This chai tea latte recipe is creamy, spiced, and easy to make at home. Learn how to make a café-style homemade chai latte that’s comforting, frothy, and full of authentic flavor.
Chai Tea Latte Recipe (Creamy, Spiced & Café-Style)
Course: Uncategorized2
servings5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
2 cups water
2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
1 cinnamon stick
4–5 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
4 whole cloves
1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based for a vegan chai latte)
2–3 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish
Directions
- Add the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and sliced ginger to a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let the spices steep for about 5 to 7 minutes so the water becomes deeply fragrant.
- Add the black tea bags or loose tea to the saucepan. Reduce the heat slightly and let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your chai.
- Pour in the milk and warm everything together over low heat. Do not let it boil. Stir gently and heat just until the chai is hot and creamy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in your sweetener of choice and vanilla extract, if using.
- Strain the chai into mugs to remove the spices and tea leaves. If you like a frothy chai latte, whisk the milk before pouring or use a milk frother.
- Serve hot with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. For an iced version, let the chai cool, then pour over ice and add a splash of milk.
Notes
- For a stronger, more authentic chai tea latte, lightly crush the cardamom pods before simmering. It releases more flavor without overpowering the drink.
- Oat milk gives the creamiest café-style chai latte, but almond or soy milk work well for a vegan chai latte.
- If you prefer a healthier chai latte, reduce the sweetener or skip it altogether. The spices add plenty of natural warmth and flavor.
- This chai concentrate can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with milk when ready to serve.
- For a Starbucks-style chai latte, use extra milk and slightly less water for a richer, smoother finish.
Why Homemade Chai Tea Lattes Are Worth It
There’s something about a chai tea latte that feels like comfort in a cup. It’s warming, fragrant, and indulgent without feeling heavy. I started making my own chai lattes at home after spending far too much money at cafés and realizing that, with the right spices and a little patience, I could replicate the same cozy drink in my kitchen.
A homemade chai latte isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about control. You get to decide how creamy, how sweet, and how spiced your drink is. Some mornings I like mine bold with extra ginger and cardamom, other mornings I tone it down and sip slowly while reading the newspaper. That’s the charm of making your own chai tea latte recipe—it’s exactly how you want it.
Ingredients That Make the Best Chai Tea Latte
To get that creamy, spiced, café-style chai latte, the ingredients are simple but important. Use fresh spices whenever possible. Whole spices make a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor, though pre-ground works in a pinch.
How to Make a Creamy Chai Latte at Home
Step 1: Brew the spices
In a small saucepan, bring the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, and ginger to a simmer. Let it steep for about 5–7 minutes so the water absorbs all the spice flavors. This step is where your chai tea latte really starts to come alive.
Step 2: Add the tea
Add the black tea to the saucepan. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes depending on how strong you like your chai. Remove from heat once it reaches your desired strength.
Step 3: Make it creamy
Stir in the milk of your choice. Return the pan to low heat and gently warm the milk with the brewed tea. Do not let it boil, or the milk can curdle. For a frothy chai latte recipe, whisk briskly or use a milk frother until light and airy.
Step 4: Sweeten and serve
Add honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste. Pour the chai into mugs, strain out the spices and tea leaves if needed, and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top. For an iced chai latte recipe, let it cool slightly, pour over ice, and enjoy with a splash of milk.
Why Spices Make a Difference
A spiced chai latte is more than just black tea with milk. The balance of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger creates a warming flavor profile that feels cozy and complex. Cinnamon adds warmth, cardamom gives a floral sweetness, cloves bring depth, and ginger adds a gentle heat. You can tweak the spices based on your preferences—if you like it more robust, add extra ginger or a dash of black pepper for a kick.
You can pair this with delicious banana cookies – See the Recipe
Tips for a Perfect Cafe-Style Chai Latte
- Fresh spices over pre-ground: Whole spices release a more aromatic flavor.
- Don’t boil the milk: Heating gently keeps it creamy and prevents curdling.
- Use your preferred milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk make a great vegan chai latte.
- Sweeten to taste: Some like it lightly sweet, others prefer it richer. Start small—you can always add more.
- Optional froth: Frothing the milk gives that professional café feel.
Variations You Can Try
- Vegan chai latte: Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk, and sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
- Iced chai latte: Brew and chill the tea, then pour over ice with milk. Perfect for warm mornings.
- Healthy chai latte: Reduce or skip the sweetener entirely. The spices carry a lot of natural flavor.
- Extra creamy chai latte: Add a splash of coconut cream for indulgence.
Want to lose weight? This tea helped me a lot – Watch Now
FAQs About Chai Tea Latte
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Brew the spice tea and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently and add milk when ready to serve.
Can I use chai tea bags instead of loose tea?
Absolutely. One or two strong chai tea bags will work perfectly.
Is this healthy chai latte low in calories?
It depends on the milk and sweetener. Using unsweetened plant milk and a small amount of honey keeps it lighter.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes, any plant-based milk works for a vegan chai latte. Oat milk gives the creamiest texture.
How do I froth the milk for a café-style chai latte?
Whisk briskly, shake in a jar, or use a small handheld for airy foam.
Why Making Chai Tea Latte at Home Is Worth It
Making a chai latte at home gives you flexibility and control over ingredients. You can adjust sweetness, spice level, and milk type. It’s also cost-effective—you don’t need to spend on pricey café drinks every morning. Plus, there’s a satisfaction in sipping a warm, homemade chai latte knowing it’s exactly how you like it.
This cozy chai latte recipe can become a small ritual in your morning or afternoon. Whether you enjoy it hot while reading the paper or as an iced treat on a warm day, it’s a comforting way to start or pause your day. Once you try a homemade spiced chai latte, you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite TikTok breakfast recipes to make over and over.
