Warm Spices and Instant Espresso Come Together for a Quick and Healthy Breakfast

On chilly winter mornings, the last thing you want to do is get out of your cozy bed. This dirty chai smoothie makes the mornings a little easier. Two heaping teaspoons of instant espresso powder give this blend a caffeinated kick while still packing in filling nutrients to keep you satisfied until lunch. And despite being a frosty breakfast, there’s something deliciously seasonal about this smoothie’s blend of warm spices. We promise it’ll be worth waking up for this one.

The Origin of the Dirty Chai

Referred to as a chai tea latte in western cultures, the blend of spices, black tea and milk originated as masala chai in India, where it is traditionally less sweet than the version we sip in the United States. Flavored with cinnamon, clove, ginger, and cardamom, the drink is packed with spice and is a common breakfast drink across South Asia.

The “dirty chai,” as we refer to it in the United States, describes a chai latte with an added shot of espresso. The story of its origin leads to a barista in Covent Garden, England who accidentally added espresso to a chai latte she was preparing for a customer. In spite of the mistake, it became his new favorite drink and he ordered it everywhere he went. Along with dirty chai, this mix may be called a “java chai” or a “red eye chai,” among others.

The Perfect Smoothie Blend

When it comes to smoothies, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Although most of our blends include frozen fruit (often banana, as this lends the smoothie a creamy texture), protein (such as yogurt or nut butter), and liquid, substitutions are easy. If you prefer your smoothies thicker, for example, just reduce your liquid volume. Want a snack instead of a meal? Just drop a protein for a lighter drink.

If your question is “Can I add chocolate to this?” the answer is always yes. Add a teaspoon or two of cocoa powder to your smoothie for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Looking for other smoothie inspiration? Try our espresso peanut butter banana smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1 banana, frozen

• 2 tsp instant espresso powder

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of ground cloves

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (optional)

• 1 – 1 1/2 cups milk of your choice

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add additional liquid if needed.

2. Pour into a glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.