Chai Latte – A Beautiful Mess

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm cup of chai latte. The aromatic spices, the rich flavor, and the soothing warmth combine to create a delightful beverage that brings a sense of coziness and relaxation.

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

It’s maybe a little redundant to say “Chai Latte” as chai almost always contains some kind of milk or milk alternative, but I still say it if I’m ordering it at a coffee shop. 😉

Related: Looking to cool off? Make an Iced Chai Latte instead! Or find more recipes in our Drinks Archive.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives)
• 2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling tea are great choices)
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger (grated) OR 1/4 teaspoon 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-sized saucepan, combine water, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and grated ginger.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
   • Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the spices simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the water.
2. Add the Tea:
   • After the spices have simmered, add the black tea bags to the saucepan.
   • Let the tea steep in the spiced water for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the tea bags.
3. Prepare the Chai Latte:
   • Place the saucepan back on the stove over low heat.
   • Add the milk of your choice to the spiced tea base.
   • Stir gently and heat the mixture until it becomes hot but not boiling. Be careful not to scorch the milk.
   • If you prefer a frothy latte, you can use a milk frother or blender to froth the mixture before serving.

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

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

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

Tips & Alternatives

• You can double or triple this recipe depending how many servings you need.
• Make a large batch of the spice and tea base and store in the refrigerator. Heat and add the warmed milk when you’re 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 to for a similar (and easier) option.

FAQ

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

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