Description
This comforting Chai Latte recipe blends aromatic spices with black tea and steamed milk, creating a warm, flavorful beverage perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons. Made from scratch with vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup, this chai latte is easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mixture and Tea Base
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- â…› teaspoon ground allspice
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 black tea bags
Milk and Sweetener
- 2 cups milk (plus more for frothing)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Pinch kosher salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat liquid and spices: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, vanilla extract, and all the ground spices. Heat gently to allow the spices to infuse and release their aromas.
- Whisk to combine: Use a whisk to thoroughly blend the spices and vanilla into the water to create an even mixture.
- Steam and bubble: Continue heating until the mixture starts to steam and small bubbles appear around the edges, then remove the saucepan from heat to avoid boiling.
- Steep the tea: Add the black tea bags to the hot spiced water and steep for 5 minutes to extract a rich tea flavor infused with the spices.
- Remove tea bags and reheat: Take out the tea bags and return the saucepan to the stove over medium heat to bring the liquid back to a gentle simmer.
- Add milk, sweetener, and salt: Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of kosher salt if using. Taste the mixture and add more maple syrup if a sweeter chai is preferred.
- Serve with frothed milk: Heat the chai latte to your desired temperature, then serve it topped with frothed milk and a light sprinkle of additional chai spices for garnish.
Notes
- Use whole milk or any milk of choice; plant-based alternatives work well but may not froth as easily.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or other sweeteners.
- Frothing milk adds a creamy texture and enhances the latte experience.
- Adjust spice quantities based on personal preference for stronger or milder chai flavors.
- For a stronger tea flavor, increase steeping time up to 7 minutes but avoid bitterness.
