Description
This homemade chai latte recipe brings the rich, warm flavors of chai straight to your kitchen. Combining black tea, fragrant spices, and sweet maple syrup, steeped in almond or your favorite milk, it’s a cozy and comforting beverage perfect for any time of day. Top with foamed milk for a creamy finish, making it better than your average coffee shop chai.
Ingredients
Spices:
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 star anise
Liquid & Flavorings:
- 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
Instructions
- Toast the spices: Place the cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, and star anise in a small pot and toast them over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
- Simmer with milk and ginger: Add the almond milk and thinly sliced ginger to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to infuse the milk with the spices and ginger.
- Steep the tea: Turn off the heat and add the black tea bags to the pot. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for 10 minutes, allowing the black tea to blend with the spiced milk.
- Strain the chai mixture: Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or liquid measuring cup and pour the chai mixture through it to remove the whole spices, tea bags, and ginger, leaving a smooth tea latte base.
- Add sweetness and serve: Stir in 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Pour the chai latte into mugs, top with foamed milk if desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and dust with ground cinnamon for extra aroma and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk, including whole milk, coconut, or oat milk for varied creaminess and flavor.
- Foamed milk topping is optional but recommended for a classic latte experience.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste preferences.
- Toast the spices carefully to avoid burning, as this enhances their flavor significantly.
- This recipe makes 2 servings and can easily be doubled for larger groups.
