Description
A warm and comforting vanilla chai latte made with simple ingredients, perfect for cozy mornings. This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes and is customizable to your spice and sweetness preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling preferred) or 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole milk preferred, or any plant-based milk like oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sliced ginger to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add black tea bags to the pot, turn off the heat, cover with a lid, and steep for 3 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot or large measuring cup, removing all spices and tea bags.
- Return the strained tea to low heat. Stir in vanilla extract and sweetener. Pour in the milk and warm gently without boiling, stirring until combined and steaming.
- Pour into a mug. Optionally froth the milk and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Use fresh ginger for best flavor. Pure vanilla extract is recommended over imitation. Adjust sweetness and spice level to taste. Milk alternatives like oat milk work well and can make the latte vegan. The spiced tea base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add milk fresh when serving. For a richer chai, use sweetened condensed milk as a substitute. Ground cinnamon can replace cinnamon sticks but may affect flavor if over-steeped.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 5
Keywords: vanilla chai latte, homemade chai, cozy drink, chai recipe, vanilla latte, warm beverage, easy chai, spiced tea