Easy Chai Latte Recipe

What’s in This Chai Latte Recipe?

A chai latte is a warm, spiced beverage that blends black tea with aromatic spices, milk, and a touch of sweetness. This recipe brings together the traditional flavors of masala chai in a creamy, comforting form that’s perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons.

Here’s what you’ll typically find in a homemade chai latte:

• Black Tea: Usually strong and robust, like Assam or Darjeeling, which forms the base of the drink.
• Spices: A classic blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns. These give the chai its signature warmth and complexity.
• Milk: Whole milk is traditional, but you can use any dairy or plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or soy for a lighter or vegan version.
• Sweetener: Sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave are commonly added to balance the spice. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds a subtle, smooth background flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

This homemade chai latte is rich in flavor and easy to make at home with pantry staples. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the soothing, spicy goodness in every sip.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Creating the perfect chai latte at home is all about balance—between spice, sweetness, and creaminess. In our test kitchen, we’ve brewed dozens of versions to land on a recipe that’s both bold and comforting, without being overly complicated or time-consuming.

Start with fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor. Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves release more aroma and depth when gently crushed before simmering. If you’re short on time, ground spices can work—but be sure to strain well to avoid a gritty texture.

We found that simmering the spices and tea together for 5–10 minutes gives the chai a rich base without turning the tea bitter. Add the milk toward the end of cooking to prevent curdling and to keep the flavors well-rounded and smooth.

Sweetener is a personal choice. We liked using honey or maple syrup for their subtle flavor, but white or brown sugar work just as well. If you’re using non-dairy milk, be aware that some are naturally sweeter than others.

Lastly, don’t skip the optional vanilla extract—it softens the spice profile and makes the whole drink feel a little more indulgent.

Variations on a Chai Tea Latte

One of the best things about a chai tea latte is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine boost, a dairy-free alternative, or a seasonal twist, there’s a chai latte variation to match your taste.

1. Dirty Chai Latte
Add a shot of espresso to your chai latte for an energizing blend of coffee and spiced tea. It’s a favorite in coffee shops and great for mornings when you need a little extra buzz.

2. Iced Chai Latte
Perfect for warmer weather, this version is made by cooling the chai concentrate and pouring it over ice with chilled milk. It’s refreshing and still packed with flavor.

3. Vegan or Dairy-Free Chai
Use plant-based milks like oat, almond, soy, or coconut for a creamy, non-dairy chai. Each milk adds its own subtle twist—oat is rich, almond is nutty, and coconut offers a tropical note.

4. Vanilla or Maple Chai
Infuse your chai with a dash of vanilla extract or sweeten it with maple syrup for a richer, cozier flavor.

5. Extra-Spicy Chai
Love bold flavors? Increase the ginger, black pepper, or cinnamon for a spicier kick.

How to Store and Reheat

Chai latte lovers, rejoice—this drink stores well, making it easy to prep ahead and enjoy later. Whether you’ve made a big batch of chai concentrate or just have some leftover from the morning, here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful.

To Store:
Let your chai latte (or concentrate) cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If it includes milk, it’s best to store it separately from the tea and spices to avoid spoilage. For the best results, store just the spiced tea concentrate and add fresh milk when reheating.

To Reheat:
Pour the chai into a small saucepan and gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil—just warm it until it’s steaming. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway to stir.

If the chai has separated or formed a skin (common with dairy), just give it a good stir or whisk to smooth it out again.

Bonus Tip: Want to enjoy it iced? Just pour your chilled chai over ice and add milk—no reheating required!

Serving Suggestions

A chai latte is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right foods can take your tea break to the next level. Whether you’re sipping it in the morning, during a cozy afternoon, or as an after-dinner treat, here are some tasty ways to serve it.

Sweet Pairings:
The warm spices in chai complement baked goods beautifully. Try it with scones, muffins, banana bread, or a classic butter croissant. For a more indulgent treat, enjoy it with cinnamon rolls, chai-spiced cookies, or gingerbread—the flavors echo the spices in your latte.

Savory Pairings:
Balance the sweetness of the chai with something savory, like a cheddar scone, breakfast sandwich, or a slice of quiche. Light tea sandwiches with cucumber or smoked salmon also pair well.

For Brunch or Dessert:
Chai lattes make an elegant addition to a brunch spread, especially alongside fruit, yogurt, or pastries. As a dessert option, serve it with a small piece of dark chocolate or a spiced cake for a comforting finish to a meal.

For a refreshing twist, serve your chai iced or blended with ice as a chai frappé. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a café-style presentation.

Chai Latte Recipe

This cozy, homemade chai latte recipe brings the perfect balance of bold black tea, warm spices, creamy milk, and just the right touch of sweetness. Inspired by traditional Indian masala chai but crafted to suit the smooth, café-style latte you love, it’s simple to make at home and easy to customize.

To make this chai latte, you’ll start by simmering black tea with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black peppercorns. This creates a deeply flavorful base that’s aromatic and soothing. Then, you’ll add milk—dairy or plant-based—and a bit of sweetener to round out the drink. A splash of vanilla extract is optional but adds a subtle depth that ties everything together.

Whether you’re enjoying it hot on a chilly morning or over ice for a refreshing twist, this chai latte is endlessly adaptable. It’s also perfect for batch-making—just store the spiced tea base and add milk when you’re ready to enjoy.

Ready to skip the coffee shop and make your own chai latte at home? Follow the simple steps below for a comforting, spiced beverage you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

This chai latte recipe makes 2 servings. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a batch for the week or share with friends. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups water – To brew the tea and simmer the spices.
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea) – Assam or Darjeeling work best for a strong base.
• 1 cinnamon stick – Adds warm sweetness.
• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed – Brings floral, citrusy notes.
• 4 whole cloves – For earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns – Adds a gentle heat and depth.
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced – Fresh and spicy. You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if needed.
• 1–2 tablespoons sweetener – Use sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your favorite alternative. Adjust to taste.
• 1 cup milk – Whole milk, almond, oat, soy, or coconut all work well.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances the spice flavors and adds smoothness.

Optional toppings:

• A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
• Frothy milk or whipped cream for extra indulgence

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious homemade chai latte:

1. Simmer the Spices
   In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed), 4 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1-inch sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the spices infuse.
2. Brew the Tea
   Add 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea) to the saucepan. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, or until the tea is rich and dark. Don’t overbrew or it may become bitter.
3. Add Sweetener and Milk
   Remove the tea from heat. Stir in your preferred sweetener (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste), 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if using.
4. Strain and Serve
   Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the chai into mugs, filtering out the whole spices and tea leaves. If you like, froth extra milk and spoon it over the top for a café-style finish.
5. Optional Garnish
   Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and aroma.

Enjoy your chai latte hot, or let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing iced version.

Becky’s Tips

After testing this chai latte recipe countless times, I’ve found a few simple tricks that make a big difference in flavor and ease—here are my go-to tips:

• Use whole spices when you can. They give the best, most balanced flavor. Lightly crush them with the back of a spoon before simmering to help release the oils.
• Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the spices steep for a full 5–7 minutes really deepens the flavor. It’s worth the wait!
• Watch your tea timing. Steep black tea for just 2–3 minutes. Over-steeping can make the chai taste bitter, especially when using loose-leaf tea.
• Customize your milk. Oat milk froths beautifully and adds a natural sweetness. Almond milk gives a slightly nutty flavor. For the creamiest texture, whole dairy milk is still my favorite.
• Make it ahead! Simmer a larger batch of the spice and tea base, then refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just heat it up with milk when you’re ready for a cup.
• For an iced version, cool the concentrate completely before pouring over ice with cold milk.

With these tips, you’ll get a cozy, balanced chai latte every time—just how I like it!

FAQs

1. What is a chai latte?
A chai latte is a creamy, spiced tea drink made by combining black tea, warm spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger), milk, and a sweetener. It’s similar to traditional Indian masala chai but served café-style.

2. What kind of tea should I use?
Strong black teas like Assam or Darjeeling work best, as they hold up well against the bold spices and milk.

3. Can I use ground spices instead of whole?
Yes, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink. Ground spices are more concentrated and may create a gritty texture, so be sure to strain thoroughly.

4. Is a chai latte caffeinated?
Yes. Since it contains black tea, it has caffeine—typically less than a cup of coffee. You can use decaf black tea for a caffeine-free version.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well. Oat milk is especially popular for its creamy texture.

6. How can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
Adjust the sweetener to taste. Try honey, sugar, maple syrup, or agave.

7. Can I serve it iced?
Yes! Just cool the concentrate, pour it over ice, and add chilled milk.

8. How long does it last in the fridge?
The concentrate (without milk) will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

9. Can I add espresso?
Yes—this makes a dirty chai latte, perfect for coffee lovers.

10. How do I froth the milk?
Use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or shake warm milk in a jar. Then spoon the foam on top for a café-style finish.

Conclusion

A chai latte is more than just a drink—it’s a cozy, spiced hug in a mug. Whether you enjoy it as a warm morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, it’s the perfect blend of bold tea, aromatic spices, and creamy milk. Making your own chai latte at home is not only simple but also allows you to customize the flavor and sweetness to suit your taste.

With this recipe, you can easily recreate the comforting taste of a café-style chai latte, and with a few personal tweaks, it can become your signature drink. From experimenting with different milk types to adding an extra shot of espresso for a dirty chai, the possibilities are endless.

Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed hot or iced, depending on the weather or your mood. Plus, with a bit of prep, you can make a larger batch of chai concentrate and enjoy multiple servings throughout the week.

So why wait for your next café visit? Brew up your own homemade chai latte and enjoy the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and warmth in every sip.