Homemade Chai Tea Latte

Chai Tea Latte lovers, this recipe is your new morning ritual. Imagine the soft hum of your kettle heating, the rich scent of cinnamon and cardamom blooming in hot water, and the gentle swirl of creamy milk meeting amber-hued tea. This comforting cup takes just 7 minutes to make, and the flavor payoff is huge—warming spices, smooth texture, and a whisper of sweetness in every sip.

No long lines. No expensive machines. Just you, your favorite mug, and a recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something café-worthy.

This easy chai tea latte recipe is perfect for busy mornings, chilly evenings, or anytime you crave something cozy but still light. Whether you’ve tried chai before or this is your first time making it at home, this guide walks you through every step with confidence. From steeping tea to frothing milk like a pro, you’ll get the perfect blend of flavor, warmth, and comfort every time.

So if you’ve been wondering how to make chai tea latte at home, you’re in the right place. Let’s get steeping.

Why You’ll Love This Chai Tea Latte

• ✅ Fast and Easy: Ready in just 7 minutes start to finish
• ☕ Creamy and Frothy: Steamed milk and foam just like your favorite café
• 🌿 Pantry-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients you already have
• 💸 Budget-Smart: Skip the $6 coffee shop drink
• 🧘‍♀️ Soothing and Cozy: Warm spices and comforting aroma
• 🍂 Perfect for Fall or Winter: Tastes like sweater weather in a cup
• 🧒 Kid-Friendly Version Available: Just reduce sugar or spice
• 💪 Customizable: Make it vegan, sugar-free, or spicy
• 🔄 Easy to Scale: Make a single cup or a whole batch
• 🎉 Great for Brunch or Hosting: Looks impressive, tastes amazing
• 🌱 Healthy Chai Tea Latte Option: Lower sugar, dairy-free versions below
• 📷 Instagram-Worthy Foam: Froths beautifully with or without a frother

Ingredients for Chai Tea Latte

¼ cup filtered water
1 chai tea bag
2 teaspoons (8g) granulated sugar *
¾ cup milk (any percentage)
Cinnamon (optional for topping)

Optional Add-Ins / Substitutions:

• Milk Alternatives: Use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk for a dairy-free chai
• Sweeteners: Swap sugar for maple syrup, honey, or monk fruit for a healthier twist
• Stronger Spice: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom to intensify flavor
• Decaf Version: Use decaf chai tea bags
• Vanilla Twist: Stir in ¼ tsp of vanilla extract for a café-style upgrade
• Iced Version: Chill tea concentrate and pour over ice before adding cold frothed milk

How to Make Chai Tea Latte — Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Steep the Tea

In a small pot, bring ¼ cup water to a boil. Pour into an 8-ounce mug and steep one chai tea bag for 5 minutes. The tea should be dark amber and aromatic. Remove and discard the tea bag, then stir in the sugar.

Step 2 – Heat and Froth the Milk

While your tea steeps, pour ¾ cup of milk into the pot and heat over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Don’t let it boil. Whisk vigorously until frothy, or use a handheld milk frother for best results.

Step 3 – Combine and Serve

Pour most of the hot milk into the steeped tea, stirring gently to combine. Then spoon in the remaining milk foam on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Sip and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

• ✅ Use filtered water for the cleanest taste
• 💡 Want a stronger chai? Steep two tea bags instead of one
• ❌ Don’t boil the milk—it can scald and lose creaminess
• 🍯 Stir in sweetener while tea is hot for easy dissolving
• 🥄 Use a spoon to hold back foam while pouring, then top at the end
• 🌀 A French press makes an amazing milk frother—just pump 10–15 times
• 🕯️ Add a pinch of cloves or star anise for deeper spice notes
• ❄️ For iced chai, cool the tea before adding milk
• ⏳ Make a large batch of chai concentrate to save time
• 🥶 Freeze leftover chai tea in ice cubes for future use
• 🌱 Use unsweetened plant milk to control sugar content
• 🎁 Serve in clear glass mugs for visual wow-factor
• 🍫 Craving decadence? Add a splash of chocolate syrup for a dirty chai twist
• 📏 Double the recipe to fill larger mugs or thermoses
• 📅 Make ahead: Steep and store the tea concentrate in the fridge for 2–3 days

Variations & Substitutions

Healthy Version

Use unsweetened almond milk and monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie latte.

Kid-Friendly Chai

Cut the steeping time to 3 minutes and reduce the sugar—still tasty, less spice.

Budget-Friendly

Buy chai tea bags in bulk and use regular milk—way cheaper than daily coffee shop visits!

High-Protein Chai

Use high-protein milk (like Fairlife) and stir in unflavored collagen or protein powder.

Spicy Version

Add ground ginger, cayenne, or a dash of black pepper to the tea while steeping.

Holiday Chai

Add a splash of eggnog or peppermint extract for a festive twist.

Dessert Chai

Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Iced Chai

Steep the tea as directed, then chill and pour over ice with cold-frothed milk.

Best Ways to Serve Chai Tea Latte

• 🍳 Pair with scones, muffins, or banana bread for a dreamy brunch
• 🍂 Cozy up with a mug during a fall afternoon or rainy morning
• 🎄 Make a double batch for holiday brunches or family gatherings
• 🎒 Prep a concentrate ahead and pour into a thermos for busy mornings
• 🍪 Serve with shortbread or biscotti for a cozy dessert pairing

You might also love:

• Our whipped coffee recipe for an airy caffeine treat
• This banana oat muffin bake for an easy breakfast pairing
• Try our pumpkin spice latte for fall feels
• For something cool, try our iced matcha latte next

Nutritional Information

(Per 1 serving)

Calories: 146
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 19g
Fat: 5g

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Store leftover chai concentrate (before milk is added) in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

You can freeze the steeped tea in ice cube trays and use them for iced chai later.

Reheating:

Warm the concentrate on the stove or microwave, then add freshly steamed or frothed milk.

FAQs About This Chai Tea Latte

1. What is a chai tea latte made of?

A chai tea latte is made from black tea infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, combined with steamed milk and often sweetened with sugar or syrup.

2. Is a chai tea latte healthier than coffee?

It depends. Chai tea lattes generally have less caffeine than coffee and offer antioxidants from black tea and spices, but can be higher in sugar depending on preparation.

3. What exactly is a chai latte?

A chai latte is a blend of traditional Indian spiced tea (“chai”) mixed with steamed milk, creating a creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet beverage popular in cafés.

4. Does a chai latte have a lot of caffeine?

No, chai lattes typically contain less caffeine than coffee—about 30–60 mg per cup—depending on the strength of the tea used.

5. Is chai tea latte good for you?

Yes, in moderation. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory spices, but it’s best to watch the sugar content if you’re making or buying it regularly.

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Wrapping Up This Chai Tea Latte

Warm, cozy, and made with ingredients you already have—this chai tea latte is the ultimate comfort drink you’ll want again and again. Whether you’re starting your day, winding down, or just craving a little something special, it’s the perfect blend of spice and simplicity.

What twist will you try—vanilla, chocolate, or extra spicy?
Would you serve this at brunch or keep it all to yourself?
Leave a comment, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to pin it for later!

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