How to Make a Spring Iced Dirty Chai Latte with Foam (in 5 Easy Steps)

If you're craving something that blends the boldness of coffee with the warm, spicy charm of chai, this Iced Dirty Chai Latte is your perfect Springtime sip. Combining the earthiness of chai tea, the depth of dark roast coffee, and a cloud of cold foam on top, this drink is a layered indulgence with a little caffeine kick.

So what exactly is a Dirty Chai Latte? Think of it as the less common cousin of the dirty chai. It swaps espresso for drip or French press coffee—usually from a dark roast—for a mellower but still rich experience. Add milk, ice, and foam, and you’ve got a textured, sweet-spiced drink perfect for blooming days and sunlit afternoons.

What You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup strong dark roast coffee (cooled)

• 1/2 cup prepared chai tea (preferably spiced and unsweetened)

• 1/3 cup milk of choice (or milk alternative)

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice (optional)

• Ice

• 1/4 cup cold milk (for foam)

• Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)

5 Steps to the Perfect Iced Dirty Chai Latte

Step 1: Brew and Cool

Start by brewing a strong cup of dark roast coffee and steeping a bag (or looseleaf) of chai tea. Let both cool completely. You can do this ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Pro tip: For extra depth, steep the chai a bit longer than usual so the spices really shine through the cold.

Step 2: Sweeten and Mix

In a glass, add ice and pour in:

• 1/2 cup chai tea

• 1/2 cup dark roast coffee

• Sweetener, if using (like maple syrup or honey)

Stir gently to combine. You’re building a bold, spicy base that doesn’t shy away from flavor.

Step 3: Froth Your Foam

In a separate cup, pour 1/4 cup cold milk and froth it using a handheld frother, milk frother, or by shaking it in a mason jar with a tight lid. You're looking for light, airy bubbles—not a thick foam, just a soft cloud to top things off.

Optional: Add a drop of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon into the milk before frothing for extra springy flavor.

Step 4: Add Milk & Foam

Pour your regular milk (1/3 cup) directly into the glass over the chai-coffee mix. Then spoon or pour your frothed milk on top to create that luscious, cafe-style layer of foam.

Step 5: Garnish & Sip

Top it all off with a light sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even crushed cardamom. Sit back, sip slowly, and enjoy your cool, creamy, spicy-sweet masterpiece.

This iced dirty chai latte is a sensory experience—cool, comforting, and gently energizing. It’s everything you love about a chai latte with the added depth of coffee, finished with a delicate foam crown. Whether you’re journaling on the porch or heading out for a sunny walk, this is your new go-to seasonal favorite.