Make a chai latte at home by combining brewed chai with warm milk and your preferred sweetener. This recipe uses loose-leaf tea and lets you choose the blend, milk, and finishing spices.
Choose your chai
Chai blends vary in their tea bases and spices. The original recipe offers Inland Iced Chai, White Cap Chai, or Pumpkin Harvest Chai. Check each product’s ingredients, caffeine information, and brewing directions before preparing it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dairy or non-dairy milk
- 2–3 teaspoons loose-leaf chai
- Sugar, honey, or maple syrup, to taste
- Optional culinary cinnamon stick or star anise for additional flavor
- Optional ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
Heat the water to the temperature recommended for your chosen chai blend.
Add the loose-leaf chai and steep according to that product’s directions. For a stronger tea base, adjust the leaf quantity rather than automatically extending the steeping time.
If using whole culinary spices, add them while preparing the tea and strain them out along with the tea leaves.
Meanwhile, gently heat the milk until hot but not boiling. If desired, froth it using equipment suitable for hot milk and follow the equipment’s instructions.
Strain the brewed chai into a heatproof jug or divide it between mugs with enough room for the milk.
Add your preferred sweetener, starting with 1–2 teaspoons and adjusting to taste. Stir until dissolved.
Add the warm milk and spoon any foam on top.
Finish with a small sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Allow the latte to reach a comfortable drinking temperature before serving.
Adjust the tea-to-milk ratio and sweetness to your preference. Check the ingredients of your tea, milk, and additions when accommodating dietary needs.
