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This homemade Chai Latte recipe is quick and easy to make, with all the warm spices and cozy flavor of chai tea. With just the right amount of milkiness and plenty of froth on top, this latte is better than anything you can get in a drive-thru!
What’s in This Chai Latte Recipe?
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds wonderful warmth to this latte.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves are all warming spices with a bit of holiday cheer!
- Tea: Black tea is the base of this chai. We like Assam or Darjeeling best, but any black tea will work. Make sure to brew it strong since we’ll be adding milk.
- Milk: Any type of milk works wonderfully in this recipe; however, whole dairy milk will froth the best.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of nutty sweetness. Adjust to your personal tastes.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Warming spices, vanilla extract, and nutty black tea create a warm and comforting cup. Milk adds a velvety texture to this latte that’ll warm you up on even the coldest of days!
Variations on a Chai Tea Latte
You can change up the flavor of this latte by adding different flavoring syrups in place of the maple syrup. Apple syrup, pumpkin syrup, or caramel sauce would all be delicious! You can also make a dirty chai by adding a shot of espresso.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store your chai latte tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
We like to enjoy an afternoon chai latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a cookie for dunking. Our favorite to pair with this spicy drink is a classic shortbread cookie so as not to detract from the flavors. A gingerbread cookie would be a great holiday pairing that enhances the spices.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, this chai latte makes a perfect breakfast pick-me-up served with cake mix coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, or classic bacon and eggs.
Chai Latte Recipe
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Instructions
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Heat the water, vanilla extract, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat.
¾ cup water, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
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Whisk to combine.
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Once it starts to steam and bubble, remove from heat.
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Add in the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
2 black tea bags
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Remove the tea bags and bring the saucepan back to a simmer over medium heat.
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Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, and pinch of salt. Taste and add more maple syrup if needed.
2 cups milk, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, Pinch kosher salt
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Once heated to your liking, serve with frothed milk and a sprinkle of additional chai spices on top.
Becky’s tips
- Brew a strong cup of tea. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes to extract the flavors fully.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- You can froth the milk using a frother or a simple whisk for a creamy top.
- Top your chai latte with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or whole star anise for a beautiful presentation.
How to Make a Chai Latte Step by Step
Warm the Spices: Heat ¾ cup of water, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon of ground allspice, ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine.
Steep the Tea: Once it starts to steam and bubble, remove the mixture from heat and add in 2 black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Add the Milk: Remove the tea bags and bring the saucepan back to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in 2 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, and a pinch of kosher salt. Taste and add more maple syrup if needed. Once heated to your liking, serve with frothed milk and a sprinkle of additional chai spices on top.
Chai is made of brewed black tea and spices mixed with milk and sweetener.
Yes! An average-sized cup contains 35-50 milligrams of caffeine.
Chai is a warm, aromatic, and spicy tea that, when combined with sweet, creamy milk, creates a delicious cold-weather treat.
Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on the milk used, it can also be a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It makes a great alternative to a traditional coffee latte.
