Description
A cozy and aromatic Chai Latte recipe that combines toasted warming spices with black tea and creamy milk, sweetened lightly with brown sugar. Perfect for a comforting beverage with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 star anise
- Small piece of fresh ginger root, sliced
Tea and Milk
- 3 black teabags (such as Ceylon, Assam, or English Breakfast)
- 2 cups whole milk or coconut milk
- 1–2 tbsp light brown soft sugar
To Serve
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Toast the spices: 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, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the tea infusion: Place the toasted spices, sliced fresh ginger, and tea bags into a teapot or French press, then pour in 2 cups of freshly boiled water. Allow the mixture to steep and infuse for 10 minutes to extract deep flavors.
- Heat and sweeten the milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the whole milk or coconut milk with the light brown sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the milk is lightly steaming—not boiling.
- Create milk froth: Use a milk frother or a whisk to froth the heated milk, creating a creamy foam on top.
- Assemble the chai latte: Strain the infused tea mixture into four mugs or heatproof glasses to remove the spices and tea bags. Pour in the steamed milk, holding back the froth initially, and stir gently to combine.
- Top and garnish: Spoon the milk foam over each chai latte, then sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top as a final aromatic garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk of your choice.
- You can adjust the level of sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or omitting it completely.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor; toasting enhances their aroma and depth.
- If you don’t have a frother, vigorously whisking the milk can help to create some foam.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Chai latte, spiced tea, milk tea, Indian tea, warm beverage, homemade chai, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cozy drink
