How to Make a Chai Tea Latte at Home (Better Than the Café)

A café chai latte is often made from a sweet syrup concentrate. Making one at home with real loose leaf chai gives you more spice, less sugar and a creamier cup, for a fraction of the price. It takes about 10 minutes.

What You Need

• 2 teaspoons Chai Caramel No. 01 (black tea, cinnamon, ginger, anise, cardamom, cloves and black pepper)
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) water
• 3/4 cup (6 oz) milk of your choice: whole milk, oat or almond
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup or sugar
• A pinch of cinnamon for the top (optional)

Method 1: Stovetop Chai Latte (Richest Flavor)

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the chai, lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Pour in the milk and heat gently until it steams. Don't let it boil over.
4. Strain into a mug and stir in your sweetener.
5. Froth with a frother or whisk for a café-style foam, and dust with cinnamon.

Method 2: Quick Mug Chai Latte

1. Steep 2 teaspoons of chai in 4 oz of water at 200°F for 5 minutes. An infuser cup makes this easy.
2. While it steeps, heat and froth 6 oz of milk.
3. Remove the leaves, sweeten, and pour the milk over the tea.

Iced Chai Latte

1. Steep 2 teaspoons of chai in 4 oz of hot water for 5 minutes, then strain.
2. Stir in sweetener while it is warm so it dissolves.
3. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea, and top with cold milk.

Want it ready in the morning? Cold brew 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of cold water overnight in the fridge, strain, and add milk over ice.

Tips for the Best Chai Latte

• Brew it strong. Milk softens the flavor, so use double the usual amount of tea.
• Sweeten a little. A small amount of sweetener brings out the spices. Start with 1 teaspoon.
• Oat milk froths best of the dairy-free milks and adds a natural sweetness.
• Don't over-steep. Past 6 minutes, black tea can turn bitter.
• Add extra spice if you like it bold: a slice of fresh ginger or a crushed cardamom pod in the pot.

Is Chai Good for You?

Chai is a comforting drink, not a health food, but it has a lot going for it. Black tea contains natural antioxidants called polyphenols. Spices like ginger, cinnamon and cardamom have been enjoyed for centuries in warming drinks and after meals. And a homemade chai latte has far less sugar than most café versions, because you control the sweetener.

Chai Caramel is made with black tea, so it does contain caffeine. Read Does Chai Have Caffeine? to see how much.

Caffeine-Free Evening Version

For a spiced latte after dark, use Herbal Wellness No. 07, a caffeine-free blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, fennel and liquorice. Make it the same way with steamed oat milk and honey. For a sweeter cup, try Caramel Almond Apple No. 05 (contains nuts).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best milk for a chai latte?

Whole milk gives the creamiest result. Oat milk is the best dairy-free choice because it froths well and tastes naturally sweet.

Can I make a chai latte without a frother?

Yes. Whisk the hot milk hard in the pan, or shake it in a sealed jar before pouring.

How do I make my chai latte stronger?

Use more tea, not a longer steep. Two teaspoons per cup gives you a bold, spiced latte without bitterness.

Can I make chai concentrate ahead?

Yes. Simmer 4 tablespoons of chai in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes, strain, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mix half concentrate, half milk.

Shop Chai Caramel No. 01

Steep intentionally. Sip with intention.

Related Reading

Keep exploring with Does Chai Have Caffeine?, Sip Differently: Creative Recipes for Every Teatentional Blend and Rise and Steep: The Best Teatentional Teas to Start Your Morning.