Homemade Chai Latte

This Homemade Chai Latte is the ultimate cozy beverage, rich with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. With a creamy oat milk base and natural sweetness from maple syrup, it’s easy to make, dairy-free, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re starting your morning or winding down your evening, this flavorful drink is the perfect warm hug in a mug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chai latte tastes better than what you’d get at a café—and it’s healthier too. Made with real spices and your choice of non-dairy milk, it’s naturally sweetened and free from preservatives or artificial syrups. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and ready in just 10 minutes. Plus, you can make it vegan, spicy, sweet, or frothy—exactly how you like it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup water

• 2 black tea bags (or ½ tablespoon loose leaf black tea)

• 1½ teaspoons chai spice blend (see below)

• Pinch of black pepper (optional, for extra spice)

• 2 cups oat milk (or any non-dairy milk)

• ½ tablespoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Chai Spice Blend (optional DIY):

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Make the Tea:
   In a small saucepan, combine the water, black tea, and chai spices. Bring to a low boil over medium heat.
   Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow the tea and spices to infuse.

2. Add Milk & Sweetener:
   Pour in the oat milk and add maple syrup. Stir well and heat for another 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

3. Strain:
   Use a fine mesh sieve (or cheesecloth or nut milk bag) to strain the mixture into mugs, removing the tea bags and spice sediment.

4. Serve:
   Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
   Optionally, top with non-dairy whipped cream or frothed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a café-style finish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 90–110 kcal (depending on milk and sweetener used)

Variations

• Iced Chai Latte: Let the chai cool, pour over ice, and serve cold.

• Chai Concentrate: Double the tea and spices, simmer longer, and store for later use. Just add milk when ready to serve.

• Extra creamy: Use full-fat oat milk or coconut milk for a richer texture.

• Spicy chai: Add fresh ginger slices, whole black peppercorns, or star anise during the simmer.

• Chai coffee: Mix equal parts brewed espresso and chai latte for a “dirty chai.”

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chai latte in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Do not boil, as this can affect the milk’s texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make a batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy.

What’s the best non-dairy milk to use?

Oat milk is creamy and naturally sweet, but almond, soy, or coconut milk also work well.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole?

Yes, this recipe is designed for ground spices for convenience. If using whole spices, simmer longer and strain carefully.

Is it necessary to strain the latte?

Yes, especially if using loose leaf tea or ground spices, to avoid grit in your cup.

Can I use sweetened milk?

You can, but reduce or omit the maple syrup to avoid overly sweet results.

Can I make this caffeine-free?

Use decaffeinated black tea or swap in rooibos tea for a naturally caffeine-free version.

What if I don’t have chai spice blend?

You can quickly make your own using common pantry spices (see blend above).

How do I froth the milk?

Use a handheld milk frother, electric whisk, or blender to create froth before serving.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use a plant-based milk and maple syrup, this chai latte is 100% vegan.

Can I turn this into a chai latte mix?

Yes! Mix the dry spices in advance and store in a small jar. Just add to tea and milk when ready to brew.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chai Latte is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and soothing. With its rich aroma and velvety texture, it’s a soul-warming drink you’ll want to sip year-round. Whether enjoyed hot on a cold morning or poured over ice for a refreshing twist, this cozy cup of comfort is easy to customize and even easier to fall in love with.

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