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4.62 from 150 votes

Chai Latte from Scratch

A delicious chai latte made from scratch using a blend of tea and spices.
Prep Time8 minutes
Steep Time10 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Jee Choe

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups milk any kind
  • Optional garnish: ground cinnamon

Chai Concentrate

  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons Assam loose tea (or 4 tea sachets or tea bags)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise (optional: 1 more for garnish)
  • 10 cardamom pods
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

MAKE CHAI CONCENTRATE

  • Crush and roughly chop star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods.
  • In a saucepan, add all ingredients for chai concentrate except for the vanilla extract.
    Use filtered water if you can.
  • Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
    Stir occasionally.
  • Strain out tea and spice solids. Add vanilla extract.

HEAT MILK

  • Simmer milk on low on the stovetop until you see little bubbles form along the edges. Turn off heat.

MAKE WHIPPED CREAM

  • Whip together heavy cream and sugar.
    Use a handheld milk frother to whip heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Whisk the ingredients in a tall container so you're not making a mess.

ASSEMBLE DRINK

  • Into a mug, pour in the chai concentrate, then milk, and top with whipped cream.
    This recipe makes 4 servings so divide each part (chai concentrate, milk, whipped cream) into 4 cups.
    OPTIONAL: Garnish with ground cinnamon and a whole star anise.

Notes

  • This recipe makes a chai concentrate so you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Store chai concentrate in an airtight container, like a jar, in the refrigerator. Use it within 4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
  • Since there are so many spices and flavors combined together, you don't need to use the highest quality black tea. Feel free to use tea sachets or tea bags instead of loose tea.
  • Use whole spices whenever possible since it'll produce a richer depth of flavor than ground spices. Use ground spices if it's the only option.
  • Any milk can be used, but whole milk will have the creamiest texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 385 | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1122IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 1mg