Is There Coffee in Chai? Dirty Chai Guide
Updated: Aug 6
If you have ever heard someone order a “Dirty Chai” but aren’t sure exactly what it is, then this post is for you.
Steadily growing in popularity in coffee shops, a Dirty Chai is a chai latte (tea, spices and sweetener infused in milk) which has had a shot of espresso (coffee) added to it.
Firstly, what is chai?
As a chai maker myself, I have quite a bit of experience when it comes to blending, brewing and most importantly, drinking chai. So let me give you a summary of what chai is.
Chai is the Hindi word for “tea” and masala means “spiced”. Masala chai therefore means “spiced tea”. Or as is often called in the West, “Chai Latte”.
Masala Chai is a milky drink that contains spices, tea and normally a sweetener, i.e. sugar or honey. It originated and is still enjoyed by many in India and other surrounding countries in Asia. While the chai brewed in Asian homes does differ from that made in Western coffee shops and cafes (mainly in terms of quality), it has a similar flavour profile in general.
This is a very brief explanation, but you can read more about chai here “What is chai?”
Is there coffee in a regular chai latte?
There is a common misconception that chai lattes contain coffee. This, however, is not true. Traditional Indian chai does not contain coffee, nor would a chai latte from a coffee shop or café.
If you have ever received a chai latte with coffee in it, this is due to an error on the part of the barista.
What is a chai with coffee in it called?
While chai is a tea-based drink, for coffee lovers, this shouldn’t put you off.
When an espresso (coffee) shot is added to a chai, it is called a ‘Dirty Chai’. It gets this name due to the brown/muddy colour the drink becomes when the coffee is added. While it may not sound very appealing, dirty chai is a great (and very tasty) option for those who love the spices of chai, but also want some additional caffeine.
The addition of coffee to a chai latte creates a deeper and bolder flavour profile. The notes of cinnamon and cloves are complimented well with the chocolatey and nutty taste of the coffee.
What is a Double Dirty Chai?
In case you are feeling a little wild, a ‘Double Dirty Chai’ is a chai latte with two shots of espresso. Double the caffeine, double the fun, right?
What is the difference between a chai latte and a dirty chai?
The typical coffee shop menu does have a lot to answer for when it comes to terminology!
Latte is simply the Italian word for milk.
So, chai latte means “tea milk”. This makes very little sense as do many drink names when we start taking non-English words and using them alongside English words.
Latte in the context of chai simply refers to there being milk present along with the spice and sweetness.
To keep it simple:
- Chai Latte/Masala Chai
A milky drink that has been infused with spices, tea and often a sweetener like sugar or honey.
- Dirty Chai
A milky drink like a chai latte which has had a shot of espresso or has added coffee beans in the brewing process.
Fun Fact: Something to keep in mind is that when using a natural chai mix (not a syrup or powder), you can also enjoy chai more like a traditional tea. This form involves adding hot water and allowing the tea and spices to brew. Then you can add a dash of milk to taste. This is the way I drink my chai most often during the day, saving the relaxing milkier masala chai for the evenings.
What are the Ingredients of a Dirty Chai?
Tea
A strong tea is essential for any masala chai. With the addition of spices, it is easy for the tea flavour to be lost if it isn’t strong enough. Tea is what gives chai its signature depth and maltiness.
Common tea types used in chai are Assam, Keenum or Nilgiri. We use Fairtrade Assam in our Masala Chai and Sticky Masala Chai because of the deep malty flavour which cuts through the spices without overpowering them.
Spices
Spices like cinnamon and clove are what most people think of when they hear the word ‘chai’. They take a traditional tea and transform it into a symphony of flavours which leave the drinker relaxed and savouring in the ‘Christmassy’ flavours.
While you can use any spices in your chai, these are the most common spices used:
o Cinnamon
o Cardamom
o Star Anise
o Black Peppercorn
o Cloves
o Nutmeg
o Fennel
Ginger
Ginger is optional when making chai, but why leave it out when it has so much flavour and character?
I love to add in ginger (sometimes extra) when I make a dirty chai so that the chest-warming goodness of it is carried through the drink. Ginger is perfect for those colder days when you start to feel yourself getting the sniffles and just need a pick-me-up.
Milk (dairy or dairy-free alternatives)
Traditionally, dirty chai is made from cow’s milk. Today, however, with an ever-expanding range of milk alternatives, you really can take your pick! While dairy milk is a great base for a dirty chai, I am also a big fan of oat milk which adds a depth of sweetness to the drink without needing to add scrupulous amounts of sugar!
Other great alternatives include soy milk and coconut milk.
Coffee
When choosing the coffee you add to your chai, it comes down to the robustness of the bean.
Due to there being so many flavours in chai, I recommend avoiding the use of really high quality/speciality coffee which may be used for pour-overs and filters.
The coffee used in dirty chai is best when it is a good quality medium roasted bean. When I make our dirty chai latte mix, I opt for a Guatemalan medium roasted bean that allows for a beautiful balance of spice and nutty chocolate notes. This is a great pairing as no one note tastes “overpowering”.
The challenge when brewing dirty chai is getting the balance just right.
If you have an espresso machine this is a great option. But, if you only have an Aeropress or cafetiere to hand, it is a great alternative in the creation of a note-worthy dirty chai.
Sweetener
While most coffee shops use chai powders and syrup, these are often packed FULL of sugar – as someone who has tried hundreds of chai lattes, this is not the best chai experience!
The best and most ideal chai to use is a natural chai mix. I mean, it makes sense right? If you want a good dirty chai, you have to use a high-quality chai mix.
When using natural ingredients in chai, honey or agave syrup make the perfect combination to ensure a light sweetness in your cup without being too sweet and leaving you with an achy tummy and regret after your last mouthful. Don’t worry, we’ve all made that mistake!
How much Caffeine is in a Dirty Chai?
While it depends on the chai brand you are using to make your drink, the caffeine content of a dirty chai will be higher than that of a regular chai latte.
Our Sticky Masala Chai in latte form has about 40mg of caffeine per 10oz cup. Compared to about 130mg of caffeine for a Dirty Chai Latte. Caffeine amounts vary greatly as you may know, so it is hard to put an exact number on it. Caffeine in an espresso shot can easily range from about 60-100mg.
If you are trying to cut back on the amount of caffeine you are drinking, I recommend opting for a regular Chai Latte on your next coffee shop visit or ask for a decaf coffee if they have one.
How much sugar/calories are in a Dirty Chai?
Below are examples of sugar/calorie quantities in some of the leading chai brands made with both oat milk and regular milk:
| 10oz (300ml) Dirty Chai made with oat milk | 10oz (300ml) Dirty Chai made with cow’s milk | ||
Chai Type | Sugar | Calories | Sugar | Calories |
Popular Chai Syrup | 42.8g | 245 calories | 26.6g | 199.6 calories |
Popular Chai Powder | 36.8g | 248 calories | 23.6g | 215 calories |
Chala’s Sticky Chai | 29.4g | 195 calories | 16.2g | 162 calories |
*The above nutritional value is based on a 10oz (300ml) chai using Oat Milk and Semi-Skimmed Milk.
As you can see, a dirty chai made from our Sticky Masala Chai made with natural honey, has quite a bit less sugar/calories than both the leading powder and syrup brands in the UK.
Due to the naturally sweetened nature of our chai, you don’t get the same overpowered sweetness that you do with many other chai brands. We also only use natural ingredients. No extracts, processed sweeteners or refined sugars!
Sugar and calorie quantities in a dirty chai are much easier to calculate if you know the brand of chai being used. When you next go to order a chai, ask the barista what brand of chai they use so you can check it out for yourself.
How to make the best dirty chai at home?
To make a dirty chai at home using Chala Chai mix and espresso, follow these steps:
1. Prepare your chai:
- Add 1 tablespoon (6g) of chai mix to a pot on the hob.
- Add 300ml of regular/oat milk to the pot.
- Brew on medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes or until the chai begins to bubble.
- Stir regularly and don’t allow the chai to boil over.
2. Brew Espresso:
- Use your espresso machine to pull a shot of espresso.
If you don't have an espresso machine:
- AeroPress: Add fine coffee grounds to AeroPress, add freshly boiled water (about 60ml), brew for 3 minutes and press slowly to extract a strong, espresso-like shot.
- French Press (Cafetiere): Add fine coffee grounds to the cafetiere, add freshly boiled water (about 60ml), let it steep for about 3 minutes, then press.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Pour the shot of espresso into the prepared chai on the hob.
- Stir well, strain into your mug and enjoy your dirty chai!
Benefits of drinking a Dirty Chai
There are several potential benefits which are linked to drinking dirty chai. I have listed several of them below for you:
Boosts energy levels
The combination of black tea and espresso in a dirty chai provides a significant caffeine hit (about 130mg of caffeine per 10oz cup), helping to improve alertness and reduce fatigue. This makes it a great option for a morning or mid-day pick-me-up.
The addition of a second shot of espresso can be a great option for those needing a boost in energy and alertness.
Caffeine from coffee has the potential to still be in your system up to ten hours after first consuming it and after six hours, up to 50% of it can remain in your system.[1]
Rich in antioxidants
Chai contains spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, which are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help fight oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and can lead to promoting overall health. While there is still a lot of research to be done in this area, the initial findings over the last few decades have shown promising results.
Antioxidants like catechins may help to prevent cells from being damaged in the body and brain as well as provide other potential health benefits.[2]
Improves digestion
Chai has been used as a digestive aid in Asia for centuries. The spices in chai, particularly ginger, cardamom and black peppercorn[3] are known for their digestive benefits. They can help soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and promote efficient digestion, especially after a heavy meal.
Provides anti-inflammatory benefits
Spices such as ginger and cinnamon contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for overall health and managing conditions like arthritis.
Improves mental clarity
The effects of caffeine from the espresso and the stimulating properties of chai spices such as cardamom can improve mental clarity and focus, making it easier to complete tasks and stay productive for longer.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a lot of information on how to choose the best dirty chai. To conclude, keep it simple.
Pick a good natural chai, use a coffee you like and put them together. Boom, a delicious and invigorating dirty chai to pick you up and get you going. If you would like to explore the world of chai further, you can read more of our blog posts here. If you have any questions, I would love for you to get in touch by contacting me at info@chalachai.com.
And remember,
Life’s too short to drink bad chai!
Andrew McGuire
Chief Chai Maker
Chala Chai
Links:
Commentaires