Helene Laurendeau's Hot or Cold Chai Latte

Name: Helene Laurendeau's Hot or Cold Chai Latte
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 cups
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 bags black tea; 1 stick cinnamon; 4 pods cardamom (crushed); 4 slices fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

15 min 2 cups Easy

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Helene Laurendeau's Hot or Cold Chai Latte

Warm up or cool down with Helene Laurendeau's chai latte, perfect for any season and easy to make at home.

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Total

15 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Chai latte, a delightful blend of spices and tea, has become a beloved drink for many. Whether you prefer it hot during chilly mornings or cold to refresh on a warm day, Helene Laurendeau's chai latte is a versatile recipe that caters to both preferences. This recipe combines the robust flavours of black tea with the warmth of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. It's a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a cozy afternoon break. With just a few ingredients, you can bring the café experience right into your home.

Ingredients

Servings

Chai Concentrate

Latte

Instructions

Prepare the chai concentrate

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add black tea bags, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, and fresh ginger slices. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: For a stronger flavour, let the tea bags steep longer before removing.

Sweeten the concentrate

Remove the tea bags and add honey to the hot concentrate. Stir until fully dissolved.

Pro tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Heat the milk

In another saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk until steaming but not boiling. Use a milk frother if desired to create a foamy texture.

Pro tip: For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk.

Combine tea and milk

Divide the chai concentrate between two mugs and top each with the steamed milk, pouring it gently to create layers.

Serve hot or cold

For a hot chai latte, serve immediately. For a cold version, allow the mixture to cool and serve over ice.

Pro tip: Add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Garnish and enjoy

Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a milk frother for a café-quality frothy top.</li><li>For a stronger chai flavour, steep the tea longer.</li><li>Add a touch of vanilla for extra aroma.</li><li>Adjust the sweetness level to your taste with more or less honey.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chai latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of spice. Pair it with a light breakfast pastry or enjoy it as a standalone treat. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for the next day; just remember to give it a good stir before serving. For a make-ahead option, prepare the chai concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply mix with milk when you're ready to enjoy your latte.