Iced Dirty Chai Latte Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Spiced Iced Espresso with Almondmilk

This refreshing iced drink combines the boldness of espresso with the warmth of spiced tea and creamy almondmilk. A perfect treat for any time of the day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk
• 2 tablespoons Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk Creamer
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 black tea bags
• Ice cubes, as needed
• 2 shots espresso, cooled

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cardamom. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the saucepan and let the mixture cool completely. You can speed up this process by transferring the mixture to a separate .
4. Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Strain the cooled tea mixture into the glasses, dividing it equally between both.
5. Add one shot of cooled espresso to each glass, ensuring the coffee blends well with the spiced tea.
6. Pour 1/2 cup of Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk into each glass, followed by 1 tablespoon of Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk Creamer in each. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy, and spicy iced espresso drink!

Origin Story

The Iced Dirty Chai Latte, a popular variation of the traditional chai latte, has its roots in India where chai, a spiced tea, is a beloved staple in daily life. The word "chai" simply means "tea" in Hindi, and the drink is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The "dirty" part of this modern twist refers to the addition of espresso, which brings a bold coffee flavor to complement the sweet, spiced tea. While chai lattes have gained worldwide popularity, the fusion of chai and espresso originated in the United States, likely in trendy cafes that experimented with combining the two drinks to create a unique, energizing beverage.

Regional Variations

While the Dirty Chai Latte itself is an American innovation, its inspiration comes from both the traditional chai tea from India and the ever-popular espresso culture of Italy. In different regions, variations of the Dirty Chai Latte may be found. For example, in Europe, the traditional chai spices might be swapped out for local flavors such as vanilla or lavender. In places like Australia and New Zealand, where coffee culture thrives, you might find a Flat White Chai or Chai Mocha, which incorporates chocolate along with the espresso and chai, giving it an extra rich flavor. Regardless of location, however, the dirty chai latte remains a favorite for its unique combination of spicy warmth and coffees boldness.

Differences from Similar Drinks

The Iced Dirty Chai Latte differs from other popular coffee drinks, like the regular iced latte or the chai latte, in several key ways. A classic iced latte is typically made by combining espresso and milk, served over ice. Meanwhile, a traditional chai latte uses spiced tea as its base instead of coffee, often served hot or cold with milk. The "dirty" in the Iced Dirty Chai Latte specifically refers to the addition of espresso to the chai, resulting in a more complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the chai spices with the bitterness of the coffee. This drink provides a caffeinated punch that both chai lovers and coffee enthusiasts can enjoy, making it a popular hybrid choice in cafes worldwide.

Where It's Served

The Iced Dirty Chai Latte is a common feature on the menus of coffee shops and cafes, particularly in urban areas where coffee culture thrives. It is often served as a refreshing beverage, particularly during the warmer months when iced drinks are more popular. Coffeehouses like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and independent cafes have adopted this drink, and it can be customized with various milk alternatives (like oat or almond milk) to suit dietary preferences. In India, while the traditional chai is far more common, you'll find that modern cafes, especially in metropolitan cities, have begun serving the Iced Dirty Chai Latte as a fusion of Eastern and Western beverage trends.

Interesting Facts

1. The Iced Dirty Chai Latte is a great source of antioxidants, thanks to the spices used in the chai mix, such as cinnamon and cardamom, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties.

2. The term "dirty" is used colloquially in the coffee world to refer to the addition of espresso to a drink. This quirky naming convention has made the Dirty Chai Latte an intriguing option for those seeking something different from the usual coffeehouse fare.

3. Though the Iced Dirty Chai Latte may seem like a modern invention, the practice of adding spices to tea has been around for centuries. In fact, chai as we know it has been consumed in India for over 500 years, with different regions adding their own unique blend of spices.

4. The drink has inspired variations in many parts of the world. In the United States, some people experiment by adding flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel, while in the UK, you might find it served with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

FAQ about Iced Dirty Chai Latte Recipe