Chai Latte (Homemade Concentrate)
why make this recipe
Making your own Chai Latte concentrate at home is simple and rewarding. You get to control the flavors and sweetness to match your taste. Plus, homemade chai is often fresher and more aromatic than store-bought varieties. Enjoying a hot cup or an iced version can give you a comforting experience at any time of the year.
how to make Chai Latte (Homemade Concentrate)
Ingredients :
- 4 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 inch fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
- 6 whole cloves
- 8 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 10 black tea bags (such as Assam or Darjeeling)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- Add the water to a medium saucepan. Then, add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Next, turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes without boiling.
- After that, remove the tea bags and gently press them to release flavor. Strain out the spices.
- While the concentrate is still warm, stir in the sugar until dissolved. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- For a hot chai latte, combine equal parts chai concentrate and milk, then heat gently.
- For an iced chai latte, pour equal parts concentrate and milk over ice and stir.
how to serve Chai Latte (Homemade Concentrate)
Serve your homemade chai latte hot by mixing equal parts of the concentrate and milk in a mug. If you prefer it cold, mix the concentrate and milk over ice in a tall glass. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch.
how to store Chai Latte (Homemade Concentrate)
Store any leftover chai concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 to 7 days. When you’re ready to enjoy more chai lattes, simply reheat the concentrate or pour it over ice.
tips to make Chai Latte (Homemade Concentrate)
- Adjust the sugar based on how sweet you like your chai. You can use honey or other sweeteners if you prefer.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or black pepper, to find your favorite flavor.
- Make a larger batch and freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy use later.
variation (if any)
For a creamy version, use whole milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also add a splash of flavored syrup, like vanilla or caramel, to give it a special twist.
FAQs
Can I make this chai concentrate without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar or use a sugar alternative to make it healthier.
What type of milk works best for chai lattes?
Any type of milk works well, including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk. Choose what you like best!
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Use about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea for the same flavor. Just make sure to strain it out after steeping.
Chai Latte Concentrate
Ingredients
Method
- Add the water to a medium saucepan. Then, add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes without boiling.
- Remove the tea bags and gently press them to release flavor. Strain out the spices.
- While the concentrate is still warm, stir in the sugar until dissolved. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- For a hot chai latte, combine equal parts chai concentrate and milk, then heat gently.
- For an iced chai latte, pour equal parts concentrate and milk over ice and stir.