Welcome to the delightful world of chai latte! This cozy and fragrant spiced tea is perfect for those chilly winter days when you need a warm embrace in a cup. Infused with classic warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, this aromatic tea is slightly sweet and sure to brighten your day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
Directions
Step 1: Simmer the Spices
In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, sliced fresh ginger, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a lively boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the spices simmer for several minutes. This simmering process helps release their essential oils, giving your chai latte a deep, aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
Add the black tea bags to the simmering spiced water. Let the mixture gently simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tea to fully steep and blend with the warm spices. The longer the simmer, the stronger and more robust your chai flavor will be.
Step 3: Sweeten the Chai
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sugar or honey until completely dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking—traditional chai is slightly sweet, which complements the spices beautifully.
Step 4: Warm and Froth the Milk
In a separate small saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm and steaming but not boiling. For a café-style finish, froth the milk using a milk frother, handheld whisk, or even a tightly sealed jar shaken vigorously. This step adds a silky, luxurious texture to the final drink.
Step 5: Strain and Assemble
Strain the spiced tea into your favorite mug, removing the spices and tea bags. Pour the warm, frothed milk over the tea. The layers will naturally blend into a creamy, fragrant chai latte.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a touch of extra warmth and aroma. Serve immediately while hot and cozy.
Tips & Variations
Stronger chai: Simmer the tea an extra 2–3 minutes.
Creamier version: Use whole milk or add a splash of half-and-half.
Vegan option: Swap in oat, soy, or almond milk and sweeten with maple syrup.
Extra spiced: Add a pinch of black pepper or star anise during simmering.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 120, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 5g, Protein: 4g.