Easy Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
A Chai Latte is the ultimate winter drink: warm, spiced, and lightly sweet. I was doomed to fall in love with it the first time I tried it. After all, I’m a tea drinker through and through, and I’ve always loved a classic tea latte, whether it’s Earl Grey or a strong black tea with steamed milk.
Over the years, I’ve tasted countless tea latte variations, from Kenyan tea to London Fog and Hong Kong milk tea. But lately, the fragrant spices and gentle sweetness of a chai latte have completely won me over, and I know I’m not alone. A chai tea latte is actually one of the most popular orders at Starbucks!
If you’re curious about making your own chai latte at home, exploring different flavor variations, or just want a delicious recipe to try, we’ve got you covered. But first, for those new to this cozy drink…
What Is a Chai Latte?
A Chai Latte is a tea latte made from black tea infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, combined with steamed milk and a touch of sweetener. Fun fact: “chai” simply means “tea” in Hindi, so technically you don’t need to say “chai tea latte”, it’s already implied. The spiced version, known as masala chai, comes from India, where it has been enjoyed for centuries.
The signature flavor of a chai latte comes from the spice blend itself. Each spice adds its own aroma and warmth: cinnamon brings sweetness, cardamom adds floral notes, ginger spice, and cloves round everything out with subtle depth. Mixed with milk and a bit of sweetener, these bold spices soften into a creamy tea latte.
How to Make a Chai Tea (Chai Latte Base)
Ingredients for Chai Tea
Black Tea
At the heart of any good chai latte is black tea. Its slightly malty flavor provides the structure that allows warm spices, milk, and sweetness to shine without becoming overpowering. Traditionally, masala chai is made with strong black tea, which holds up beautifully when simmered with spices and milk.
What Type of Tea Should You Use for a Chai Latte?
Traditionally, masala chai is made with strong black tea, which holds up beautifully when simmered with spices and milk. Loose-leaf tea often produces a richer, fuller flavor, but tea bags are convenient and work just as well, especially for everyday chai.
Not all black teas taste the same, and each one interacts differently with spices and milk. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the balance you love most. Some great options include:
Can You Make Chai Without Black Tea?
Yes! While traditional chai uses black tea, some people also use variations like these:
Rooibos Chai - Naturally caffeine-free with a smooth, slightly sweet base
Herbal Blends - Often made without tea leaves, focusing purely on spices
Milk (Creaminess & Texture)
Milk plays a major role in a chai latte’s texture and richness. Since chai relies on bold spices, the milk helps bring everything together.
Whole milk is the traditional choice, creating a smooth, velvety texture. If you prefer something lighter, low-fat or fat-free milk works well while still keeping the drink comforting.
For dairy-free options, oat milk is a favorite. It’s naturally creamy and froths really well
Almond milk offers a lighter texture with a subtle nutty flavor that pairs nicely with cinnamon and cardamom.
Sweeteners
Chai traditionally includes a touch of sweetness to balance the spices, and this is where you can truly adjust the drink to your taste.
Honey adds gentle floral notes. This is my go-to and what I usually use.
Sugar offers a clean, classic sweetness and is what most traditional chai latte recipes call for.
Maple syrup adds a subtle caramel-like flavor and is a great vegan-friendly option.
Spices
Spices are what transform black tea into chai. This blend is highly customizable, making it easy to personalize each chai latte depending on your mood or the season. These are the spices I like to use:
Cinnamon adds warmth
Ginger brings cozy heat and a slight kick
Cardamom offers a floral flavor that enhances the whole drink
Cloves add intensity
Star anise brings a delicate licorice-like sweetness and aroma
Other popular spices you can add to your chai latte include:
Black peppercorns, which enhance warmth and balance the sweetness
Vanilla, for extra softness, rounded finish
How to Make a Chai Latte (Step-by-Step)
Making a chai latte at home is easier than you might think. In a few simple steps using everyday ingredients, you can create a warm, creamy chai latte that tastes just as good, if not better, than one from your favorite café. Here’s exactly how to make a classic chai latte from scratch.
Brew the Chai Tea
Bring fresh water to a boil. Add your black tea along with your chai spices, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and star anise, and let all ingredients simmer or steep for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat the Milk
While the chai tea is brewing, heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling. You can warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, either mixed with the tea or on its own. I prefer heating the milk separately.
Sweeten the Chai
While the chai tea is still hot, stir in your sweetener. Honey, sugar, maple syrup, or agave all work well. Adding the sweetener at this stage helps it dissolve evenly and balance the spices. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Froth the Milk
If you’re heating the milk separately, froth it with a milk frother, whisk, or shake it in a jar with a tight lid. Frothing creates that signature creamy texture and light foam that makes a chai latte feel extra cozy and indulgent.
Make the Chai Latte
Strain out the tea leaves and spices to prevent bitterness. Pour the hot chai tea into your mug, then slowly add the steamed milk. Spoon any remaining foam on top for a classic latte finish. If you like, you can stir in a drop or two of vanilla, but I usually skip it and enjoy mine plain.
Serve and Enjoy
Drink your homemade chai latte right away while it’s warm. For a special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or garnish with a star anise pod.
Chai Latte Recipe Variations
One of the best things about making a chai latte at home is how easy it is to customize. These simple variations let you adjust the flavor depending on what you’re craving or how much time you have.
Lavender Chai Latte
This variation is simple, comforting, and naturally sweet.
Prepare your chai latte as usual using black tea, spices, and milk. Sweeten the drink with lavender honey instead of sugar, stirring it in while the chai is hot so it fully dissolves. Finish with a few dried lavender buds on top for extra warmth and aroma.
Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte (With Peppercorn)
Prepare your chai latte using black tea, your usual chai spices, and milk. While the tea is brewing, add a few crushed black peppercorns along with the other spices. Once strained and combined with milk, stir in a drop of vanilla extract to soften the spice and add warmth. This variation is bold, cozy, and deeply aromatic.
Quick Chai Latte Using Lazo Chai Concentrate
This is the easiest option for busy mornings.
Pour Lazo chai latte concentrate into a microwave-safe mug and add milk, adjusting the ratio to your preferred strength. Heat in the microwave until hot, stir well, and enjoy. You can finish with cinnamon, honey, or vanilla if desired, but it’s delicious on its own.
Chai Latte Recipe Tips
Use fresh spices when possible. Whole or freshly ground spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves deliver a much more aromatic chai latte than older, pre-ground spices.
Lightly crush whole spices. Gently cracking cardamom pods or peppercorns helps release their flavor without making the chai bitter.
Sweeten while hot. Honey, sugar, or maple syrup dissolve best when added to hot chai.
Adjust the milk ratio to taste. Use more milk for a creamier, café-style chai latte, or less milk for a stronger, tea-forward flavor.
For extra spice, let it rest. Allowing your chai to sit for a minute before drinking helps the spices deepen and blend.
Microwave carefully. When heating chai concentrate with milk, warm it in short intervals and check your chai tea latte in between to prevent overheating.
Make it ahead. Brew a larger batch of chai tea or spice concentrate, then store it in the fridge for 5-6 days for quick lattes anytime.
Chai Latte Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, a chai latte is usually caffeinated because it is made with black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. If you want a caffeine-free option, try a rooibos chai latte or use decaffeinated black tea.
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When making a chai latte, you can use warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and black pepper. You can also make a spiced chai tea.
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A dirty chai latte is a chai latte with an added shot of espresso. It combines the warm spices of chai with the bold, rich flavor of coffee.
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Yes! Using chai latte concentrate is a quick and easy way to make a chai latte at home. Simply mix the concentrate with milk and heat in the microwave or on the stove for a fast, café-style drink.
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If you make a chai tea concentrate, you can store it in the fridge for 6-7 days. Reheat it with milk when you’re ready for a chai latte. Once mixed with milk, it’s best to drink it fresh.
Chai Latte
Make a chai latte at home using black tea, milk, and warm spices like cardamom and ginger. Sweetened with honey and finished with cinnamon, this homemade chai latte is creamy, cozy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 black tea tea bags or 2 tbsp of loose-leaf black
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 inch ginger root
- 6 green cardamom
- 6-7 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 2 cups of whole milk
- Honey
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add black tea and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, star anise). Let it simmer or steep for 10-15 minutes to build a strong, aromatic chai flavor.
- Heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling. You can warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. I like heating the milk separately for the best texture.
- While the chai is still warm, mix in your sweetener of choice. Stir well until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust until it’s just right.
- If you warmed the milk on its own, froth it with a milk frother, whisk, or shake it in a jar with a tight lid. This adds the creamy foam that makes it feel like a café latte.
- Strain the tea and spices. Pour the chai into a mug, then slowly add the steamed milk. Spoon foam on top for a latte-style finish.
- Serve immediately while hot. For a little extra flair, sprinkle cinnamon or add a star anise garnish.
Notes
- Avoid bitterness: Always strain out the tea leaves and spices once steeped to prevent an overly bitter flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can brew a larger batch of chai tea concentrate and store it in the fridge for up to 6 days. Reheat with milk before serving.
- Caffeine-free option: Use rooibos or decaffeinated black tea for an evening-friendly chai latte.
- Extra spice: For a stronger kick, lightly crush whole spices before brewing to release more flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
135Fat
6 gSat. Fat
3 gCarbs
17 gFiber
4 gNet carbs
13 gSugar
10 gProtein
6 gSodium
65 mgCholesterol
20 mgNutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate. Use your own calculations when needed.
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Make a creamy chai latte at home using black tea, milk, warming spices, honey, and cinnamon. A cozy and delicious chai latte recipe.