There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of chai latte. The creamy texture, the gentle spices, and the soothing aroma make it more than just a drink. It’s comfort in a cup. Making a latte chai at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to control sweetness, strength, and creaminess to suit your taste.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect latte chai, share tips for getting the flavors just right, and show you how to customize it with your favorite spices and milk options.
How To Make Best Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Latte Chai
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended, see substitutions below)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra warmth)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully.
- Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar are great options.
- Tea: Assam or Darjeeling tea provides a bold base, but any strong black tea will work.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust quantities or add star anise or black peppercorns for extra depth.
Pro tip: For a stronger flavor, lightly crush your whole spices before brewing.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Simmer the spices
In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the spices to fully infuse the water.
2. Brew the tea
Add the black tea bags to the saucepan and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep briefly for a bold flavor.
3. Add milk and sweetener
Pour in the milk and return the saucepan to low heat. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and gently warm the mixture without boiling.
4. Strain and finish
Remove from heat and strain the chai into mugs. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Serve warm
Enjoy as-is, or top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy finishing touch.
Tips for Customizing Your Latte Chai
- For a stronger chai: Increase steeping time or add more tea leaves.
- For a sweeter drink: Try sweetened condensed milk for a richer taste.
- For a dairy free version: Use oat or coconut milk for creaminess without dairy.
- You can also experiment with adding star anise, fennel seeds, or even a pinch of turmeric for extra depth and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
Latte chai pairs beautifully with:
- Freshly baked scones
- Cinnamon rolls
- Shortbread cookies
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Make ahead: Brew the chai concentrate (without milk) and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Storage: Keep prepared chai in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.
- Freezing: Freeze the concentrate in ice cube trays for quick, single-serve chai lattes.
FAQs About Latte Chai Recipe
1. What is a latte chai?
A latte chai is a spiced tea drink made by brewing black tea with aromatic spices and combining it with steamed milk, creating a creamy and flavorful beverage.
2. Can I make latte chai without whole spices?
Yes, you can use ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. However, whole spices provide a fresher and more robust flavor when simmered.
3. What kind of milk works best for chai latte?
Whole milk offers creaminess and richness, but oat, almond, or soy milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives that froth well.
4. How do I sweeten my latte chai naturally?
Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup are great natural sweeteners. Adjust the amount to taste while warming the milk.
5. Can I prepare chai latte ahead of time?
You can brew the chai concentrate ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, reheat and add steamed milk before serving.
6. How do I froth milk at home without a frother?
You can froth milk by whisking vigorously by hand, shaking it in a sealed jar, or using a handheld mixer.
7. Is chai latte caffeine free?
Traditional chai lattes contain black tea, which has caffeine. You can use decaffeinated tea if you prefer a caffeine-free option.
Conclusion
A homemade latte chai recipe is a simple way to bring warmth and flavor into your day. With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes, you can create a Cafe worthy drink in the comfort of your kitchen. Once you’ve tried it, you might never go back to store bought chai.
The Best Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 cup milk whole milk recommended, see substitutions below
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger sliced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra warmth
Instructions
1. Simmer the spices
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the spices to fully infuse the water.
2. Brew the tea
- Add the black tea bags to the saucepan and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep briefly for a bold flavor.
3. Add milk and sweetener
- Pour in the milk and return the saucepan to low heat. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and gently warm the mixture without boiling.
4. Strain and finish
- Remove from heat and strain the chai into mugs. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Serve warm
- Enjoy as-is, or top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy finishing touch.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use black tea or chai tea bags for classic flavor.
- Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but any milk works.
- Simmer spices gently to avoid bitterness.
- Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste.
- Adjust spice levels with extra cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger.
- Strain before serving for a smooth latte.
- Chai concentrate can be stored in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
