Kat's Kitchen

If you love the warm spices of chai but also need that caffeine boost, a dirty chai latte is the best of both worlds. This Raspberry Dirty Chai Latte takes it a step further with a layer of sweet, tangy raspberry cream cold foam. It’s inspired by a Starbucks drink—an iced dirty chai latte with raspberry cream cold foam—but making it at home means you can customize it, save money, and enjoy it whenever you want.

The bold espresso pairs perfectly with the spiced chai concentrate, and the fruity cream topping adds a refreshing twist. You can make it iced for an energizing summer drink or hot for a cozy fall or winter pick-me-up.

What Makes it Dirty?

A dirty chai latte just means espresso is added into the chai beverage. Espresso adds an extra caffeine boost as well as an elevated, bold coffee flavor to give you a lovely balanced spiced, sweet, coffee taste. You could absolutely omit the espresso and just make a raspberry chai latte with a regular chai concentrate and milk.

Ingredients

For the Chai Latte:

• 6 ounces espresso chai concentrate* or 6 ounces chai concentrate + 1–2 shots freshly brewed espresso
• 6 ounces milk of choice
• Ice

For the Raspberry Cream Cold Foam:

• 1 tablespoon homemade raspberry syrup (or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Optional: 1–3 drops red food coloring, for color

*Espresso chai concentrate is a chai concentrate that already includes espresso—you can buy it pre-made or make your own by adding espresso to chai concentrate.

Instructions – Iced Version

1. Build the base: In a tall glass, combine the espresso chai concentrate (or chai concentrate + espresso shots), milk, and ice. Stir well and set aside.
2. Make the cold foam: In a small cup or frothing pitcher, combine the raspberry syrup, 2% milk, heavy cream, and food coloring (if using). Froth with a handheld milk frother until thick and creamy.
3. Assemble: Slowly pour the raspberry cream cold foam over the iced dirty chai latte. Sip and enjoy!

Hot Version

To make it hot, add the raspberry syrup into your mug with the espresso chai concentrate (or chai concentrate + espresso shots). Steam the milk, then pour over the dirty chai-syrup mixture.

How To Make Non-Dairy Raspberry Cream Cold Foam

• 1 tablespoon homemade raspberry syrup (or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons 2% barista style oat milk
• 3 tablespoons vanilla soy milk
• 1–3 drops red food coloring (optional, for a brighter pink/red hue)

In a small cup or frothing pitcher, combine the raspberry syrup, barista style oat milk, vanilla soy milk, and food coloring (if using). Froth with a handheld milk frother until thick and creamy.

How To Make Espresso at Home

If you’d rather use freshly brewed espresso and a regular chai concentrate, see this post for 5 Ways to Make Espresso at Home, with or without a machine!

How To Order at Starbucks

If you want to try this drink at Starbucks before commiting to buying all the ingredients, ask for an GRANDE OR VENTI ICED DIRTY CHAI WITH RASPBERRY CREAM COLD FOAM.

Tips & Variations

• Dairy-free option: Use oat milk or almond milk for the latte, and the use barista style oat milk and vanilla soy milk for the cold foam.
• Extra spice: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder over the top before serving.
• Flavor swap: Try strawberry syrup instead of raspberry for a different fruity note.
• Lower the sugar: Use a sugar free raspberry syrup and a sugar free chai concentrate to lower the sugar amount in the drink.

The Raspberry Dirty Chai Latte is bold, spiced, fruity, and creamy all in one sip. It’s a fun way to elevate your coffee routine, whether you’re enjoying a slow morning at home or need an afternoon energy boost.

More Chai Recipes to Try

• Starbucks Iced Cherry Chai
• Starbucks Horchata Chai Latte
• Cinnamon Pecan Dirty Chai
• Salted Caramel Apple Chai Latte
• Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Chai
• Starbucks Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte
• Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Chai

More Raspberry Recipes to Try

• Homemade Raspberry Syrup
• Starbucks Raspberry Cream Cold Brew
• Raspberry Lemonade with Popping Boba