tend to have a variety of chai options on the menu. Here are some everyday menu items you might encounter:

Chai Latte: This classic option combines chai tea with steamed milk and a sweetener like honey or sugar. It’s a creamy, comforting drink perfect for sipping on a chilly day.
Dirty Chai: If you’re looking for something with a little extra kick, a dirty chai might be for you. This drink combines chai tea with a shot of espresso, giving it a more potent caffeine boost and a richer, more complex flavor.
Double Dirty Chai: For the genuinely caffeine-addicted, some coffee shops offer a double dirty chai, which includes two shots of espresso instead of one. This drink is not for the faint of heart!
Iced Chai: If you want something refreshing on a hot day, an iced chai might hit the spot. This drink is made with chilled chai tea and can be served with or without milk.

Vanilla Chai Latte: Some coffee shops may offer a vanilla-infused version of the chai latte, which adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of vanilla flavor to the traditional recipe.
Green Tea Dirty Chai: For a twist on the classic dirty chai, some coffee shops offer a version made with green tea instead of black tea. This drink has a lighter, more herbal flavor and is an excellent option if you’re not a fan of the strong taste of black tea.

No matter which menu item you choose, you’ll surely enjoy the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai tea.

Dirty Chai vs Chai Latte, Chai and Pastries

Dirty Chai vs Chai Latte: Recipes

You’ll need a few essential ingredients to make a delicious chai latte at home. Start with a base of masala chai, a blend of black tea, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, and cloves.

You can find pre-packaged masala chai (loose tea or tea bag) or create your blend. The recipe below assumes you want to make your blend.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 black tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods
4 whole cloves
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

Preparation

Add water, black tea, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher.
In a different saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat. Once rolling boiling, remove from the heat and whisk briskly to create foam. Use any whisk you have at hand. You can use a milk frother or an expresso machine (if you have them).
Pour the tea and spices mixture into cups.
Pour in the milk (to taste), holding back the foam with a spoon.
Spoon the foam on top
If desired, sweeten to taste

For a pop of color and added flavor, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on the foamy milk layer.

This recipe is customizable to your taste preferences – you can adjust the amount of sweetener, spices, and milk to suit your preferences.

Add one shot of espresso (about 63mg of caffeine) to convert your chai latte to a dirty chai. Mix the espresso with the tea before adding the milk and foam. If you are up to the challenge, add a double shot (about 125 mg of caffeine).