NEW!
If you're looking for a way to spice up your day then make my chai tea latte recipe. It's the ultimate way to enjoy the smells of Autumn.
I love playing around with spices and when I first tried a Chai Tea Latte, I was totally hooked. Masala Chai is Hindi for spiced tea and is thousands of years old. In India, it is traditionally made with fresh ginger and other freshly ground spices. My version uses black tea which was introduced to the recipe in the 1800s, and oat milk to make it dairy free.
Be careful, this colorful recipe might just become your new Autumn favorite; it fills the house with an incredibly delicious scent and tastes divinely comforting.
Chai Tea Latte Ingredients
This recipe is made in two parts: a spiced water mixture paired with a creamy black tea and oat milk mixture. Here's what I like to add to mine:
- Fresh Ginger Root: Located in the fresh produce section of most grocery stores. A little goes a long way for this spicy root!
- Green Cardamom Pods: This unique spice has a bright, citrus flavor that is both sweet and spicy.
- Whole Cloves: With a very apparent hot and floral scent, cloves deliver a spiced punch.
- Freshly Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a very fragrant, nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: Slightly bitter and strongly scented with notes of floral.
- Whole Black Peppercorns: This contributes to the spice and overall flavor of the chai.
- Star Anise: This spice has a sweet, licorice flavor.
- Black Tea: Look for Assam or Darjeeling for best results.
- Oat Milk: Unsweetened, dairy-free milk is a perfect swap with dairy milk in this recipe.
- Maple Syrup: Add just a touch of sweetness with nutty maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract: I love the woody flavor of an amber vanilla extract.
Pro Tip: You should be able to find most of these whole spices in the spice section of the grocery store, a bulk food store or an Asian grocery store.
Whole vs Ground Spices
While you can make this recipe with pre-ground spices, I challenge you to use whole spices for this chai tea latte. They provide a lot more flavor as well as the most potential for medicinal benefits. I was able to find all these spices in their whole form between Publix and Costco.
Chai Tea Latte Recipe at Home
This warming beverage takes a few steps, yet it's so worth the final result! I make the spiced water mixture first so that the tea doesn't get too strong.
Spiced Water Instructions:
- The spiced water mixture can be made by combining the spices and filtered water in a saucepan and bring that to a boil.
- Once boiling, simmer this mixture (and enjoy the aroma!) while the heat brings out the flavors.
- I put my whole spices into a linen bag in case they start to break down while simmering. If you choose to add them without a bag then be sure to strain the whole spices out once it's done steeping so you don't over-spice the mixture.
Chai Tea Latte:
- Combine the strained spice water in the saucepan with water. Bring to a boil once more, then remove from heat and add your tea bags. I find that four bags steeped for 3-5 minutes gives me the strength and flavor I want, yet feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
- After removing the tea bags, stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract along with oat milk. Once this creamy mixture is well combined, divide it between two mugs and serve immediately.
If you prefer your chai tea latte iced, allow the mixture to cool then add ice cubes! You can store the spiced water mixture in the fridge overnight then make the tea portion the next day for even better flavor.
Perfect Tea for Chai
I find that Darjeeling or Assam (both black teas) work best for this mixture. You can definitely use a decaffeinated tea if you prefer, just try to find one that isn't flavored already. Loose leaf and bagged tea both work for this recipe, just make sure to strain the leaves before serving if you go that route.
FAQs for Chai Latte Recipe
My recipe uses fresh ginger, green cardamom pods, whole cloves, freshly ground nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, star anise, black tea, oat milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
It can be! Using fresh, whole spices allows you to soak in all the medicinal benefits of each spice. I use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk to avoid any uncomfortable side effects. Black tea is naturally caffeinated, so take note if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Yes, traditional chai tea uses black tea, which is naturally caffeinated. Feel free to use the decaf tea of your choice to avoid the majority of the caffeine in this recipe.
Chai Tea Latte
Equipment
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stove top
Ingredients
- 2 cups water filtered
- 1 inch fresh ginger thinly sliced
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 3 whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly ground
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns whole
- 1-2 whole star anise
For Chai
- 1 cup water filtered
- 4 black tea bags
- 8 ounces oat milk unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
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Place water in saucepan. Add spices. Bring to a boil and simmer 5-10 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes, then strain.
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Add spice-infused water back to saucepan along with additional 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, add tea bags. Steep 3-5 minutes.
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Gently press tea bags to extract any remaining liquid. Stir in sweetener and vanilla. Add oat milk and whisk well. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole spices where indicated for most flavor.
- Allowing the spice mixture to sit overnight before steeping with tea will also bring out a better, more flavorful chai.
- Use the plant milk of your choice.
- Darjeeling and Assam are my go-to black teas for making chai.
Nutrition
Caffeinated Beverages for Autumn
I love a great, warm coffee yet that's not the only thing I'm sippin' on this season. Here are my go-to Autumn beverages (hot and cold!):
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte: If I've got time, this is a wonderful way to wake up in the morning.
- Mocha Smoothie: This is my energy-on-the-go smoothie of choice.
- Creamy Butter Coffee: Adding grass-fed butter might sound weird, but don't knock it til you try it!
- Hot Chocolate Smoothie: This yummy warm smoothie is for adults and kids alike.
- Matcha Latte: Looking for a non-coffee source of caffeine? This latte is a definite winner.
- Homemade Hot Chocolate: My kid's beverage of choice after a chilly day outside or a fun nighttime drink with friends.
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