Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

A chai latte is a warm, comforting spiced tea drink that combines aromatic spices with creamy milk. This homemade version is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste, perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 cups milk (plus more for frothing)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• Pinch kosher salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the water, vanilla extract, and all the spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk gently to combine the ingredients.
2. Step 2: When the mixture starts to steam and bubble, remove the saucepan from heat.
3. Step 3: Add the black tea bags to the saucepan and let them steep for 5 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Step 4: Remove the tea bags and return the saucepan to medium heat until it simmers again.
5. Step 5: Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of kosher salt if using. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired.
6. Step 6: Heat until the chai latte reaches your preferred temperature. Serve with frothed milk on top and a light sprinkle of additional chai spices if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
• Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Try adding a piece of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick while heating for extra flavor.
• Froth your milk using a handheld frother, whisk, or by shaking hot milk in a sealed jar.

Storage

Store any leftover chai latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid boiling after reheating to preserve the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?

Yes, you can use about 2 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea. Steep it in a tea infuser or strain the mixture after steeping.

Is it possible to make this chai latte ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the spiced tea base ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, add fresh milk and reheat gently.

Chai Latte Recipe

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4.4 from 129 reviews

A warm and aromatic Chai Latte made with a blend of fragrant spices, black tea, and steamed milk, sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup. Perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons, this homemade chai latte combines traditional Indian flavors with the creamy texture of steamed milk, creating a comforting and flavorful beverage.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk (plus more for frothing)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Spices

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Others

• 2 black tea bags
• Pinch kosher salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the spices and water: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, pure vanilla extract, and all the ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves). Whisk together to blend the flavors evenly.
2. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat: Heat the mixture until it starts to steam and bubble, then promptly remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent boiling.
3. Steep the tea: Add the black tea bags to the hot spice mixture and let them steep for 5 minutes to infuse the tea with the aromatic spices.
4. Simmer and add milk: Remove the tea bags and return the saucepan to medium heat. Bring the mixture gently back to a simmer.
5. Incorporate milk and sweetener: Whisk in the milk, pure maple syrup, and a pinch of kosher salt if using. Taste the latte and add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
6. Serve the chai latte: Heat the chai latte to your desired temperature. Froth additional milk separately and pour it on top for a creamy finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chai spices if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute the black tea bags with loose leaf black tea or chai tea for a stronger flavor.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.
• Frothing the milk adds a delightful texture but can be omitted if you don’t have a frother.
• This recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve more people.

Keywords: chai latte, homemade chai, spiced tea, warm beverage, maple syrup chai, Indian tea