Homemade Chai Tea Latte Recipe: Easy Perfect Spiced Drink for Winter
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Chai Tea Latte is a fantastic drink for winter. It warms you up with its spices and creamy goodness. Instead of buying a chai latte from a café, you can easily make it at home. This recipe is simple, and every sip is full of cozy flavors. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and spices to make it just right for your taste!
How to Make Homemade Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches each)
- 6 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced thinly
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole milk or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) water, cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, and sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Lower the heat and simmer the spices for 8-10 minutes. If it reduces too much, add a splash of water.
- Add the black tea leaves or tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes. For a bold flavor, steep for about 4 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or serving pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Add 1 cup (240 ml) of your choice of milk to the strained chai. Warm over low heat, stirring gently. Avoid boiling.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetener and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract if using. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Optional: Froth the chai tea latte using a handheld frother or shake it vigorously in a sealed jar for 20 seconds.
- Serve immediately in your favorite mug, optionally sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg.
How to Serve Homemade Chai Tea Latte
Serve your homemade chai tea latte hot in your favorite mug. You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch. It’s perfect for a cold day or when you need a cozy drink!
How to Store Homemade Chai Tea Latte
If you have leftovers, let the chai tea latte cool down, then store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It can last for about 2-3 days. To enjoy later, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and stir well before serving.
Tips to Make Homemade Chai Tea Latte
- Use fresh spices for better flavor.
- Adjust the steeping time for your preferred strength.
- Experiment with different sweeteners or milk options for new flavors.
- For a quick version, use pre-made chai tea concentrate from the store.
Variation
You can add different spices like nutmeg, star anise, or even a dash of turmeric for health benefits. Try different types of tea, like rooibos or chai blends, for a new twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond, oat, or any other dairy-free milk instead of regular milk.
2. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! You can add more or less sweetener according to your taste.
3. How can I froth the milk?
You can use a handheld frother, a French press, or shake the milk in a jar before adding it to the chai!
Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) water, cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, and sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Lower the heat and simmer the spices for 8-10 minutes. If it reduces too much, add a splash of water.
- Add the black tea leaves or tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes. For a bold flavor, steep for about 4 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or serving pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Add 1 cup (240 ml) of your choice of milk to the strained chai. Warm over low heat, stirring gently. Avoid boiling.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetener and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract if using. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Optional: Froth the chai tea latte using a handheld frother or shake it vigorously in a sealed jar for 20 seconds.
- Serve immediately in your favorite mug, optionally sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg.