Name: Chai Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish); 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 5 whole cloves; 4 green cardamom pods (crushed); 2 star anise; 2½ cups almond milk (or any milk, plus more foamed milk for topping if desired); 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger (thinly sliced); 2 black tea bags; 2 teaspoons maple syrup (plus more to taste); Ground cinnamon (for dusting, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

There’s just something magical about a homemade Chai Latte—the way the spices swirl together with creamy steamed milk, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. This isn’t just a drink, it’s a ritual: warm, comforting, and just bold enough to wake up your senses. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy companion for your morning routine, Chai Latte is always there to make the moment extra special with its unique blend of flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a great Chai Latte lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each element makes a delicious contribution, infusing warmth, fragrance, or a touch of natural sweetness for the perfect sip every time.

Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that signature warmth and hint of natural sweetness in every cup.
Whole black peppercorns: These provide an unexpected, gentle kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Whole cloves: Their deep, spicy aroma adds a layer of richness to your brew.
Green cardamom pods (crushed): This spice is key for that authentic chai aroma and its fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
Star anise: Adds a subtle licorice note that takes the flavor to the next level.
Almond milk (or any milk): Goes creamy and dreamy, letting the spices shine while adding richness.
Fresh ginger (thinly sliced): Delivers a welcome zing and subtle heat.
Black tea bags: The foundation of your Chai Latte’s bold flavor—don’t skip these!
Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness that’s mellow and comforting, easily adjustable to taste.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Perfect for a final dusting of flavor and a cozy finishing touch.

How to Make Chai Latte

Step 1: Toast the Spices

Start by placing your cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods, and star anise in a small pot. Toast them over medium heat for just 1 to 2 minutes—this quick move unlocks all their fragrant oils, so your Chai Latte will be far more flavorful and satisfying.

Step 2: Simmer with Milk and Ginger

Pour in the almond milk (or your favorite milk) and add the fresh ginger slices. Reduce the heat to low and let everything gently simmer for about 5 minutes, coaxing out every bit of that spicy, warming goodness. The aroma at this stage is honestly irresistible!

Step 3: Add and Steep the Tea

Turn off the heat and dunk in your black tea bags. Cover the pot to trap in all those flavors, and let it steep for a solid 10 minutes. This is where the signature Chai Latte balance between bold tea and aromatic spices really comes together.

Step 4: Strain Out the Spices

Set a fine mesh strainer over a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, then pour in your fragrant tea mixture. This ensures you get a smooth, silky texture in your mug—no surprise peppercorns at the bottom!

Step 5: Sweeten and Serve

Stir in the maple syrup and taste—add a little more if you crave extra sweetness. Pour your Chai Latte into mugs, top with a cloud of foamed milk if you’re feeling fancy, then garnish each with a cinnamon stick and a dust of ground cinnamon. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Chai Latte

Garnishes

A classic Chai Latte always looks the part with a cinnamon stick resting in the mug and a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top. If you want to go the extra mile, a tiny sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a star anise pod floating on top makes for a lovely finishing flourish.

Side Dishes

Chai Latte pairs beautifully with all sorts of treats. Try it with crisp biscotti, tender tea cakes, or even a simple scone—anything that lets you linger and savor alongside your cup. A plate of buttery shortbread or spiced cookies turn tea time into a true occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the coziness by serving Chai Latte in your favorite wide ceramic mugs or quaint glass cups to show off the creamy swirls. Drizzle the top with a tiny stream of maple syrup or scatter edible petals for a special touch. For frothy fun, pile on extra foamed milk and shape a little heart on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chai Latte, you’ve already won the day! Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in a well-sealed jar or container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick pour-and-warm morning.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t always ideal for creamy drinks, but you can absolutely freeze Chai Latte if needed. Pour cooled tea into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Just give it a good stir after thawing to reincorporate any separated milk.

Reheating

To reheat your Chai Latte, simply pour it into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring now and then. Avoid boiling to keep the milk silky. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each—either way, that spiced aroma will quickly fill your kitchen!

FAQs

Can I use different milk for my Chai Latte?

Absolutely! Almond milk is lovely for a light, nutty flavor, but regular dairy, oat, soy, or even coconut milk all work beautifully. Just pick whichever you enjoy most, as the spices will shine with any creamy base.

Do I need whole spices, or can I use ground?

Whole spices are best for clarity and a smooth texture, but if you only have ground spices, use them in smaller amounts and strain really well. The flavor might infuse faster, so keep an eye on steeping time.

Can I scale this Chai Latte recipe up for a crowd?

Yes! Just double or triple the ingredients as needed, and use a larger pot. You might want to add a little extra simmer time for bigger batches, and keep the tea strong so the flavor shines through.

How can I make my Chai Latte even spicier?

If you love a bolder brew, just add more ginger or an extra dash of black peppercorns. You can also let the spices simmer a minute longer before straining—customize it until it’s perfectly you.

What’s the best way to make foamed milk at home?

Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy steamer! Just heat milk gently, then whisk briskly by hand or shake in a tightly sealed jar until frothy. Milk frothers or handheld electric whisks work wonders, too.

Final Thoughts

Gather your spices and let yourself sink into the cozy ritual of making Chai Latte at home—it’s a hug in a mug and always worth a little extra effort. Give it a try, experiment with the flavors, and share with someone you love!