Easy Chai Latte

Warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced, this easy chai latte brings the cozy flavors of your favorite coffee shop right to your kitchen. With fragrant spices and creamy milk, it’s a soothing drink that’s ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade chai latte is quick, simple, and so much better than store-bought concentrates. You control the sweetness, spice level, and type of milk, making it easy to customize to your taste. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for chilly mornings or a relaxing afternoon treat — no fancy equipment needed!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Black tea bags or loose leaf black tea
• Water
• Whole milk or your preferred milk alternative
• Honey or sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground cardamom
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and steep the black tea for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags or strain the tea leaves.
3. Stir in the spices, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the milk and heat gently until steaming but not boiling.
5. Use a milk frother or whisk to create a bit of foam, if desired.
6. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with extra cinnamon.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 large or 2 small chai lattes. Preparation time is about 5 minutes, and cooking time is 5–7 minutes.

Variations

• Make it iced by letting the tea cool and serving over ice.
• Use a chai spice blend instead of individual spices for convenience.
• Try oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

This chai latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftover tea concentrate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, then add fresh steamed milk.

FAQs

Can I use chai tea bags instead of black tea and spices?

Yes, they’re a great shortcut. Just steep the chai tea bags and skip the extra spices.

What’s the best tea for chai latte?

A strong black tea like Assam or Darjeeling works best.

How can I make it less sweet?

Adjust the amount of honey or sugar to your taste.

Can I use a non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! Oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk work well.

Do I need a frother to make the foam?

No, you can whisk the milk vigorously or shake it in a jar.

Can I make a big batch?

Yes, brew a larger amount of tea concentrate and store it in the fridge for quick lattes.

Is it the same as a chai tea?

Chai simply means “tea” in Hindi — a chai latte is tea with milk and spices.

Can I add espresso to make a dirty chai?

Definitely! Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick.

What spices can I leave out?

Feel free to skip spices you don’t like or don’t have on hand.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Use whole milk or add a splash of cream for extra richness.

Conclusion

This easy chai latte is a delicious way to enjoy the warm, spicy flavors you love without leaving your house. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect cozy drink for any time of day. Curl up with a mug and savor every sip!

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