Description
A spiced chai latte is a warm, comforting beverage blending black tea, milk, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This creamy drink is perfect for cozy mornings or evenings, offering a balance of sweetness, spice, and indulgence. It’s customizable for vegan and caffeine-free options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based: almond, oat, coconut)
- 2–3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 black peppercorns
- 2–3 tsp sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Spices: Lightly crush cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns to release their flavors.
- Simmer Spices: In a saucepan, combine water and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Tea: Add black tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the pot. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Milk: Stir in milk and sweetener. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the chai into mugs to remove spices and tea leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Spices to Taste:
- Feel free to tweak the spice ratios to suit your preferences. For a stronger kick, add more ginger or black pepper. For a sweeter, milder flavor, increase cinnamon or cardamom.
- Sweetener Options:
- You can use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar for a natural sweetness. Adjust the amount based on your taste.
- Milk Choices:
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or oat milk. Almond milk adds a nutty flavor, while coconut milk gives a tropical twist.
- Caffeine-Free Option:
- Replace black tea with rooibos or herbal teas for a soothing, caffeine-free version.
- Make-Ahead Spice Mix:
- Prepare a batch of the spice mix in advance by grinding the spices together and storing them in an airtight container. This saves time when making chai.
- Frothy Latte:
- If you prefer a frothy latte, use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk before adding it to the tea.
- Avoid Over-Steeping Tea:
- Steeping tea for too long can make it bitter. Keep an eye on the timing and remove the tea bags or strain the leaves after 3-4 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair your chai latte with snacks like gingerbread cookies, scones, or banana bread for a delightful treat.
- Storage:
- The chai base (spices and tea) can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and add milk when ready to serve.
- Seasonal Twists:
- Add a dash of pumpkin spice for fall, peppermint for winter, or lavender for spring to create seasonal variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
- Calories: 120 (with 2% milk and sugar)
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~60mg
- Fat: ~3g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~8mg