Homemade Chai Tea Latte That Tastes Better Than the Cafe

BY

January 16, 2026

Homemade Chai Tea Latte in a modern white cup with cinnamon dust

A Homemade Chai Tea Latte is pure comfort in a cup. It blends black tea, milk, and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. No fancy machines or coffee shop prices—just rich, spicy aroma filling your kitchen and a creamy sip that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cozy café taste with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Cheaper and fresher than store-bought.
  • Naturally dairy-free options available.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
  • Quick ready in under 15 minutes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

StepTime
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp cardamom
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Optional swaps: Use coconut sugar or agave for a vegan version. Add a dash of vanilla extract for sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil water in a small saucepan; add tea bags and spices.
  2. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
  3. Add milk and honey; reduce heat and whisk gently.
  4. Simmer another 5 minutes until hot and frothy.
  5. Remove tea bags and pour into mugs through a fine sieve.
  6. Dust with extra cinnamon before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Homemade Chai Tea Latte with butter cookies, banana bread, or a slice of pumpkin loaf. For a café touch, top with milk foam or whipped cream.

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Use chai concentrate for faster prep.
  • Add espresso for a “dirty chai latte.”
  • Chill and serve over ice for a summer twist.

FAQs

1. What ingredients are in a homemade chai tea latte?
A traditional chai latte combines black tea, milk, sweetener, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.

2. Can I make a chai tea latte without a frother?
Yes! Whisk the milk vigorously on the stove or shake it in a sealed jar for 30 seconds before pouring.

3. What type of milk works best for a chai tea latte?
Whole milk makes it creamy, while oat or almond milk adds a light, nutty flavor for dairy-free options.

4. How can I make my chai tea latte stronger in flavor?
Steep your tea longer or use extra black tea and spices for a bolder, spicier taste.

Conclusion

Making a Homemade Chai Tea Latte is easier than you think and tastes even better than your favorite café version. Brew, sip, and savor your kitchen just became your new favorite coffee shop.

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Homemade Chai Tea Latte in a modern white cup with cinnamon dust

Homemade Chai Tea Latte That Tastes Better Than the Café


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A cozy homemade chai tea latte made with black tea, milk, and a warm blend of spices. Perfect for cold mornings or a relaxing afternoon treat.


Ingredients

Scale

2 black tea bags or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea

1 cup water

1 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground cardamom

Pinch of black pepper

1 small cinnamon stick (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.

2. Add tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper.

3. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.

4. Add milk and honey; whisk gently.

5. Simmer another 5 minutes until hot and creamy.

6. Strain into mugs, top with a dash of cinnamon, and serve.

Notes

Use oat or almond milk for dairy-free.

Add a shot of espresso for a dirty chai latte.

Serve over ice for a refreshing summer version.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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