Spiced Chai Latte

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Chai Latte is perfectly balanced—sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. It’s simple to make, healthier than store-bought versions, and completely customizable to your taste. You can adjust the spice level, choose your favorite milk, and even make it caffeine-free with herbal tea. It’s an all-season favorite that feels both soothing and energizing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea
• Water
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy such as oat, almond, or soy)
• Cinnamon stick
• Cardamom pods
• Whole cloves
• Fresh ginger (sliced)
• Black peppercorns (optional, for extra spice)
• Star anise (optional, for aroma)
• Vanilla extract
• Honey or maple syrup (to sweeten)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Add the black tea and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
4. Pour in the milk and warm gently, without boiling, until heated through.
5. Strain the mixture into mugs to remove the tea leaves and spices.
6. Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.
7. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or foam for a café-style finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Iced Chai Latte: Chill the brewed chai and serve over ice with cold milk.
• Caffeine-Free Version: Substitute black tea with rooibos or caffeine-free herbal tea.
• Dirty Chai Latte: Add a shot of espresso for a bold, energizing twist.
• Vegan Version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
• Spicier Blend: Increase the amount of ginger or black pepper for a stronger kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warm. Avoid boiling, as it can alter the flavor of the spices and milk. Shake or stir before serving to redistribute the spices that may have settled.

FAQs

Can I use ground spices instead of whole ones?

Yes, you can use ground spices, but start with smaller amounts since they’re more concentrated and can make the drink cloudy.

Can I make a large batch?

Absolutely. Prepare a larger quantity of the spiced tea base and store it in the fridge, adding milk when ready to serve.

What’s the best tea for chai?

Black tea such as Assam or Darjeeling works best because it has a bold flavor that complements the spices.

Can I use chai tea bags instead of loose spices?

Yes, use chai tea bags for convenience and simmer with milk for a quick version.

Can I sweeten it without sugar?

You can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.

How can I froth the milk?

Use a handheld frother, blender, or whisk vigorously after heating the milk to create foam.

What’s the difference between chai and chai latte?

Chai is simply spiced tea, while a chai latte includes steamed or frothed milk for a creamier texture.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, brew the chai, let it cool, and pour over ice with cold milk for a refreshing iced version.

How can I make it stronger?

Steep the tea longer or use more black tea leaves for a deeper flavor.

Can I use pre-mixed chai concentrate?

Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and spice level.

Conclusion

A Spiced Chai Latte is the ultimate blend of warmth, comfort, and rich flavor. With its soothing spices and creamy texture, it’s a drink that brings relaxation and joy to any time of day. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never go back to pre-made chai again—each sip feels like a comforting hug in a cup.

Spiced Chai Latte

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A Spiced Chai Latte is a cozy, aromatic beverage made by steeping black tea with a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, then finished with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness. It’s soothing, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy such as oat, almond, or soy)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 3 black peppercorns (optional)
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
3. Add the black tea and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
4. Pour in the milk and warm gently, without boiling, until heated through.
5. Strain the mixture into mugs to remove tea leaves and spices.
6. Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.
7. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or milk foam for a café-style finish.

Notes

• Use ground spices if you don’t have whole ones, but start with smaller amounts.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
• To make a Dirty Chai Latte, add a shot of espresso before serving.
• Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently to avoid curdling the milk.
• Make a large batch of spiced tea base and store it without milk for easy future servings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg