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You are here: Home / Healthy Drink Recipes / How To Make A Chai Latte

How To Make A Chai Latte

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Would you like me to show you step-by-step how to make a delicious chai latte, complete with aromatic spices, creamy milk, and a perfect balance of sweetness?

pouring chai latte in white cup

Look no further! Every week, I take pride in my role as a self-proclaimed chai latte expert, brewing homemade lattes with precision and expertise, ensuring a delightful blend of spices, dairy-free milk, and sweetness. It’s so good!!

What is a chai latte?

A creamy, flavorful tea-based drink that combines black tea, spices, milk, and sweetener. The spices typically used in chai include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. The resulting flavor is bold, complex, and deliciously aromatic. The milk used can be dairy milk or plant-based alternatives such as soy, almond, or coconut milk.

Brief History About Chai

The origin can be traced back to India, where “chai” simply means tea. In India, tea is typically made by brewing black tea leaves with a mixture of spices, milk, and sweetener. This traditional beverage is commonly known as masala chai. The specific blend of spices used can vary depending on regional preferences.

almond milk, black tea, vanilla, maple syrup, spices

Ingredients you’ll need

  1. Black tea provides the foundation for the latte’s robust flavor. You can use black tea bags or loose black tea leaves. The tea leaves are steeped in hot water to extract their rich flavors.
  2. Unsweetened almond milk (or any other dairy-free milk) serves as a substitute for traditional dairy milk. Unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice due to its creamy texture and subtle flavor. However, you can use other dairy-free milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk.
  3. Maple syrup or sweetener is added to balance the spices and enhance the overall taste of the beverage. Maple syrup is a popular natural sweetener choice due to its rich flavor, but you can use other sweeteners such as agave syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or any preferred sweetener to suit your taste.
  4. Ground spices are readily available in stores, or you can create your own blend. A typical spice blend consists of a combination of warm and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
  5. Optional: Ground nutmeg or vanilla extract: These ingredients can be added for extra depth of flavor. A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity, while a splash of vanilla extract imparts a pleasant, sweet aroma.

How to make a chai latte?

  • First, in a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium-low heat until it is hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. If you prefer a frothy latte, you can use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk.
  • Second, once the milk is hot, add the black tea bags or loose black tea to the saucepan. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, or until you achieve a strong tea concentrate.
coconut milk in small silver pot
almond milk in saucepan
ground  cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and vanilla extract and black tea in  pot of almond milk
spices + tea bags added in saucepan
chai tea latte in a white cup
latte in mug
  • While the tea is steeping, add the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and vanilla extract (if using) to the milk and whisk well to incorporate the spices. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors into the milk.
  • Fourth, remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea from the milk.
  • Fifth, stir in the maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your desired level of sweetness. Taste and adjust if needed.
  • Finally, pour the chai latte into mugs and serve immediately.

Common Questions Answered

What is the difference between chai tea and chai latte?

Chai tea refers to a spiced tea blend made with black tea and a mixture of aromatic spices, while a chai latte is a combination of brewed black tea, spices, steamed milk, and sweetener. The latte version is a creamier and more indulgent texture compared to chai tea.

Can I make a chai latte without black tea?

Yes, you can make a chai latte without black tea by using herbal alternatives like rooibos or herbal chai blends. While it won’t have the characteristic flavor of the traditional version, it can still be a delicious and caffeine-free option.

Can I make a chai latte without milk?

Absolutely! You can make a chai latte without milk by using dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These options provide a creamy texture and complement the spices just as well.

Can I customize the sweetness of a chai latte?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of a chai latte to your preference. You can add more or less sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute according to your taste.

Can I add additional flavors to my latte?

Yes, you can experiment with additional flavors like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or flavored syrups to customize your latte. These additions can complement the existing spices and add a unique twist to the drink.

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality tea, whether it’s loose-leaf or tea bags, to ensure a rich and flavorful base for your latte.
  2. Steep the Tea Concentrate: Allow the tea to steep in hot milk for the recommended time to extract its full flavor. Be careful not to over-steep, as it can result in a bitter taste.
  3. Control the Spice Blend: Adjust the amount of chai spice blend according to your preference. Start with a conservative amount and gradually add more if desired. Taste and adjust as needed to find your perfect balance of spices.
  4. Whisk and Simmer: Whisk the milk and spices well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, but avoid boiling to prevent scorching or curdling.
  5. Serve and Enjoy Immediately: It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot. Pour it into your favorite mug or glass and savor the comforting flavors and aromas. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence, if desired.
cups of chai latte with a bowl of mandarins

Popular Variations

  1. Iced Chai Latte: Perfect for hot summer days, as this latte offers a refreshing twist. Simply prepare as usual, let it cool, and pour it over ice. You can also blend it with ice to create a creamy and frothy iced beverage.
  2. Dirty Chai Latte: If you’re looking for an extra kick of caffeine, a dirty chai latte is the way to go. Add a shot of espresso for a flavorful combination of tea and coffee. It’s a great option for those who love the flavors of both beverages.

More Delicious Beverages

  • Iced Oat Milk Latte
  • Vanilla Latte
  • Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram and let me know if you make this Chai Latte recipe.

pouring chai latte in white cup

How To Make A Chai Latte (Creamy & Delicious)

Shana Thomas
Chai latte is a delicious and comforting drink that you can easily make at home. With its complex and spicy flavor, it's no wonder it's so popular. So the next time you're in the mood for a warm and flavorful drink, give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Dairy-Free, Indian
Servings 2
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or use milk of your choice
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
  • maple syrup (to taste) or sweetener of your choice

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium-low heat until it is hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. If you prefer a frothy latte, you can use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk.
  • Once the milk is hot, add the black tea bags or loose black tea to the saucepan. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, or until you achieve a strong tea concentrate.
  • While the tea is steeping, add the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and vanilla extract (if using) to the milk and whisk well to incorporate the spices. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors into the milk.
  • Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea from the milk.
  • Stir in the maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener), adjusting the amount to your desired level of sweetness. Taste and adjust if needed.
  • Pour the chai latte into mugs and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Feel free to use the milk of your choice
  • Use a milk frother if you prefer a frothy latte. Don’t have a milk frother? No problem. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed flavor and blend for up to 1 minute for a froth-like beverage.Β 
  • For citrus flavor, top your latte with fresh orange zest. Or, add the orange zest along with the latte mixture to the blender and blend as indicated above. Trust me; It will taste delicious.Β 
Keyword Chai Latte, Chai Tea, How to make a chai latte

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Filed Under: Easy Vegan & Plant-Based Recipes, Healthy Drink Recipes Tagged With: chai latte

About

Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer, home cook, and writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Since 2019, my goal has been to inspire you to live energetic and healthy lives with my easy vegan recipes & wellness tips.

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Comments

  1. Bianca

    May 25, 2023 at 2:52 am

    5 stars
    My chai latte was delicious. Thanks so much Shana.

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      May 26, 2023 at 11:59 am

      You’re welcome!!

      Reply
  2. Cynthia

    May 26, 2023 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    Best chai latte recipe.

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      May 27, 2023 at 3:02 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the chai latte.

      Reply
  3. Kim

    June 14, 2023 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    This chai latte is so good and easy to make. Thank you, Shana!

    Reply

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Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer & writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Inspiring busy women to live energetic healthy lives with my easy plant-based & vegan recipes, and wellness tips.

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