Creamy Homemade Chai Tea Latte
A cozy, creamy chai tea latte made with fresh spices and milk, perfect for chilly days and quiet moments of comfort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags (preferably Assam tea)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or oat, almond, or coconut milk for dairy-free options)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
- 1 medium cinnamon stick (preferably Ceylon cinnamon)
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 black peppercorns, crushed
- 1 small piece star anise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of water with sliced fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, and star anise if using. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the spices for 10 minutes to release their aroma.
- Add 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves or 2 tea bags to the spiced water. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on desired strength.
- While the tea steeps, gently warm 1 cup (240 ml) of milk in a separate pot or microwave until hot but not boiling (around 140°F or 60°C), about 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the chai mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large mug or pot, pressing gently on solids to extract flavor.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or preferred sweetener while the chai is still hot. Add the warmed milk and whisk or stir vigorously to combine and create slight froth.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
Toast spices lightly before simmering to deepen flavor. Use whole spices for a cleaner taste. Warm milk gently to avoid scalding. Adjust steeping time for tea strength. Whisk or shake to create froth if no frother is available. Straining is essential to avoid gritty texture. Sweetener and milk type can be customized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chai tea latte, homemade chai, creamy chai, spiced tea, cozy drink, easy chai recipe, dairy-free chai, warm beverage