Chai Tea Latte (Hot/Iced)

There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of aromatic spices and a steaming cup of chai tea latte on a chilly autumn morning.

In this recipe, we’re going to take you on a fragrant journey through the heart of India’s tea culture, showing you how to craft the perfect cup of Chai Tea Latte using simple ingredients in your own home.

With a small saucepan, you’ll be savoring the rich flavors and soothing warmth of this beloved beverage within 15 minutes.

Whether you prefer your chai tea latte hot or cold, this easy recipe has you covered. So, grab your favorite mug or glass and let’s dive into the world of homemade chai!

What’s Chai Tea Latte?

Chai tea latte is a beverage that has its origins in Indian cuisine. “Chai” is the Hindi word for tea, and in India, “chai” typically refers to a spiced tea made with a blend of black tea and a combination of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sometimes black pepper.

So, while the term “chai tea latte” may sound redundant since “chai” already means “tea” in Hindi, it has become a widely recognized and beloved term for this specific spiced tea latte in English-speaking countries.

To make a Chai Tea Latte, the process typically involves brewing the tea and spices in hot water, adding milk, and sweetening to taste. The result is a warm, comforting, and aromatic beverage with a balance of tea, spices, creaminess, and sweetness.

Chai Tea Lattes can be enjoyed hot or cold (as iced chai lattes), and they offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them a favorite choice for many tea enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

Spices for Chai Tea Latte

Chai tea latte is known for its delightful blend of aromatic spices, which contribute to its rich and complex flavor profile. While the specific spices used in chai can vary, here are some common spices that are often included in chai tea lattes:

1. Cardamom: Cardamom is an essential ingredient for an authentic chai tea latte, adding its distinctive citrusy and herbal undertones to the blend. To fully capture its flavor, opt for whole green cardamom pods. Gently break open the pods either by hand or with a mortar and pestle to release the seeds’ aromatic essence, enhancing the chai’s character.

2. Cloves: Clove is another must-have for making chai. It provides a hint of earthy and peppery flavor.

3. Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy and zesty kick to chai, providing a comforting warmth that can also help soothe your stomach during your period. Fresh ginger tastes better than ginger powder in this drink.

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm and sweet flavor to chai. You can use cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon.

5. Black Pepper (optional): Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to chai. Try to use whole black peppercorns if you can.

6. Star Anise (optional): Star anise imparts a licorice-like flavor and a touch of sweetness. It’s often used in chai but is optional. Be cautious, as its flavor can be strong; Do not use more than ¼ of a star anise per cup of chai tea latte.

7. Fennel Seeds (optional): Fennel seeds can contribute a mild licorice flavor. They are sometimes included in chai spice blends. You incorporate add ½ tsp of fennel seeds into current recipe.

8. Nutmeg (optional): Freshly grated nutmeg can add a warm and nutty element to chai.

Choice of Tea

1. Black Tea: Traditional chai is made with black tea, and it provides a robust and caffeine-rich base. You can use black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea. Assam and Darjeeling are popular choices.
2. Green Tea: For a lighter and slightly grassy flavor, you can use green tea instead of black tea. Green chai is milder in terms of both flavor and caffeine.
3. Herbal Tea: Experiment with caffeine-free herbal teas like rooibos or herbal chai blends if you prefer to avoid caffeine. These can offer unique flavors and are suitable for those looking for a caffeine-free option.
4. Decaffeinated Tea: If you want the flavor of black tea without the caffeine, opt for decaffeinated black tea bags or loose tea.

Choice of Milk:

1. Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to your chai tea latte. It’s a classic choice for a traditional and indulgent beverage.
2. 2% or Skim Milk: 2% or skim milk is a slightly lighter option that still provides a creamy texture.
3. Non-Dairy Milk: Many people prefer non-dairy milk options for dietary or flavor reasons. Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew milk are popular choices. I used oat milk in this current recipe. Remember to adjust the sugar amount if you are going to use sweetened milk.
4. Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk can also be used for a creamier texture. If you like the texture of Hong Kong–style milk tea, you should give evaporated milk a try.

How to create froth for chai tea latte?

To create froth for your chai tea latte, you can simply pou the hot chai tea latte from one container to the other, gradually increasing the pouring height to create more foam. Repeat this process for 2 to 3 times or until you achieve the desired frothiness.

Serve the chai tea latte in a mug, topping it with the frothy foam you’ve created, and enjoy your homemade chai latte with a delightful foam finish.

EQUIPMENT

• Mortar and pestle
• Measuring cups
• Small saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer

INGREDIENTS  

• 4 cardamom pods
• ½ cinnamon stick
• ½ inch piece of fresh ginger
• 5 cloves
• ½ star anise (optional; Star anise has a strong flavor, you can skip it if it’s your first time making chai.)
• 4 black peppercorns (optional)
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose tea)
• 2 tbsps sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cup milk (You can use whole milk, 2%, soy milk, or any milk of your choice. I used unsweetened oat milk.)

Step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Use a mortar and pestle to lightly crush ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anises (optional), and black peppercorns (optional).

2. Place the crushed spices, black tea, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Pour the milk in the saucepan, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes.

4. Remove the saucepan from heat and use a fine mesh strainer to strain the chai tea latte into a clean container. Discard the spices and tea leaves. Taste and add more sugar if desired.

5. Optionally, pour the chai tea latte from one container into the other. Keep pouring back and forth between the containers until you achieve the desired amount of foam. The more you pour, the frothier it will become.

6. Once you’ve created enough foam, carefully pour the chai tea latte into your serving mug to serve it hot.

7. To make an iced chai tea latte, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the chilled chai tea over the ice to fill the glass. Serve your iced chai tea latte immediately.

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Homemade Chai Tea Latte (Iced/Hot)

Ms Shi and Mr He

There's nothing quite like the warm embrace of aromatic spices and a steaming cup of chai tea latte on a chilly autumn morning. Whether you prefer your chai tea latte hot or cold, this easy recipe has you covered. So, grab your favorite mug or glass and let's dive into the world of homemade chai!

4.50 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 222 kcal

Equipment

• Mortar and pestle
• Measuring cups
• Small saucepan
• fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

  

• 4 cardamom pods
• ½ cinnamon stick
• ½ inch fresh ginger
• 5 cloves
• ½ star anise (optional)
• 4 black peppercorns (optional)
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose tea)
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cup milk (You can use whole milk, 2%, soy milk, or any milk of your choice. I used unsweetened oat milk.)

Instructions

 

• Use a mortar and pestle to lightly crush ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anises (optional), and black peppercorns (optional).
• Place the crushed spices, black tea, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Pour the milk in the saucepan, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and use a fine mesh strainer to strain the chai tea latte into a clean container. Discard the spices and tea leaves. Taste the chai tea latte and add more sugar if desired.
• Optionally, pour the chai tea latte from one container into the other. Keep pouring the chai tea latte back and forth between the containers until you achieve the desired amount of foam. The more you pour, the frothier it will become.
• Once you've created enough foam, carefully pour the chai tea latte into your serving mug to serve it hot.
• To make an iced chai tea latte, transfer the chai tea latte to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the chilled chai tea over the ice to fill the glass. Serve your iced chai tea latte immediately.

Video

Keyword chai, Chai tea, masala chai