We spiked your traditional dirty chai latte for a perfectly creepy Halloween cocktail recipe that can also be enjoyed year round! Also a perfect treat for chilly fall nights.
I’m a huge fan of what I like to call “bubbles” or boba for the more technical people out there.
It’s like a game to try and sip all of the bubbles through the straw as quickly as I can. Which could be a pretty dangerous game with this particular bubbly Spiked Dirty Chai Latte recipe.
But then again, you can’t go too wrong with this deliciousness!
We brought Robin of Double Trouble in to share her twist on this classic drink for a perfectly creepy (hello, coffee ice cube skulls), yet perfectly tasty fall cocktail.
Speaking of skulls, she also created this easy Tiki drink, the Shrunken Skull Cocktail for us.
Of course, you can always skip the liquor and whip this up for your next morning coffee, though it may make the ice skulls a little more questionable.
But hey, it takes a village, you know?!
What is a Dirty Chai Latte?
The traditional chai latte drink is composed of chai tea, milk, and honey.
A dirty chai latte consists of all the above ingredients but includes espresso. So it’s a combination of tea and coffee, and it’s sweeter and more caffeinated!
Ingredients and Tools Needed To Make a Spiked Dirty Chai Latte
Unsweetened chai tea
Honey mix — 1 part honey, 1 part water
Heavy whipping cream — To make your own whipping cream. You can purchase store-bought cream but homemade whipping cream is so easy to make and tastes much better!
Spiced rum
Allspice Dram — A simple spicy liqueur flavored with allspice berries. Available at the liquor store or you can make it yourself.
Angostura bitters
Optional: Cold brew coffee or chilled espresso — To make the skull ice cubes
How to Make a Spiked Dirty Chai Latte
Step 1 — Optional: Prepare cold brew coffee or chilled espresso to freeze overnight for the skull ice cubes.
Step 2 — In advance: Cook and prepare large black boba pearls according to package directions. Chill, strain, and drizzle with honey until lightly coated, cover, and refrigerate.
Step 3 — Prepare unsweetened chai tea according to package directions. Allow cooling to room temperature.
Step 4 — While the chai tea mixture is cooling, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks.
Step 5 — Fill a glass with ice and 2 ounces of the chilled boba pearls.
Step 6 — Pour the chai tea, spiced rum, and Allspice Dram into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into the glass.
Step 7 — Top with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for a layered effect.
Step 8 — Garnish with whipping cream, nutmeg, and prepared frozen iced coffee skulls.
What Makes a Dirty Chai Latte Dirty?
So why is it called a dirty chai latte? There are a few theories floating around, but the most likely explanation is that the added shot of espresso makes the drink appear somewhat muddy or dirty in color.
Dirty Chai Latte Recipe Tips
There are a few things you should keep in mind.
— First, make sure to use a strong espresso or coffee base. This will give the drink its signature dirty flavor.
— Second, use good quality milk. Whole milk will create a richer drink, while skim milk will make it lighter.
— Third, the spices you use are up to you, but ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom are all good choices.
— Fourth, use sugar or honey to sweeten the drink to your taste. Alternatively, you can try using our simple syrup recipe for an added depth of flavor.
— Fifth, dirty chai lattes are best served piping hot. So make sure to heat your milk and espresso before adding them to the glass.
More Chai Latte Recipes To Try
So what do you think?! I’m seriously telling you, this drink is the bomb dot com, and you know it’s gotta be good if I’m willing to say that phrase publicly on the internet!
And a big thanks to Robin for being our go-to cocktail connoisseur!
If you’re huge chai latte fans like us, check out a few of our favorite recipes below —
Spiked Dirty Chai Latte Recipe
Equipment
- Skull ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 5 oz chai tea unsweetened
- 3/4 oz honey mix 1 part honey, 1 part water
- 3/4 oz heavy whipping cream to garnish
- 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1/2 oz Allspice Dram
- 2 dash Angostura bitters
- Black boba tapioca pearls
- Ice
- Nutmeg to garnish
- Cold brew coffee or chilled espresso optional for skull ice cubes
Nutrition
Instructions
- Optional: Prepare cold brew coffee or chilled espresso to freeze overnight into the ice tray for the skull ice cubes.
- In advance: Cook and prepare large black boba pearls according to package directions. Chill, strain, and then drizzle with the honey mix until lightly coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare unsweetened chai tea according to package directions. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- While the chai tea mixture is cooling, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Fill a glass with ice and 2 ounces of the chilled boba pearls.
- Pour the chai tea, spiced rum and Allspice Dram into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into the glass.
- Top with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for a layered effect.
- Garnish with whipping cream, nutmeg and prepared frozen iced coffee skulls.
Don’t forget to share your Spiked Dirty Chai Latte recipe with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few cocktails to go along with them.
This recipe feels like maybe I don’t know enough or need to assume more. What is “allspice dram”? The balls aren’t in the ingredient list, but I do see them in the body of the recipe. I’m sure I can assume the honey mentioned in the recipe is the “honey mix” from the ingredient list. This sounds delicious, I just wish the process and what I need to buy was a little more transparent.
I love boba, but I’ve unsuccessfully tried to make it at home. :( The directions for the kind I have are in Japanese.
Ah! This looks delicious!
Love this cocktail recipe so much and it is so cute as well.
Rae | Love from Berlin
Is it crazy to throw a Halloween party just so I can make this!?
Absolutely not! ;)
These cocktails are so fun! You guys always do such a great job!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This is SO cute – I may have to serve this at my Halloween party!
Ahahah, I absolutely love the skull icecubes, that’s awesome!!!
Amy