Dirty Chai White Russian Recipe

I absolutely love this Dirty Chai White Russian recipe because it perfectly blends my love for classic cocktails with a spicy chai twist, making every sip feel like a cozy yet sophisticated experience. Plus, the gorgeous layered effect with the cream topping makes it Instagram-worthy and perfect for sipping on a chill evening with friends.

I love the fascinating blend of flavors in my Dirty Chai White Russian. It has 1 ounce of vodka and 1 ounce of Kahlúa, which give it a rich coffee twist.

However, the cocktail really shines when you add 1 ounce of cool-brewed chai tea and creamy half-and-half. It’s a spiced, creamy delight.

I sometimes garnish it with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, but that’s optional.

Ingredients

Clear and potent, this spirit throws the warmth and flavor of a stiff drink right at you.

Kahlúa: A coffee liqueur that is rich and sweet deepens the flavor profile.

Chai Tea: Provides a comforting tea twist that is spicy and aromatic.

Half-and-Half: Smooth texture, balances spice, adds creaminess.

Cinnamon, ground: Spice of the Earth; adds warmth; optional fancy garnish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlúa
• 1 ounce brewed chai tea, cooled
• 1 ounce half-and-half or heavy cream
• Ice cubes
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. A rocks glass should be filled with ice cubes.

2. Over the ice, pour 1 ounce of vodka.

3. Pour 1 ounce of Kahlúa into the glass.

4. Pour 1 ounce of brewed chai tea into the mixture.

5. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.

6. Using the back of a spoon, pour slowly and steadily 1 ounce of half-and-half or heavy cream over the top of the drink to create a layered effect.

7. Allow the cream to settle and blend gently with the other ingredients.

8. Gently mix if a more uniform look is wanted.

9. You can optionally garnish it with some ground cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top.

10. Enjoy your Dirty Chai White Russian immediately after preparing it.

Equipment Needed

1. Rocks glass
2. Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
3. Spoon (for stirring and layering)
4. Ice cube tray (if ice cubes are not already available)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of vodka?Absolutely, you can replace the vodka with rum or bourbon for a completely different flavor profile.
• Is there a way to make this drink non-dairy?Certainly! Coconut cream, almond milk, or any non-dairy creamer can take the place of half-and-half and heavy cream in your recipes.
• Can I make this drink in advance?It’s best to mix the serving right before it’s to be served, but you can brew the chai tea ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator.
• What kind of chai tea should I use?For the best flavor, use a concentrated, brewed chia tea, but if you have only premade chai tea concentrate, it can work in a pinch.
• How can I make the drink sweeter?To sweeten to taste, you can add a splash of simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?Indeed, just leave out the vodka and Kahlúa and make up the difference with more chai tea and a smidge of vanilla extract for a non-boozy drink that’s equally as delicious.
• Can I use iced coffee instead of chai tea?You can use iced coffee in place of the chai tea for a coffee-flavored variant, but be aware that it will alter the profile of the finished drink.

Substitutions and Variations

Vodka:
Replace with rum or bourbon for a different flavor profile.
Kahlúa:
Use any coffee liqueur or a shot of strong espresso with a touch of sugar.
Brewed chai tea:
Substitute with spiced black tea or chai concentrate for a more robust chai flavor.
Half-and-half or heavy cream:
Consider using coconut milk or almond milk in place of cow’s milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Serving Glass Before assembling the drink, chill your rocks glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This keeps the drink colder for longer and enhances the overall experience.

2. Use Freshly Brewed Chai For the best flavor, brew your chai tea fresh and let it cool down to room temperature before adding it to the drink. This ensures you capture all the aromatic spices from the chai.

3. Create Perfect Layers When layering the half-and-half or heavy cream, use the back of a spoon held against the inside of the glass. Pour the cream slowly over the spoon so it gently floats on top of the other liquids, creating a stunning layered effect.

4. Experiment with Spices While ground cinnamon or nutmeg are great garnishes, consider trying a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves for added aroma and visual appeal.

5. Adjust Sweetness and Spice If you prefer a sweeter drink, consider adding a teaspoon of simple syrup to the chai tea before cooling it. Alternatively, increase the chai spices by steeping the tea longer or choosing a spicier chai blend.