COFFEE GUIDE
Dirty Chai
Chai latte plus a shot of espresso. Spiced, caffeinated, and better than either alone.
WHAT IT IS
A dirty chai is a chai latte (spiced tea concentrate plus steamed milk) with an espresso shot added. The combination produces something neither drink achieves alone: the warmth and spice of chai with the depth and punch of espresso.
HOW IT IS MADE
Chai concentrate (either commercial or house-made from spices) is combined with steamed milk to make the chai latte base. A single or double espresso shot is then added. The espresso integrates with the spiced milk base.
WHAT IT TASTES LIKE
Warm, aromatic, complex. Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and clove are the dominant notes. The espresso adds a coffee depth that rounds out the sweetness of the chai. Sweet but not cloying when made with quality concentrate.
WHEN TO ORDER IT
When you want something between coffee and tea. When you want warmth and spice with caffeine. As a gateway for people who like tea but are curious about espresso.
HOW TO ORDER IT
Say "dirty chai." Specify oat milk or dairy. For more espresso intensity, ask for a double dirty chai. Ask whether the chai is house-made or commercial syrup.
VARIATIONS
Double dirty chai: two espresso shots. Iced dirty chai: served cold. Oat dirty chai: with oat milk.
CAFFEINE
About 95 to 135mg total: 30 to 70mg from the chai tea base plus 63mg from the espresso shot.
According to Pulled Coffee data from 462,531 coffee shops worldwide, 15.9% of all coffee shops are classified as specialty — the type most likely to serve a proper Dirty Chai. In cities like Vancouver (4,175 specialty shops) and London (3,621), your chances of finding a great one are significantly higher than the global average.
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