Chai Latte – A Beautiful Mess

There’s definitely something comforting about a hot cup of chai latte. Aromatic spices, rich flavor and soothing heat combine to create a delicious drink that brings a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Chai is black tea and spices mixed with milk. It is made differently in different parts of the world.

It might be a little redundant to say “Chai Latte” because chai almost always contains some kind of milk or milk alternative, but I say it anyway if I order it at a coffee shop. 😉

Related: Want to refresh yourself? Make a Iced chai latte instead! Or find more recipes in our Beverage Archives.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives)
• 2 black tea bags (assam Or Darjeeling tea are excellent choices)
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger (grated) OR 1/4 tsp powdered ginger
• 2-3 tablespoons of sweetener (sugar, honey or maple syrup)
• Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or star anise For garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the spiced tea base:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and grated ginger.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the spices for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the water.
2. Add the tea:
   • Once the spices are simmered, add the black tea bags to the pot.
   • Let the tea steep in the spiced water for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength.
   • Remove the pan from the heat and discard the tea bags.
3. Prepare the Chai Latte:
   • Return the pan to the stove over low heat.
   • Add the milk of your choice to the spiced tea base.
   • Gently stir and heat the mixture until it becomes hot but not boiling. Be careful not to burn the milk.
   • If you prefer a frothy latte, you can use a milk frother or in a blender to froth the mixture before serving.

Stir in your favorite sweetener, starting with 2 tbsp and adjusting to desired level of sweetness.

Pour the chai latte into a cup, straining out the remaining spices if desired.

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or add star anise on top for an extra kick of flavor and aroma.

Tips and Alternatives

• You can double or triple this recipe depending on how many servings you need.
• Prepare a large amount of spice and tea base and store it in the refrigerator. Heat and add the hot milk when you are ready to enjoy a chai latte.
• This recipe is for a made-from-scratch version of chai; you can also find chai tea bags you can steep as directed and add milk for a similar (and easier) option.

FAQs

Now that you’ve learned how to make a chai latte at home, you can indulge in this comforting drink whenever you crave its delicious flavors.

Experiment with spice proportions and sweetness levels to tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or a pleasant afternoon treat, a homemade chai latte is the way to go!