Make tea time sublime with a creamy, dreamy latte full of warm spices and natural sweetness.
Few drinks are as comforting as a homemade chai latte. With its soothing blend of black tea, warming spices, and creamy milk, it’s the perfect companion for quiet mornings or cozy afternoons. While chai lattes are now a staple in cafés worldwide, their roots trace back to masala chai, a traditional Indian beverage enjoyed for centuries.
Masala chai combines black tea with milk and a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, often sweetened with sugar. Fun fact: In Hindi, chai simply means “tea.” So when you hear “chai tea,” it’s actually the same word in two different languages. But given how delicious this drink is, maybe it’s worth repeating! Now, let’s brew a cup of this spiced and creamy treat at home.
Is This Chai Latte Healthy?
While many store-bought versions tend to have copious amounts of sugar and preservatives, this homemade version cuts back on the sugar and uses only natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You could also use agave if that’s your thing. Since this recipe is quite flexible too, you can easily use non-caffeinated black tea instead of caffeinated if need be. You can also choose any kind of milk you’d like, whether dairy or plant-based.
The Difference Between Chai And Pumpkin Spice
You might be wondering, “What’s the difference between these two iconic flavors?” It’s a fair question, especially since both chai and pumpkin spice lattes are cozy favorites often enjoyed in the fall and winter.
Chai, or more specifically masala chai, is an aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Cardamom is the standout ingredient in chai, lending it a unique and slightly citrusy flavor. Pumpkin spice, on the other hand, swaps cardamom and black pepper for nutmeg and allspice. The result is a blend closely tied to the flavors of pumpkin pie, which is why it’s so popular in the fall.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup water
- 1 black tea bag
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optional: cinnamon stick for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil
Boil water and steep tea.
Spice
Add spices and sweetener to the tea.
Combine
Mix in hot milk, stir, and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
A chai latte is best enjoyed hot and fresh. You can, however, double or triple the batch to make a chai concentrate, which you can use later. Simply make the black tea and add all the spices, before letting it cool to room temperature and storing it in a refrigerated airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to make it, heat up the milk and follow the rest of the recipe steps.
For a more robust flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon in your chai latte. Simply break a cinnamon stick into small pieces and grind it using a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or fine microplane grater. Freshly ground cinnamon retains more essential oils than pre-ground, enhancing both aroma and taste. Add it during brewing for full infusion or sprinkle on top for a finishing touch. For the freshest results, grind just what you need each time!
A milk frother is a game-changer for turning any milk-based drink into a creamy, frothy delight. It’s simple to use and adds a touch of café-style luxury to your homemade lattes. If you love a velvety finish, a frother is definitely worth adding to your kitchen arsenal!
Serving Suggestions
Top your chai latte with a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg, then garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick. For breakfast, I recommend pairing chai latte with Healthy French Toast, or the more decadent Carrot Cake Instant Pot French Toast Casserole.
If it’s an afternoon tea time you’re after, serve this latte with a selection of Dried Apples, Mixed Fruit And Nut Energy Bites, and White Chocolate Biscotti.
Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 black tea bag
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk dairy or plant-based
- Optional: cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
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Add the black tea bag to the boiling water. Reduce heat and let it steep for 5 minutes.
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Remove the tea bag, then stir in cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and honey or maple syrup.
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In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until it’s steaming but not boiling.
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Pour the spiced tea into a cup, then add the steaming milk. Stir to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Nutrition
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