How To Make a Chai Tea Latte at Home (Easy Recipe)

It’s tempting to leave lattes and cappuccinos to the pros, but making them at home is surprisingly simple. While we appreciate the skill of our favorite baristas and enjoy a good coffee shop, sometimes it’s satisfying to create something yourself. With just a few ingredients from the grocery store and some basic kitchen tools, you can delight your taste buds—and impress your friends.

Today, we’re going to show you how to make a chai tea latte. This easy-to-make drink consists of just chai tea and hot milk. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore what chai is all about.

What Is Chai?

Chai has a rich history and isn’t just one type of tea leaf—it’s a blend of various spices. Originating from India, chai was initially crafted as a healing beverage. Legend has it that over 5,000 years ago, a mysterious king suffering from a sore throat and digestive issues sought relief, and chai was born. Each ingredient in a chai recipe serves a specific purpose: black pepper and ginger aid digestion, cardamom lifts the spirits, cloves soothe pain, anise freshens breath, and cinnamon promotes good circulation and airflow.

The concoction must have been effective, as it quickly became popular throughout India and eventually spread across the continent. The recipe varied by region, but the core idea remained the same: chai was a rejuvenating, health-boosting drink.

In the mid-1800s, black tea leaves, milk, and honey were incorporated into the mix, creating the chai tea latte we know today.

So, What Is a Chai Latte?

A chai latte is simply chai tea combined with milk. Yes, it is that straightforward! You can brew chai using either tea bags or loose-leaf mixtures, which we’ll be using in this recipe. Alternatively, chai concentrates are also available at most grocery stores.

Traditionally, a basic chai latte doesn’t contain any coffee. But since this is Coffee Channel, we’re adding a shot of espresso to create what’s known as a “dirty chai latte.” Surprisingly, the bold flavors of chai and espresso blend seamlessly, with the chai still being the dominant taste, while the espresso adds a subtle depth.

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the drink!

How to Make a Chai Latte (Easy Recipe)

What You’ll Need

How to do it:

As you’ll see, the process is quite simple. The trickiest part is keeping an eye on the temperature of both the chai and the milk. In just five to ten minutes, you’ll have a delicious chai latte.

1. Make or heat the chai.

If you’re using tea leaves, heat some water and steep the chai. If you’re using a concentrate, heat it over low to medium heat in a small saucepan. Aim to keep the chai at the same temperature as the milk, around 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit. Once ready, add sugar to taste.

2. Heat the milk.

Using the same small saucepan, heat the milk over low to medium heat. Again, aim for a temperature between 160-170 degrees, just below boiling. If you prefer a gentler drink, you can heat the milk to a slightly lower temperature.

3. Froth the milk (optional).

To create froth, pour the heated milk into a separate container and whisk it. You can do this by placing the whisk between your palms and rolling it back and forth, much like starting a fire.

4. Combine.

Pour the chai, milk, and optional espresso shot into a cup. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon on top to give it that café-style finish.

If you’re craving a chai latte but it’s too warm outside for a hot drink, no problem! Just skip the heating steps and pour the cold chai and milk over ice for a refreshing iced chai latte.

And there you have it—easy, right? Until next time, happy sipping!

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Featured Image Credit: kalinova.mary, Shutterstock