Description
A cozy, aromatic homemade chai latte made with real spices, black tea, and brown sugar. This recipe offers a healthier, cheaper, and more flavorful alternative to coffee shop drinks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black tea bags (Assam or Ceylon)
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 cups milk (whole, oat, almond, or coconut)
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4–5 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 4–5 whole black peppercorns
- 2–3 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
Instructions
- Combine water, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, cloves, and peppercorns in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to extract spice flavors.
- Turn off the heat and add tea bags. Steep for 2-3 minutes without squeezing the bags to avoid bitterness.
- While tea steeps, heat milk and brown sugar in the same saucepan over medium-low heat until hot and sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
- Remove tea bags and pour the steeped tea through a fine-mesh strainer into the hot milk.
- Stir well to combine and taste, adjusting sweetness or strength as needed.
- Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to create foam, or use a milk frother.
- Pour into mugs, garnish with cinnamon if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not squeeze tea bags as it releases tannins and makes the tea bitter. Fresh ginger and whole spices provide the best flavor. The spice base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but add fresh milk when serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chai latte, brown sugar chai, homemade chai, spiced tea, cozy morning drink, dairy-free options, healthy coffee alternative