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
You only need a few pantry staples and spices to make this drink. Fresh, whole spices will give you the best flavor, but ground spices work in a pinch.
- Black tea – Assam or Darjeeling work best for strong flavor
- Milk – Whole, oat, or almond milk for creaminess
- Sweetener – Sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper
- Water – For brewing the tea
Pro tip: For a stronger flavor, lightly crush your whole spices before brewing.
How to Make the Perfect Latte Chai at Home
Step 1: Boil the spices
In a small saucepan, add water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger slices, and black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add tea leaves
Add black tea leaves or tea bags to the spiced water. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your chai.
Step 3: Add milk and sweetener
Pour in your choice of milk and sweetener. Stir and heat until steaming, but do not boil.
Step 4: Strain and serve
Strain the chai into mugs and enjoy while it’s hot. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra 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
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Calcium | 230 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
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
- Black tea – Assam or Darjeeling work best for strong flavor
- Milk – Whole oat, or almond milk for creaminess
- Sweetener – Sugar honey, or maple syrup
- Spices – Cinnamon ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper
- Water – For brewing the tea
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the spices
- In a small saucepan, add water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger slices, and black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add tea leaves
- Add black tea leaves or tea bags to the spiced water. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your chai.
Step 3: Add milk and sweetener
- Pour in your choice of milk and sweetener. Stir and heat until steaming, but do not boil.
Step 4: Strain and serve
- Strain the chai into mugs and enjoy while it’s hot. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch.
Video
Notes
- 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.
