Classic Chai Tea Latte Recipe

Name: Classic Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 bags black tea (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf); 1 stick cinnamon; 4 cardamom pods (crushed); 4 whole cloves; 1 slice fresh ginger (approx. 2 cm); 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste); 1 cup milk (or milk alternative); ground cinnamon (for garnish, optional)

20 min 2 servings Easy

All Recipes

Warm up with this aromatic Chai Tea Latte, blending black tea with spices and creamy milk for a comforting beverage.

Prep

10 min

Cook

10 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Chai Tea Latte is a beloved beverage that combines the robust flavours of black tea with an aromatic blend of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. This recipe captures the essence of a traditional chai while adding a creamy touch with milk. Perfect for those chilly Canadian evenings, this version ensures a balance between the spicy warmth of the tea and the smoothness of frothed milk, making it an ideal choice for tea enthusiasts looking for a comforting yet invigorating drink.

Instructions

Prepare the chai concentrate

In a small saucepan, combine water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a boil.

Pro tip: Fresh spices yield the best flavour, so try to avoid using pre-ground or old spices.

Steep the tea

Once boiling, remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Steeping too long can make the tea bitter, so keep an eye on the clock.

Sweeten the concentrate

Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your preference.

Heat the milk

In another saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a thermometer to ensure milk stays below 70°C (160°F) to prevent scalding.

Froth the milk

Use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk until it doubles in volume.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a frother, vigorously whisk the milk in a jar.

Assemble the latte

Divide the chai concentrate between two mugs. Top with frothed milk, spooning foam over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

Steep the tea for just the right amount of time to avoid bitterness.
Use fresh spices for a more vibrant flavour.
Froth the milk for a café-like finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chai tea latte?

A chai tea latte is a spiced tea beverage made with black tea, a blend of spices, steamed milk, and often sweetened.

How many calories are in a chai tea latte?

A typical serving of chai tea latte contains approximately 120 calories.

Can I make chai tea latte without sugar?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste or use a sugar substitute to reduce sweetness.

What spices are used in chai tea latte?

Common spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.

How do you froth milk for a chai tea latte?

Use a milk frother or whisk to froth milk until it’s foamy, or shake it in a jar if no frother is available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chai Tea Latte in your favourite mug, perhaps with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flair. This beverage pairs wonderfully with a slice of spiced cake or a simple butter biscuit. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the chai concentrate in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and add freshly frothed milk when ready to enjoy.