Total time
20 min
Servings
2
Calories
225.4
Category
Drinks
This Chai Latte recipe brings the warmth of authentic Indian spices into a creamy, comforting beverage that's perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing evenings. With a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more, this stovetop chai is easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cardamom seed
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 peppercorns
- 1/4 fennel seed
- 4 allspice berries
- 1 water
- 2 milk
- 1 fresh ginger
- 2 sugar
- 2 vanilla bean
Method
Toast whole or crushed spices in a saucepan over medium high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Pour water over the spices.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add milk, sugar, ginger, vanilla and tea leaves. Stir.
Cover and heat until just to the simmer, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to lowest setting just to keep warm.
Let steep, covered for 5 to 10 minutes or longer, depending how strong you like your tea.
Strain before serving.
Cook's notes
- Toast the spices just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Use whole spices for the best flavor; avoid pre-ground mixes.
- Simmer gently to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Adjust steeping time based on your preferred strength.
- Strain thoroughly to remove spice bits for a smooth drink.
Easy swaps
- Instead of cow's milk, use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- Instead of sugar, use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for natural sweetness
- Instead of vanilla bean, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Instead of fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Frequently asked
Can I make this chai latte without tea leaves?
Yes, you can omit the tea leaves for a spiced milk drink, though it won't have the traditional black tea flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
Add an extra pinch of black pepper or a small piece of dried chili pepper during steeping.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole?
You can, but reduce the amount by half and strain carefully, as ground spices can make the chai gritty.
Is this recipe vegan?
It can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and sweetener; ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly.
What if I don't have all the spices?
Feel free to skip or substitute with what you have. Cinnamon and cardamom are key; others add depth.
