Homemade Chai Tea Latte Recipe

When you're up for a cozy treat, there's nothing quite like a warm chai tea latte. Considering the drink's immense popularity, it's safe to say that many people agree with that sentiment. Chai reported originated in India (via The Spruce Eats), and typically consists of black tea that is brewed with aromatic spices like cinnamon. Chai tea lattes have become incredibly popular across the world, and thanks to the delicious spice of chai tea combined with the creaminess of milk, it's easy to see why the drink is such a sensation.

When you think of a chai tea latte, your mind may wander to your favorite coffee shop or café. Sure, it's easy to pick up a chai tea latte while you're out and about, but the cost can quickly add up over time. Believe it or not, there is a way to enjoy a chai tea latte right in the comfort of your own home, and yes, it will be just as delicious as any store-bought variation! 

Recipe developer Susan Olayinka from The Flexible Fridge has crafted an easy but delicious way to enjoy a homemade chai tea latte. "The flavor of chai is so lovely and subtle — it's like a spiced black tea," Olayinka notes. And thanks to her homemade chai tea latte recipe, you can cut the cost and customize your warm beverage to taste exactly how you like it.

To make a homemade chai tea latte, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Black tea is the star of any chai tea, so you'll want to have a couple teabags of your favorite kind. You'll also need chai latte powder mix, which can be found in the tea section of many major grocery stores. Your drink wouldn't be a latte without milk, so you'll want to grab your favorite kind — Olayinka says any type works for this recipe, whether it be dairy, soy, or some other dairy-free variety. Honey will be the sweetener for your latte, and you'll also add a sweet touch with whipped cream on top. You can also use cinnamon sticks or star anise as garnish, but these are optional.

Once you have your ingredients sorted and measured, you can go ahead and get started on making your homemade chai tea latte. Black tea is at the base of any chai tea latte, so you'll want to start by steeping your tea bags. In a saucepan, add water and the tea bags, and bring them to a boil on medium-high heat. After two minutes, remove the tea bags from your water. You'll notice that the tea has steeped significantly and the water should be very dark, which is absolutely perfect for your chai tea latte base.

Now that you've steeped your black tea, you can begin transforming it into a chai tea latte. Start by adding the chai tea latte powder to the saucepan with the steeped black tea. Since the water is still very hot, all of the chai powder should dissolve with ease. You can also add the honey to the saucepan at this point and give the mixture a thorough stir. 

Finally, go ahead and carefully pour in your milk. By this point, you'll notice the color of your tea will lighten up quite a bit, having a nice brown color that should look just like the chai latte you get at a cafe! At this point, you can pour your chai tea latte mixture from the saucepan into a large mixing bowl.

One of the best parts about enjoying a latte instead of just a plain cup of coffee is the delicious, foamy froth that the milk has. Luckily, you can still enjoy a frothy chai tea latte, even with the homemade version. Simply take an immersion blender (or handheld milk frother), and insert it into your chai tea latte mixture. Begin mixing your latte until it gets frothy — the process should take about 30 seconds. 

Olayinka also notes, "This can definitely be turned into an iced chai latte. Simply cool the mixture and add ice cubes." If you prefer cool beverages, you may want to skip the frothing step and instead allow the chai latte mixture to cool in the fridge instead. You can still serve the latte in the same way, but you should add some ice as well.

Once you're done frothing (or cooling) your chai tea latte, you're ready to serve. Pour the liquid into a couple of glasses, and top with some whipped cream. Next, you can add the optional garnish or cinnamon sticks or star anise. And then it's time to enjoy! In just a few simple steps, you've crafted a decadent chai tea latte right in your home. 

Olayinka says that this beverage pairs wonderfully with biscuits, however, really any pastry will complement the creamy, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors that your chai tea latte emits. This is also a great option for people who want caffeine in the morning but aren't big on coffee. You truly can't go wrong with a chai tea latte — and now, thanks to this recipe, you can't go wrong with making a homemade chai tea latte, either.