Christmas Chai Latte
Why Make This Recipe
The Christmas Chai Latte is the perfect drink to warm you up during the chilly holiday season. Its blend of spices and sweetness creates a cozy, comforting feeling that brings everyone together. Plus, it’s easy to make and fills your home with delightful scents, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire.
How to Make Christmas Chai Latte
Ingredients:
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or lactose-free)
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 whole clove
• 2–3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 star anise
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ginger powder)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Whipped cream and ground cinnamon for garnish
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk with the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and star anise. Heat it on low so the spices slowly infuse without boiling over, letting the whole kitchen smell like Christmas in the best way.
- Once the milk is steaming, turn off the heat and drop in the tea bags. Let them steep for 3 to 4 minutes depending on how strong you like your chai flavor. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it looks creamy and festive. If you want a café-style frothy top, use a hand frother for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pour the Christmas Chai Latte into your coziest mugs. Add whipped cream on top, dust with cinnamon, and serve with a cinnamon stick for full holiday vibes.
How to Serve Christmas Chai Latte
Serve your Christmas Chai Latte warm, ideally in a festive mug. Enhance the holiday theme by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a cinnamon stick for stirring. This drink works well during festive occasions or as a comforting treat while relaxing at home.
How to Store Christmas Chai Latte
If you have extra Christmas Chai Latte, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again. Keep in mind that the spices might settle, so give it a good stir before enjoying.
Tips to Make Christmas Chai Latte
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade syrup instead of maple syrup or honey.
- Experiment with your favorite spices, like nutmeg or additional ginger, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- If you don’t have cardamom pods, ground cardamom can work well too.
Variation
You can make a vegan version by using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. You can also adjust the spices according to your preference for a unique twist!
FAQs
Can I make this drink in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spiced milk mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and then reheat it with the tea bags when you’re ready to enjoy.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
No, you can use ginger powder instead if you prefer or if fresh ginger is not available.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! You can replace maple syrup or honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust to taste as needed.
Christmas Chai Latte
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk with the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and star anise over low heat until steaming, allowing the spices to infuse.
- Once the milk is steaming, turn off the heat and drop in the tea bags. Let them steep for 3 to 4 minutes based on your preference for chai strength. Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until creamy. For a frothy top, use a hand frother for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pour the Christmas Chai Latte into festive mugs, garnish with whipped cream, dust with cinnamon, and add a cinnamon stick.