What Is a Dirty Chai or Espresso Chai?

One of our favourite drinks is known by many different names: Dirty Chai, Espresso Chai, Red Eye Chai, Java Chai, Chai Charger, and probably more fun ones. It can be served hot or iced, and is a popular staple across many cafés and coffee shops. But what is this drink exactly?

Well first off, it's an espresso based latte, which can come as a surprise to some thinking that it's a tea latte because of the "chai" in the name. It consists of a shot of espresso mixed into chai tea (aka "spiced tea"). It's usually made with a chai concentrate or tea, steamed milk, and a single shot of espresso, and the result is a cross between a regular latte and a chai tea latte. And, it's seriously good. So good that we've included it as the only mix we sell that includes any espresso.

 

What Is Dirty Chai?

Dirty chai is a delicious twist on the classic chai latte, combining the comforting spices of traditional masala chai with the bold kick of espresso. This spiced tea coffee hybrid has become a popular café drink for those who want the warmth and spice of chai but crave an extra boost of caffeine.

A typical dirty chai latte includes a shot (or two) of freshly brewed espresso mixed with spiced black tea and topped with steamed milk. The result is a creamy, fragrant drink with subtle sweetness, rich coffee notes, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.

 

How to Enjoy Dirty Chai: Hot or Iced

Dirty chai lattes are versatile:

• Hot dirty chai latte: Made with hot steamed milk, freshly pulled espresso, and spiced tea.
• Iced dirty chai latte: Served over ice for a refreshing twist.
• Blended dirty chai latte: Blended with ice until smooth, often topped with whipped cream or flavoured syrups.

Each version can be sweetened to taste with sugar, honey, or flavoured syrups like vanilla or caramel. We've made a great mix where you can just add your favourite milk, or water! 

 

When to Drink Dirty Chai

Dirty chai is a popular café drink perfect for mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or coffee shop meetups with friends. Thanks to its double caffeine punch from both black tea and espresso, this latte provides an energy boost while delivering comforting chai spices.

 

Dirty Chai Caffeine Content

One question often asked is, how much caffeine is in a dirty chai latte? On average, a 12-ounce dirty chai contains about 160 milligrams of caffeine, combining black tea and espresso. By comparison, a regular chai latte has around 50–70 milligrams. Adding a second espresso shot increases the caffeine content for an even stronger energy boost.

 

Ordering Dirty Chai at Coffee Shops

Most cafés can prepare a dirty chai latte, even if it’s not on the menu. Simply order a chai latte with an added shot of espresso, or ask for a “double dirty chai” if you want two shots. For a cold drink, request an iced dirty chai latte or a blended dirty chai for a frozen treat.

 

Variations of Dirty Chai

Dirty chai lattes can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences:

• Vegan Dirty Chai: Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk instead of dairy.
• Green Tea Dirty Chai: Substitute black tea with green tea for a lighter flavor.
• Faux Dirty Chai: Try a cinnamon latte, ginger latte, or cardamom latte for similar spiced coffee vibes without the tea base.

 

Whether you love chai lattes but need an extra caffeine hit or just want to try a unique spiced coffee, dirty chai is a flavourful drink to enjoy year-round. Try making it at home  or for the road with our Dirty Chai Microground Mix, or ordering it at your favourite local café either hot, iced, or blended!

 

We are proudly Canadian! 🇨🇦 We are 100% owned and operated in Canada, made and packaged in Vancouver, British Columbia. Support local, buy Canadian! 🇨🇦