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Classic Coffee Drinks

# What Is a Dirty Chai Latte? How to Make Chai with Espresso

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Coffee Culture](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-culture/) [Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/milk/)

## Quick answer

A dirty chai brings **espresso** into a spiced tea-and-milk drink. The challenge is keeping the coffee and chai in **balance**, rather than letting one hide the other. Start with a chai you enjoy before adding the shot.

## Key takeaways

- A dirty chai brings espresso into a spiced tea-and-milk drink.

- Prepare chai using the format you have, then add an espresso shot and warm milk.

- Use less chai for a coffee-forward drink or more for a spiced tea profile.

 

![Coffee with milk foam in a ceramic cup.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/milk-coffee-in-ceramic-cup.avif)

Coffee with milk foam in a ceramic cup.

## How to make a dirty chai

 

Prepare chai using the format you have, then add an **espresso shot** and **warm milk**. **Taste before adding** sweetener because packaged concentrates can already be **sweet**. If you brew the tea yourself, steep it to the strength you like before combining it with coffee.

 

## Balance chai and espresso

 

Use less chai for **a coffee-forward** drink or more for a spiced tea profile. A bold **espresso** may stand out more clearly, while a mild shot can blend into the spices. Adjust one ingredient at a time and note the version you prefer.

 

## Choose a milk texture

 

Steamed dairy milk makes a smooth hot drink, while **plant-based** alternatives bring their own flavor and may **foam** differently. Our guide compares [**oat**, soy, and **almond** milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/oat-soy-almond-milk-for-coffee/), and our article on [**espresso shot** styles](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/ristretto-espresso-lungo-differences/) explains another way to adjust the coffee component.

 

## Choose the chai before the ratio

 

Chai concentrate, brewed tea, and a freshly simmered spice blend are not interchangeable. Concentrates may already contain **sugar** and can vary in strength; brewed tea gives you more control over steeping and **sweetness**. **Taste** the chai on its own before adding espresso, so you know whether the finished drink needs extra sweetener.

 

If making chai from tea and spices, **strain** it before combining it with coffee. Loose spices can make **the cup** gritty, and very long steeping may make tea **taste** astringent. Follow the tea’s directions, then adjust the amount of chai in the finished drink rather than repeatedly extending the steep.

 

### Keep the flavors distinct

 

Espresso should add a roasted note, not erase the spice. Start with one shot and a modest amount of chai, then increase either component in small **steps**. **A sweet** concentrate may need no additional syrup; unsweetened tea may benefit from a little **sweetness**, depending on **your taste**.

 

## Hot and iced versions need different handling

 

For a hot drink, warm the chai and milk before adding espresso, then serve promptly. For an iced version, chill brewed chai first and pour it over **ice** before adding **cold milk** and espresso. Hot liquid can melt **ice** quickly and dilute the cup, so avoid using freshly heated chai unless you **account** for that added water.

 

Milk changes both **body** and flavor. Dairy, **oat**, **soy**, and almond options each taste different, and performance depends on the specific product. **Compare** the ingredients and **texture** in your own cup rather than assuming one substitute will behave exactly like another.

 

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [tea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea), see Wikipedia.

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Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

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- [What Is a Caffè Breve? Making Espresso with Half-and-Half](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/caffe-breve/)

- [What Is a Cortado? Coffee-to-Milk Ratio and How to Make One](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/cortado-coffee-to-milk-ratio/)