Frequently asked questions
More coffee drinks
Here are some of our favorite espresso drinks and coffee drinks: Usually Alex and I order black coffee at coffee shops, but every now and then we’ll go crazy and order a dirty chai latte. Here’s our spin on this coffee house special—it’s just sweet enough, and spiced gently with a special blend of chai spices! Other names for a dirty chai latte you might see in other coffee shops? Terms you might hear for this drink around the world are Java chai, red eye chai, or chai charger.
Make the espresso. Use your favorite method! Use an espresso maker or simply make strong coffee (we used our Aeropress). Make the masala chai. Next you’ll make the masala chai, or spiced milk tea. Our method takes only a few minutes using a homemade spice blend. Froth the milk. The last step is frothing the milk! See below for tips.
The word chai translates to “tea” in Hindi, so saying chai tea is technically saying “tea tea.” The correct term for the Indian tea blend is masala chai, where the word masala refers to a blend of spices used in cooking. Just like the word curry, a Westernized reduction of a complex blend of Indian spices, the American concept of chai can oversimplify and appropriate a rich Indian cultural tradition. Masala chai spices can include many different ingredients based on the cook, just like curry powder. Our chai spice mix uses common masala chai spices, but keep in mind there are many more used regionally in Indian blends. This recipe uses ground spices to make it quick and easy, including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, and fennel seed. Many traditional Indian recipes use whole spices, other use spices ground in a mortar and pestle.
The best milk for a chai latte is 2% or whole milk. Don’t use skim milk, as it doesn’t foam enough. Heat the milk to 150°F (scalding). The exact temperature is important to get the right frothy foam, so use a food thermometer if you have one. Or, simply heat the milk until it’s hot to the touch with some small bubbles starting to form on the outside, but it’s not yet simmering. Use a French press, hand frother, or whisk. A French press works great; you can also use a hand frother or vigorously whisk the milk. For the French press, pump 100 times or 1 minute for the best creamy, frothy foam.
Want an iced dirty chai latte? Try this iced chai latte recipe and add 4 ounces of espresso (works with dairy or non-dairy milk). *Want to make dirty chai lattes throughout the week? Make a big batch of the spiced tea and refrigerate. When you’re craving a latte, warm up ¾ cup of the tea, add espresso and froth the ½ cup milk. 5 from 6 reviews For vegan, make our Vegan Chai Latte using oat milk and add 4 ounces espresso. For iced, make our iced chai latte and add 4 ounces espresso (with dairy or non-dairy milk). **You can skip straining if desired: the spices will settle to the bottom of the drink.
The Americano is a popular coffee drink that smooths the bitterness of espresso with hot water. Rich and chocolaty, a mocha has just the right topping of fluffy milk foam. The cappuccino, flat white, and latte are creamy with just the right touch of foamed milk and bitter espresso. This iced latte is creamy, icy and refreshing. Our cold brew coffee recipe is easy to make in just a few minutes of hands on time.
