Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
This homemade chai latte recipe offers a warm and aromatic beverage made from fresh ginger, whole spices, black tea, and milk. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sugar and a hint of sea salt, this chai latte brings the comforting flavors of traditional Indian chai right to your kitchen. The spices are boiled to unlock their full essence, steeped with black tea, and combined with creamy milk for a rich and soothing drink ideal for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Spices and Tea
- 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
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 3.5 cups water
- 1 to 3 Tbsp sugar (to taste)
- Pinch sea salt (to taste)
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Boil the Spices: Heat the water and all the spices in a medium-sized saucepan over high heat until it reaches a full boil. Use a spoon to remove the star anise if added. Then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil and let the spices stew uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to fully release their flavors. For a milder chai, boil the spices only 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add Tea Bags: Turn off the heat and add the three black tea bags to the hot spiced water.
- Steep the Tea: Allow the tea bags to steep for 10 to 15 minutes according to your preferred tea strength.
- Strain and Sweeten: Strain the tea into another pot or container, removing all the spices and tea bags. Stir in the sugar and pinch of sea salt to taste. Add the milk and gently heat the chai mixture until it reaches your desired serving temperature. If you have a milk frother, froth the milk separately for a creamy texture.
- Serve: Pour the frothy chai latte into large mugs and enjoy warm. Adjust milk and sweetness as desired for your perfect cup.
- Storage: Store leftover chai in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator. Chai containing milk will keep for up to 1 week, while chai without milk can last up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Removing the star anise early prevents it from overpowering the flavor.
- Steeping times and spice boil time can be adjusted based on strength preference.
- Milk frothing is optional but enhances the latte texture.
- This recipe is for chai latte, not chai syrup or concentrate.
- Sweetness can be customized from 1 to 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/homemade-chai-latte-recipe/
