As spring settles in with its crisp mornings and sun-soaked afternoons, there’s something undeniably satisfying about sipping a drink that wakes you up while keeping things cool. Enter the Shaken Iced Dirty Chai Latte—a bold, spiced twist on your usual iced coffee that feels just right for the season.

This drink brings together the cozy depth of chai with the invigorating strength of espresso, creating a flavorful contrast that feels both grounding and refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that energizes your day without rushing it—an ideal companion for slow starts, mid-morning breaks, or golden hour reflections.

What makes the Shaken Iced Dirty Chai Latte so special is its balance. It doesn’t lean too sweet or too sharp—it settles comfortably in the middle, where comfort and energy meet. Whether you're looking to switch things up from your usual iced latte or simply craving something with a little more soul, this spiced, shaken favorite checks all the boxes for a satisfying seasonal sip.

Ingredients

For the Chai Syrup

• 2 cups water
  
  

• 10 chai tea bags
  
  

• 1 1/4 cups cane sugar
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  
  

• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Latte

• Double shot of espresso (we recommend Crema Coffee’s Espresso Noir)
  
  

• 1 oz chai syrup (from above)
  
  

• 4 oz milk of your choice
  
  

• Ice

For the Creamy Cherry Top

• 3 tablespoons whipping cream
  
  

• 2 tablespoons milk
  
  

• 1 tablespoon cherry syrup

How to Make It

STEP 1: Brew the Chai Concentrate

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat and steep 10 chai tea bags for 15 minutes. This creates a bold, spiced concentrate that will serve as the heart of your syrup.

STEP 2: Create the Chai Syrup

Once steeped, transfer the chai concentrate to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of cane sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

STEP 3: Spice and Finish

After 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and whisk in the cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, cardamom, and vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely—it’s the spiced base that gives this drink its comforting depth.

STEP 4: Pull the Espresso

Brew a double shot of espresso using Crema’s Espresso Noir. The deep, bold notes of this blend pair beautifully with the spiced syrup, adding that signature “dirty” twist to the chai latte.

STEP 5: Shake It Up

In a cocktail shaker, add ice, the double shot of espresso, 1 ounce of the chai syrup, and 4 ounces of your preferred milk. Shake it well until chilled and lightly frothy. Pour the mixture into a tall glass over ice.

STEP 6: Make the Cherry Cream Top

In a frother, combine the whipping cream, milk, and cherry syrup. Froth for 10 to 15 seconds until soft and airy. Gently pour the cream over your latte for a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

STEP 7: Sip and Enjoy

Top it off with your favorite straw and take that first sip. The combination of spiced chai, bold espresso, and cherry cream is refreshing, indulgent, and everything a shaken iced latte should be.

Watch the video to learn more:

The Shaken Iced Dirty Chai Latte isn’t just another iced drink—it’s a bold, refreshing way to bring new energy to your daily ritual. Whether you’re sipping it on your morning commute or taking a quiet break in the afternoon sun, it brings together comfort, energy, and flavor in one beautifully balanced cup. So go ahead—shake things up and make your coffee ritual feel a little more special this season.