Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte The Ultimate Homemade Version

BY

January 17, 2026

Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte on marble café table with cinnamon and foam art

The Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte is warm, creamy, and full of sweet spice. It captures the bold tea flavor and velvety texture of your favorite café drink no long lines or high prices. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can brew this at home and enjoy all the cozy café vibes anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced flavor — not too sweet, not too spicy.
  • Made with real tea and warm, fragrant spices.
  • Ready in just 10 minutes.
  • Easily customized for dairy-free or vegan versions.
  • Tastes exactly like Starbucks — for a fraction of the price!

Preparation and Cooking Time

StepTime
Prep Time5 minutes
Brew Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
  • Âľ cup milk (dairy or oat milk)
  • 1 tbsp honey or vanilla syrup
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ÂĽ tsp ground cardamom
  • â…› tsp ground cloves
  • ÂĽ tsp ground ginger
  • ÂĽ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Swaps:

  • Substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for honey.
  • Use almond or coconut milk for a nutty twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil and steep the tea bag for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Simmer 1 minute.
  3. Warm milk in a separate pan (don’t boil).
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and honey.
  5. Pour the tea mixture into a mug and top with frothed milk.
  6. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a warm scone or oatmeal cookie.
  • Add a dash of nutmeg for a holiday twist.
  • Serve iced by chilling the tea and pouring over ice.

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Use a handheld frother for the perfect foam.
  • Add a shot of espresso for a Dirty Chai.
  • Make a batch of chai concentrate to save time during the week.

FAQs

1. What is in a Starbucks chai tea latte?
It’s made with black tea, milk, sugar, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.

2. How do you make a Starbucks copycat chai tea latte at home?
Steep black tea with spices, add sweetener and milk, then froth and serve all in under 10 minutes.

3. Does the Starbucks chai tea latte have caffeine?
Yes, it contains caffeine from the black tea base, but much less than coffee.

4. Can I make an iced version of the Starbucks chai tea latte?
Absolutely! Chill the brewed chai, pour over ice, and add cold milk and syrup for a refreshing version.

Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte brings the café experience to your kitchen rich, spicy, creamy, and perfectly sweet. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to make your mornings (or evenings) extra special.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte on marble café table with cinnamon and foam art

Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte The Ultimate Homemade Version


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy Starbucks Copycat Chai Tea Latte with bold tea, sweet spices, and frothy milk ready in 10 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup water

1 black tea bag

Âľ cup milk

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp cinnamon

ÂĽ tsp cardamom

â…› tsp cloves

ÂĽ tsp ginger

ÂĽ tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Boil water and steep black tea with spices.

2. Warm milk separately and stir in sweetener and vanilla.

3. Combine tea and milk, froth, and serve warm.

Notes

Use oat or almond milk for dairy-free.

Add espresso for a Dirty Chai twist.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star