A Chai Latte is the perfect balance of bold black tea, warm spices, and creamy milk, creating a cozy and aromatic drink that’s great for any time of the year. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this homemade version is better than any coffee shop and easy to customize to your taste!
The best part? You can make a batch of chai concentrate ahead of time and enjoy a fresh latte whenever you crave one.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for Chai Concentrate:
- 2 cups water
- 3 black tea bags (or 3 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea)
- 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole cardamom pods (or ½ teaspoon ground cardamom)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 star anise (optional, for extra depth)
- A pinch of black pepper (for a mild spice kick)
For the Latte:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like oat, almond, or coconut milk)
- ½ cup chai concentrate
- Whipped cream & cinnamon (for garnish, optional)
Tools:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Milk frother or blender (for extra foaminess)
- Tall glass or mug
Pro Tips
- Use whole spices if possible. Toasting them briefly in the pan before adding water enhances their flavor.
- For a stronger chai, steep the tea bags for an extra 5 minutes.
- For an iced version, let the chai concentrate cool and pour over ice before adding milk.
- Froth the milk for a creamy, café-style latte experience.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sugar-Free Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey.
- Extra Spiced Chai: Add an extra cinnamon stick or a bit more ginger.
- Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated black tea or rooibos tea.
- Chai Dirty Latte: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine boost.
How to Make It
1. Make the Chai Concentrate
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer.
- Add cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, and star anise. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add black tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you want it.
- Remove tea bags, then stir in vanilla extract and sweetener. Strain the concentrate and set aside.
2. Prepare the Latte
- Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan until steaming (but not boiling). Alternatively, froth cold milk for an iced version.
- In a mug or glass, pour ½ cup chai concentrate and add the steamed or frothed milk.
- Stir well and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store chai concentrate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving, or use cold for an iced latte.
How to Serve Your Chai Latte
- Hot Chai Latte: Serve warm in a cozy mug with extra cinnamon.
- Iced Chai Latte: Pour chilled chai concentrate over ice and add cold-frothed milk.
- Chai Frappé: Blend chai, milk, and ice for a creamy frozen drink.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chai Latte is a perfectly spiced, creamy, and comforting drink that’s easy to make at home. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, it’s a delicious alternative to coffee and packed with warm, cozy flavors.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Enjoy your homemade chai latte! ☕✨