Drinks

Spiced Chai Latte Recipe

ByCleo Brixton February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Chai latte is a comforting blend of spiced tea and creamy milk, perfect for cozy afternoons. This homemade version combines aromatic spices with rich black tea and sweetened milk for a soothing, flavorful treat.

A glass filled with a creamy light beige drink topped with a layer of frothy foam sprinkled with a little brown spice on top, placed on a white plate with a rough blue texture. Next to the glass, there are two long light brown cinnamon sticks and two star-shaped brown star anise pods. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cinnamon sticks
8 cardamom pods
4 cloves
6 peppercorns
1 star anise
Small piece of fresh ginger root, sliced
3 black teabags (such as Ceylon, Assam, or English Breakfast)
2 cups whole milk or coconut milk
1–2 tbsp light brown soft sugar
Pinch of ground cinnamon, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Tip the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, and star anise into a dry frying pan and toast over medium heat until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Place the toasted spices, sliced ginger, and teabags in a teapot or French press. Pour in 2 cups of freshly boiled water and allow to infuse for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, heat the milk with the light brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the milk is just steaming.
Step 4: Froth the warm milk using a milk frother or whisk vigorously to create foam on top.
Step 5: Strain the infused tea into four mugs or heatproof glasses, discarding the spices and tea bags.
Step 6: Pour the warm milk into the mugs, holding back the foam with a spoon. Stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Spoon the milk foam over each latte and dust with a pinch of ground cinnamon before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan option, substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk.
Add a splash of vanilla extract or a star anise pod for a fragrant twist.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the amounts of cloves and peppercorns.
Use a tea strainer if you don’t have a French press to make infusion easier.

Storage

Chai latte is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, then whisk or froth again before serving to restore the foam.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a creamy, frothy drink that is light beige in color, topped with a light dusting of cinnamon powder; the glass sits on a white plate with a slightly raised edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the glass on the plate are two long cinnamon sticks placed diagonally, with two star anise pods adding a decorative touch nearby. The background is softly blurred in light blue and white tones, highlighting the drink as the main focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground spices instead of whole spices?

Yes, but whole spices provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor when toasted. If using ground spices, add them directly to the milk when heating to avoid bitterness.