Name: Spiced Chai Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ½ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy); 1 black tea bag (or 1½ teaspoons loose-leaf black tea); 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; Pinch ground cloves; Pinch ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you crave a warm hug in a mug, this Spiced Chai Latte Recipe is just what you need. It combines bold black tea with a cozy blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, all mingling beautifully with creamy milk and a touch of natural sweetness. Whether you’re looking to recreate that loved coffeehouse chai experience at home or searching for a soothing beverage to brighten a chilly day, this recipe is straightforward, comforting, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cup filled with dark brown tea is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a small round scoop holding light brown cinnamon powder. A golden brown round pastry sits on a white wooden tool with a handle. Around them, there are white cloth bags tied with strings, whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, and some cardamom pods arranged casually. A white tea cup with no liquid inside is visible in the upper left corner, and a white cloth is softly folded near the bottom of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Spiced Chai Latte Recipe is simple yet essential, coming together to build layers of flavor, aromatic warmth, and velvety texture. Choosing quality spices and milk will transform your cup from ordinary to extraordinary.

1 cup water: The base that extracts all the rich flavors from tea and spices.
1 black tea bag or 1½ teaspoons loose-leaf black tea: Provides the bold, robust foundation classic to chai.
½ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy): Adds creamy texture and balances the spices with gentle sweetness.
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens naturally while complementing the warm spice notes.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a sweet, woody warmth that instantly lifts the latte.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses a little zing and bright heat to keep things lively.
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom: Brings an exotic floral aroma that’s signature to chai.
Pinch ground cloves: Adds depth with mild pungency and earthiness.
Pinch ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty finish to round out the spice blend.
Optional ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and smooths the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Spiced Chai Latte Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice-Infused Tea Base

Begin by bringing 1 cup of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Once lightly bubbling, add your black tea along with all the ground spices. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes to coax out a rich, fragrant infusion that’s alive with warm flavor.

Step 2: Strain and Sweeten

After steeping, remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea leaves and spices. Now is the time to stir in your natural sweetener—honey or maple syrup is perfect here—to taste. This balances the spices with just the right hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Creaminess and Heat

Pour in ½ cup of your chosen milk and gently warm the mixture on low heat. Keep an eye on it and avoid boiling, as you want it hot and comforting but smooth. At this stage, if you’d like to add vanilla extract, stir it in for an extra layer of richness.

Step 4: Froth and Serve

For that true café-style finish, froth your latte using a milk frother or whisk if you like, creating a light foam topping. Pour your Spiced Chai Latte into your favorite mug, settle in, and enjoy the inviting aromas and flavors you’ve crafted with such care.

How to Serve Spiced Chai Latte Recipe

Two clear glass mugs filled with a light brown creamy drink, topped with small bubbles and a smooth surface, sit side by side on a white marbled surface. A wooden spoon is inside the left mug, leaning gently on its rim. Behind the mugs, there is a small transparent jar of amber honey with a wooden honey dipper resting on top, and a small bowl filled with brown spices. The background is light and softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top to enhance the spicy scent and add a touch of elegance. A cinnamon stick can double as a stirrer while infusing even more aroma. For a festive touch, a delicate dusting of cocoa powder or a small piece of star anise really impresses.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with a range of treats. Think buttery biscuits, lightly spiced ginger cookies, or even a slice of moist banana bread. The sweet and warming spices have a wonderful way of enhancing the flavor of baked goods and making snack time feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spiced Chai Latte Recipe in a clear glass mug to showcase the creamy swirls and foam. Layering a spoonful of whipped cream on top before dusting with cinnamon can make it feel extra indulgent. For a twist, serve it iced over ice cubes on warmer days, garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick or a few whole cardamom pods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any chai latte concentrate left after your initial serving, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it a breeze to enjoy a quick cup later by just reheating and adding milk fresh.

Freezing

While freezing your chai latte isn’t ideal because milk can separate upon thawing, you can freeze the spiced tea concentrate without milk for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge and combine with fresh milk before warming gently.

Reheating

Reheat your chai latte on the stovetop or in the microwave over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling and preserve the delicate balance of spices.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tea for this Spiced Chai Latte Recipe?

Absolutely! While black tea is traditional and creates the perfect bold base, you can experiment with green tea or rooibos for different flavor profiles and caffeine levels. Just adjust steeping times accordingly to avoid bitterness.

Is it possible to make this chai latte vegan?

Yes, simply swap dairy milk with any plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or soy milk. Choose a sweetener like maple syrup or agave to keep it entirely vegan and enjoy the same delicious warmth.

How can I intensify the spices in my chai latte?

For a stronger spice punch, consider using whole spices and gently crushing them before simmering. You can also let the tea and spices steep a little longer or add a second tea bag for a deeper flavor.

Can I turn this into an iced chai latte?

Definitely! After preparing and cooling the chai concentrate, pour it over ice and add cold milk. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy all the warming spices during warmer weather or when you want a cool pick-me-up.

What’s the best way to froth milk for the latte at home?

If you don’t have a dedicated frother, you can vigorously whisk warmed milk by hand, shake it in a tightly sealed jar, or use a handheld electric mixer. Each method creates lovely foam that adds a café touch right in your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spiced Chai Latte Recipe at home is a wonderful way to slow down and treat yourself with something special. The blend of fragrant spices and creamy sweetness is simply magical, warming both your hands and your heart. Once you try it, this cozy beverage is bound to become your new favorite go-to for morning boosts or afternoon relaxing. So grab your saucepan, gather your spices, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scents of homemade chai.