How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte with Oat Milk: The Ultimate Dairy-Free Coffee Recipe

If you love the warming spices of chai but crave the caffeine kick of espresso, a dirty chai latte is your perfect match. This beloved coffee shop drink layers rich, bold espresso over sweet, aromatic chai tea, then finishes with a creamy milk froth. And when you swap regular dairy for oat milk, you get an even silkier, more indulgent texture that complements the spices beautifully.

Making a dirty chai latte with oat milk at home is surprisingly simple and far more affordable than buying one every day. Whether you're new to dairy-free alternatives or a seasoned oat milk fan, this guide will walk you through every step, from brewing the chai concentrate to pulling the perfect espresso shot. We'll also share tips on choosing the best oat milk for frothing and how to customise your drink to suit your taste.

What Is a Dirty Chai Latte?

A dirty chai latte is exactly what it sounds like: a classic chai latte 'dirtied' with a shot (or two) of espresso. The result is a beautifully balanced drink that combines the deep, roasted notes of coffee with the sweet, spicy warmth of chai. Traditionally made with cow's milk, the modern dairy-free version uses oat milk for its creamy consistency and neutral flavour that doesn't overpower the spices.

Oat milk has become the barista's favourite plant-based milk because it froths exceptionally well and has a natural sweetness that enhances the chai's cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger notes. For the best results, choose a barista-grade oat milk like our Barista Oat Milk (6-pack), which is specially formulated to create thick, velvety foam that holds its shape in your cup.

• Uses espresso for a caffeine boost (1-2 shots depending on preference)
• Combines sweet, spiced chai concentrate with creamy oat milk
• Can be served hot or iced – perfect year-round

Ingredients You'll Need

To make a dirty chai latte with oat milk at home, you'll need just a handful of ingredients. Start with a high-quality chai concentrate – you can use store-bought or make your own by simmering black tea with spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and fresh ginger. For the coffee element, freshly pulled espresso or strong brewed coffee works best.

The star of the show is, of course, the oat milk. We recommend using a barista blend for the best froth and mouthfeel. Our Unsweetened Original Oat Milk (6-pack) is an excellent choice if you prefer a less sweet base, while the Barista Oat Milk (6-pack) offers a richer, creamier texture that mimics whole milk. You'll also want a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to balance the spices.

• Chai concentrate (homemade or store-bought)
• 1-2 shots of espresso or 60ml strong brewed coffee
• 200ml barista oat milk (e.g., Barista Oat Milk (6-pack))
• Sweetener of choice (optional, to taste)
• Ice cubes (if making an iced version)

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Dirty Chai Latte with Oat Milk

Start by brewing your chai concentrate. If using a tea bag, steep it in hot water for 5 minutes, then remove. For a stronger flavour, simmer loose tea and spices in water for 10 minutes, then strain. While the chai steeps, pull your espresso shots. If you don't have an espresso machine, a stovetop moka pot or strong French press coffee works well too.

Next, heat your oat milk. Pour it into a small saucepan over medium heat or steam it with a milk frother. Barista oat milk froths beautifully, so aim for a thick, microfoam texture. In your serving mug, combine the chai concentrate and sweetener, then pour in the hot espresso. Slowly add the frothed oat milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. For an iced version, fill a glass with ice, pour in the chai and espresso, then top with cold oat milk.

• Brew chai concentrate or steep a strong chai tea bag
• Pull 1-2 shots of espresso
• Froth barista oat milk until thick and velvety
• Combine chai and espresso in a mug, then add frothed milk
• Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg

Why Oat Milk Is the Best Choice for a Dirty Chai Latte

Oat milk has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason. Its creamy consistency and natural sweetness make it an ideal companion for both chai and espresso. Unlike almond milk, which can separate in hot coffee, or soy milk, which sometimes curdles, oat milk holds its texture beautifully. It also has a neutral flavour that lets the chai spices shine without adding unwanted nutty or beany notes.

For a dirty chai latte, the froth quality is especially important. Barista oat milk is engineered to create stable, silky foam that sits proudly on top of your drink. This not only looks professional but also enhances the drinking experience. If you're making a large batch for family or friends, consider stocking up on our Kids Oat Milk (6-pack) – it's just as creamy but with a slightly milder taste that kids love, making it perfect for a non-caffeinated chai version for little ones.

• Creamier than almond or rice milk – perfect for frothing
• Naturally sweet, so you may need less added sugar
• Does not curdle or separate in hot coffee or tea
• Sustainable and widely available in the UK

Customisation Ideas: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about a dirty chai latte is how easy it is to customise. If you like a stronger coffee flavour, add an extra shot of espresso. Prefer a sweeter drink? Drizzle in a teaspoon of vanilla syrup or caramel sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of black pepper or extra ginger to your chai concentrate. You can also experiment with different types of oat milk – our Chocolate Oat Milk (6-pack) makes a decadent mocha-chai hybrid that's perfect for a weekend treat.

If you're serving the whole family, you can make a kid-friendly version by omitting the espresso and using our Kids Chocolate Oat Milk 8oz On the Go (16-pack) as a fun, portable base. Just stir in a little chai concentrate and serve warm or cold. The options are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and find your perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and coffee strength.

• Add vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for extra sweetness
• Use chocolate oat milk for a mocha-chai twist
• Adjust espresso shots to control caffeine level
• Try a pumpkin spice chai by adding pumpkin purée and pie spice

Making a dirty chai latte with oat milk at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. You get to control the sweetness, spice level, and coffee strength, all while enjoying a creamy, dairy-free drink that rivals any café version. Whether you prefer it hot on a chilly morning or iced on a warm afternoon, this recipe is sure to become a staple. For the best results, start with a high-quality barista oat milk – explore our Barista Oat Milk (6-pack) to get that perfect froth every time. Cheers to your new favourite homemade coffee creation!