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.

We’re a huge fan of what we 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 we 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?!

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Table of Contents

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

Black tapioca pearl balls

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

Skull ice cube tray

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 —