Iced Dirty Chai Espresso

Ok- so being a mom means you need lots of caffeine. Usually I stick to masala chai, the go-to caffeinated beverage for Indians, but I seem to need some more oomph lately. Maybe it’s because I haven’t slept for more than 3 hours at a time. I think it’s time I graduated to espresso and skip the black tea. I’m desperate to be awake, I dream of the day my baby sleeps more than 4 hours at a time. I know that day isn’t close, so caffeine it is. 

I recently learned about dirty chai, which is a masala chai spiked with a shot of espresso. My fellow MasterChef buddy, Olivia, actually inspired me because she recently posted her version (pst..it’s vegan!) on social media. I needed a stronger version of what she made so I switched out the milk for a heavy dose of espresso and eliminated the black tea completely. Now if you’re not as desperate as me, you can totally substitute the espresso for ground coffee.

The iced  dirty espresso ends up having a chai-like taste with a coffee-like kick. Exactly what a new mom needs in her life. This drink is now my new life-blood. Excuse me while I go make my 6th cup.

Iced Dirty Chai Espresso

---

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 3-4 cups of iced espresso 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups water
• 1.5 tbsp espresso powder
• 1 tsp fresh ground cardamom
• 2 cloves
• ¼ tsp fresh ground nutmeg
• 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• sugar to taste
• cream or milk (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add water, espresso powder, ground cardamom, cloves, ground nutmeg, cinnamon stick, star anise, ground ginger, vanilla bean paste and sugar to taste. Stir well and bring to a boil. Simmer for 7-8 minutes.
2. Strain and pour a bout 1 cup of dirty espresso over a mug full of ice, leaving room for milk. Pour in cream or milk and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Card powered by