Chai Tea Latte

Sometimes, that craving for a Chai Tea Latte is strong, but the hefty price tag has you hesitating. The answer: make this copycat, homemade recipe! In just 10 easy minutes, you can be enjoying the warm spices and that frothy milk foam that make this drink the best, all without a trip to Starbucks.

Easy Chai Tea Latte Recipe

As the weather starts to finally turn cooler, I just can’t get enough of fall flavors.

Which is why when the thermometer starts to drop, it’s time for Chai Tea Lattes!

The creamy frothed milk… the warm and cozy spices… the rich depth of the tea… this recipe is true comfort in mug-form.

And the best news? You don’t have to brave the lines and startling prices at Starbucks. This homemade recipe is a fraction of the cost, and tastes just as good.

It also comes together fast. In just 10 minutes, you have a concentrate that’s ready for milk, whether you want to enjoy it frothy and hot or cooled and iced.

Needing a bigger caffeine hit? Don’t miss this Chai Latte. For a deeper dive on chilling out your chai, check out this recipe for an Iced Chai Tea Latte.

What is a chai tea latte?

Typically, a chai tea latte is black tea infused with spices then mixed with a sweetener and milk. It originally hails from India, where the word “chai” means “tea” in Hindi, a derivation of the Chinese word for tea. Americans have put their own spin on this drink by adding frothy milk foam.

With warm, natural flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, a good chai latte is comforting and perfect as the weather turns cooler.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this chai tea latte include:

• Tea. Traditionally, chai tea is made with black tea or English breakfast tea, which has caffeine. For this recipe, you need a chai tea bag. You can find these with or without caffeine, and they already have a lot of the spices you’ll need, so you can add less in the brewing process.
• Sweetener. The best way to sweeten chai is with maple syrup. It adds rich flavor while still being natural. You can sub in another liquid sweetener, or use brown sugar or coconut sugar if you’d like. Choose how much sugar or sweetener you prefer.
• Spices. You’ll want a variety of chai spices to really round out the flavor. The best options are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Garnish with star anise for an impressive presentation. Ground spices are used for this recipe.
• Milk. You can use whatever kind of milk you have on hand. Regular milk or a plant-based milk, like almond or coconut, will work. The richer the milk (e.g., whole milk), the creamier the tea will be. Avoid skim milk, if possible.

How to Make a Chai Tea Latte

Below are the steps to make a chai tea latte:

Make the Concentrate

Pour 1 cup of water into a small saucepan. Over high or medium-high heat, bring it to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat.

Carefully add the chai tea bags, sweetener of choice, and spice mixture to the pan. Stir the mixture well with a whisk, then let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

If you’re craving a hot chai tea, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

However, if you want an iced chai tea or are making this concentrate for later, pour the chai tea concentrate into a glass jar and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Note: While you can opt for loose-leaf tea to make your own chai concentrate, you’ll need to remove the leaves with a fine-mesh strainer before serving.

How to Make a Hot Chai Tea Latte

Grab your favorite big mug (we’re talking at least 16 ounces), and pour in the concentrate.

This tea is best with frothed milk, but it’s not required. Froth the milk until foamy if you can. Otherwise, simply warm up in the milk in a saucepan or in the microwave. Gently stir the hot milk and tea together.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of your hot chai tea lattes!

How to Make an Iced Chai Tea Latte

If the weather is still too hot (or you just love a good iced drink), fill a large cup with ice.

Once the tea concentrate has chilled for at least 4 hours, pour it over the ice.

While you can use frothed milk, it’s not necessary. It is best to use cold milk, though, so you don’t melt the ice. Stir together the milk and the tea, then enjoy! 

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: Once made, this easy recipe will last in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it early. If you’re making an iced chai tea, it’s ready to go. For a hot chai tea, warm it up before adding the milk.
• How to store: After you stir the milk in, the chai tea is best enjoyed within a few hours. However, the concentrate will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• How to freeze: It is not recommended to freeze this concentrate.

What do chai tea lattes taste like?

Most people would describe chai tea lattes as tasting warm, cozy, and soothing. They get their flavor from the spices the tea is brewed with. You can include as many or few spices as you like in your own version.

What is a dirty chai tea latte?

A dirty chai tea latte simply includes a shot of espresso. If you need an extra kick, ask for a doppio, or a double shot. A dirty chai does the trick if you want a warm, spicy tea but need a real jolt of caffeine.

Does a chai tea latte have caffeine?

The amount of caffeine in a chai tea latte depends on the type of tea that is used. Chai tea is often made with black tea, which contains caffeine. For a caffeine-free version, follow this recipe using decaffeinated or herbal chai teabags.

How healthy is a Chai tea latte?

It might shock some, but chai tea lattes are actually quite healthy. This drink is full of antioxidants which are famous for fighting off dangerous free radicals in the your body. If you’re watching your sugar intake, be mindful of the amount of sweetener that’s added to your drink.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free and vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-free: Opt for a plant-based milk.
• Sugar-free: Choose a sweetener that is free of sugar, or simply leave it out.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Make it spicy. Feel free to add in extra spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, for more flavor.
• Hot or cold? You can chill the concentrate for a few hours in the fridge for an iced refreshment, or enjoy it right away for a hot treat. 
• Too sweet? You can choose the level of sweetness by omitting or adding less sugar or increasing the amount.
• Foam, please. A milk frother is an excellent tool to get that decadent foam top. If you don’t have one, simply warm up the milk first.
• Need a kick? Include a shot of espresso for a dirty chai tea.

What to Serve with Chai Tea Lattes?

Whether you’re enjoying a Chai tea hot or cold, there are some irresistible treats that you can easily whip up.

For a quick and healthy treat, try this Pumpkin Banana Nut Bread, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Apple Bread, or Double Chocolate Banana Muffins.

Or, enjoy a chai tea with breakfast, like a Dutch Baby Pancake or Blueberry Pancakes.