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homemade chai tea latte - featured image

Homemade Chai Tea Latte: Best Easy Recipe

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x

Description

A comforting, aromatic homemade chai tea latte made with fresh ginger, cardamom, and black tea. This recipe offers a superior flavor profile compared to store-bought mixes, allowing you to control sweetness and customize the spice level.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup water
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and smashed
  • 6–8 fresh green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (Assam or Ceylon) or 2 tea bags
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 4 cloves (optional)
  • 4 black peppercorns (optional)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Peel and smash the ginger root with the flat side of a knife. Lightly crush the cardamom pods to expose the seeds.
  2. Combine water, ginger, cardamom, and optional spices (cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns) in a small saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the water turns deep amber.
  4. Add the black tea leaves or tea bags and steep for 2-3 minutes. Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.
  5. Pour in the milk and heat over medium heat until hot and steaming. Do not let the milk boil, as this can scorch it.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  7. Optional: Froth half of the chai using a handheld frother or blender for a creamy texture.
  8. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug to remove spices and tea leaves.
  9. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Smash the ginger rather than dicing it to release oils immediately. Do not skip the pinch of salt as it enhances sweetness and balances bitterness. If using oat milk, choose a barista edition for better frothing. The chai base (water, spices, tea) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add fresh milk when reheating.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 50
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: chai tea latte, homemade chai, fresh ginger, cardamom, black tea, dairy-free option, cozy drink, morning ritual

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Find it online: https://tableanddinner.com/homemade-chai-tea-latte-best-easy-recipe/