Name: Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 (1.5-inch) nub fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 small cinnamon sticks (about 3 to 4 inches long); 5 whole cloves; 6 cardamom pods (or 1 tsp whole cardamom); 5 black peppercorns; 1 star anise (optional); 3 black tea bags; 3.5 cups water; 1 to 3 Tbsp sugar (to taste); Pinch sea salt (to taste); 2 cups milk

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If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced beverage that wraps you in comfort like a soft blanket, this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe is exactly what you need. Blending the fragrant melodies of fresh ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a hint of peppercorns with robust black tea and creamy milk, this chai latte strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a lazy afternoon moment, this recipe brings the authentic taste of a café chai right into your kitchen, allowing you to savor every sip with joy and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a creamy white drink inside a white ceramic cup filled to the top, featuring a light swirl of brown spice on the foam surface. The cup has a handle on the right side and sits on a white marbled table. Around the cup, there are two brown cinnamon sticks placed near its base, a few star anise pieces, and a small root of ginger on the right side. In the background, there is a larger light gray ceramic mug also filled with a frothy white drink, along with two small bowls containing brown spices, one in blue and one gray. A mustard-yellow cloth with fringed edges is partially visible on the left side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients together for this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe is refreshingly simple but so essential. Each element not only brings its unique flavor but also layers texture and color that make your chai come alive in the cup.

Fresh ginger (1.5-inch nub, peeled and thinly sliced): Adds a bright, spicy warmth that invigorates the chai.
Cinnamon sticks (2 small, about 3-4 inches): Infuses a sweet, woody aroma that defines the chai’s signature scent.
Whole cloves (5): Give a hint of richness and depth with their intense flavor.
Cardamom pods (6, or 1 tsp whole cardamom): Contribute a floral, citrusy note essential to chai’s distinct taste.
Black peppercorns (5): Offer a subtle kick and warmth that balances the sweetness.
Star anise (1, optional): Adds a gentle licorice undertone for an intriguing twist.
Water (3.5 cups): The base that extracts and carries all the beautiful spice flavors.
Black tea bags (3): Provide bold, robust tannins that anchor the chai’s robust body.
Sugar (1 to 3 Tbsp, to taste): Sweetens and harmonizes the complex spice blend.
Sea salt (pinch, to taste): Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Milk (2 cups): Brings creaminess and smooths out the spices for an indulgent finish.

How to Make Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Step 1: Stew the Spices

Start by heating water and all your spices in a medium saucepan over high heat until it reaches a boil. This process is where the magic happens—letting the spices stew at a gentle boil for 10 to 15 minutes unlocks their fullest flavors, crafting the chai’s deep, complex foundation. If you added star anise, scoop it out after boiling to avoid overpowering the blend.

Step 2: Add the Tea Bags

Once the spices have bubbled to perfection, turn off the heat and drop in the black tea bags. The tea needs about 10 to 15 minutes to steep fully, depending on how strong and robust you want your chai to be. This step layers in that signature tea richness that balances all the warming spices.

Step 3: Strain and Sweeten

Carefully strain the mixture into a clean pot, removing all the spices and tea bags for a smooth chai experience. Now’s the time to add sugar and a pinch of sea salt, stirring until the sweetness just hits your perfect note. The pinch of salt is a little secret that elevates the flavor by balancing sweetness and spice.

Step 4: Heat the Milk

Add your milk and gently reheat the chai until it’s steaming hot but not boiling. For bonus indulgence, use a milk frother to add airy foam, creating that classic creamy texture you adore in a latte. Pour the frothy milk and chai into large mugs and get ready to sip on liquid comfort.

Step 5: Tips for a Stronger Brew

If you prefer a more concentrated version, feel free to extend the boiling time for the spices in step one. This creates a chai concentrate perfect for mixing with varying amounts of milk later on. Just note this method produces a more intense spice profile.

Step 6: Storage Guidelines

You can store your prepared chai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week when milk is added, or up to two weeks if milk-free. Make sure it’s well sealed to preserve all those wonderful flavors and freshness.

How to Serve Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

The image shows two white cups filled with creamy spiced latte foam on top. The main cup is full with a smooth swirl of light brown cinnamon powder mixed in the white froth, while the second cup is partly visible with a layer of lighter froth and a light dusting of cinnamon. Around the cups on a white marbled surface are whole cinnamon sticks, a piece of fresh ginger root, star anise, and a small white bowl filled with black peppercorns. The arrangement feels warm and cozy with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off a chai latte better than the perfect garnish. Try a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg on top to add extra aroma and a pretty touch. A single star anise placed gently in the cup can make your drink look stunning and invite curious intrigue. Even a few crushed cardamom pods can bring a fresh burst of spice as you sip.

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade Chai Latte Recipe with treats that complement its rich, spiced notes. Soft, buttery shortbread cookies or warm cardamom-scented muffins create a heavenly duo. For a savory pairing, lightly spiced samosas or roasted nuts add a perfect balance without overpowering the tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your chai latte in charming glass mugs to showcase the inviting color layers? Layered with foam on top and maybe a stick of cinnamon stirred in as a festive stirrer, it makes the experience look as delightful as it tastes. For a modern twist, try chilled chai over ice with frothed milk floating on top for an iced chai latte that’s refreshing but still full of spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chai can be stored in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week if it contains milk. This makes it super convenient to reheat for a fast, flavorful drink the next day. Always give it a quick stir before heating to recombine any separated layers.

Freezing

The chai itself isn’t ideal for freezing once milk is added because dairy tends to separate and change texture. However, you can freeze the spiced tea concentrate before milk is added. Freeze it in ice-cube trays and then store the cubes in a freezer bag to thaw and mix with milk as needed.

Reheating

Reheat your chai gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling it again to keep the milk from curdling and to preserve the delicate flavors. Adding a little fresh milk or frothing some milk before reheating refreshes its creamy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use tea leaves instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! Loose black tea can be used in place of tea bags. Just use about one tablespoon per tea bag and strain carefully. Loose tea often offers a fresher, richer flavor, making your chai extra special.

Is it possible to make this chai latte vegan?

Definitely! Simply substitute the regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each will add its own subtle flavor but still keep the creamy, luscious texture that makes a chai latte so comforting.

How spicy is this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe?

This chai has a balanced warmth—spicy enough to feel cozy but not overwhelm your palate. You can always adjust the amount of ginger, peppercorns, or cloves in the initial simmer to tailor the heat exactly how you like it.

Can I prepare this chai latte quickly on busy mornings?

For busy mornings, make a batch of the spiced chai concentrate ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up and add hot milk or a milk alternative when you’re ready for a beautifully quick and fresh chai latte.

What is the purpose of adding a pinch of sea salt?

The small pinch of salt enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and reducing any bitterness from the tea and spices. It’s a chef’s trick that brings depth and harmony to this beverage.

Final Thoughts

Getting cozy with a cup of this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort right into your day. It’s an effortless, rewarding way to enjoy the complex yet soothing flavors of chai anytime you want. I promise once you try it, making chai at home will become one of your favorite rituals. So go ahead and brew your first batch—your taste buds will thank you!