Spiced Chai Latte at Home
A cozy homemade chai latte made with black tea, warming spices, milk, and sweetener. This easy stovetop recipe is simple to customize and perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon break.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
Spice + Tea Base
- 2 cups Water
- 1 thumb Fresh Ginger, sliced (or 1/2 to 1 tsp Ground Ginger)
- 1 stick Cinnamon ( or 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon)
- 6-8 pods Cardomom , light crushed (or 1/2 tsp Ground Cardomom)
- 4 whole Cloves
- 6-10 pcs Whole Black Peppercorns (optional)
- 2 tsp Loose Black Tea ( 2 Black Tea Bags)
To Finish
- 1 cup Fresh Milk
- 1-2 tbsp Sugar, or Honey or Maple to taste
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Simmer the spices - In a small saucepan, add the water, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns if using. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Steep the tea - Turn off the heat and add the black tea. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid steeping too long so the tea does not become bitter.
- Add the milk - Stir in the milk and place the pan back over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, just until warmed through. Do not let it boil hard.
- Sweeten and strain - Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste. Stir in vanilla if using. Strain the chai into mugs.
- Serve warm - Enjoy as is, or top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger chai, simmer the spices a little longer.
- Oat milk makes this especially creamy.
- For less caffeine, use decaf black tea.
- You can make the chai base ahead and store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.