Description
A rich, spiced, and creamy homemade chai latte that is ready in just 5 minutes. This recipe uses real loose-leaf spices and milk for a comforting, customizable morning drink that is gentler on the stomach than coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons (10g) loose-leaf black tea (Assam or Ceylon)
- 1 large cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground)
- 4–5 cardamom pods (or ½ teaspoon ground)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced or crushed
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 2–3 black peppercorns
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar)
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- Optional: Whipped cream, cinnamon dusting, or star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the spices: Peel and slice or smash the ginger. Lightly crush the cardamom pods, cloves, and peppercorns to release their oils. Place all spices into a small saucepan.
- Bloom the spices: Add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to the pot with the spices. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tea and water: Pour in the remaining ½ cup of water and the black tea leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is deep amber. (If using tea bags, steep for 3 minutes then remove bags).
- Add milk and sweetener: Pour in the milk and your chosen sweetener. Stir to combine. Heat over medium-low until steaming and slightly frothy, but do not let it boil.
- Froth the milk: Remove from heat. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds or use a handheld frother for 15 seconds to create a creamy foam.
- Strain and serve: Hold a fine-mesh strainer over a mug and pour the chai through to catch the spices. Stir in the vanilla extract. Top with whipped cream or cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Do not boil the milk, as it can scorch and create a skin. Use whole spices for a cleaner flavor rather than ground spices which can be gritty. For a caffeine-free version, substitute black tea with rooibos tea. The chai concentrate (tea + spices + water) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; add fresh milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chai latte, vanilla chai, homemade chai, morning drink, cozy drink, caffeine alternative, dairy-free chai, 5 minute recipe