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Chai Tea Latte Recipe

Chai Tea Latte Recipe (Creamy, Spiced u0026amp; Café-Style)

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Uncategorized
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in your sweetener of choice and vanilla extract, if using.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

u003cliu003eFor a stronger, more authentic chai tea latte, lightly crush the cardamom pods before simmering. It releases more flavor without overpowering the drink.u003cbru003eu003c/liu003eu003cliu003eOat milk gives the creamiest café-style chai latte, but almond or soy milk work well for a vegan chai latte.u003cbru003eu003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIf you prefer a healthier chai latte, reduce the sweetener or skip it altogether. The spices add plenty of natural warmth and flavor.u003cbru003eu003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis chai concentrate can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with milk when ready to serve.u003cbru003eu003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a Starbucks-style chai latte, use extra milk and slightly less water for a richer, smoother finish.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003c/liu003e