Nothing beats a delicious hot drink, especially after a hard day. If you enjoy vanilla chai tea latte from your favorite coffee shop, you might enjoy this homemade latte recipe. Once you have the needed spices, they will last a long time. Think of all the money you can save!
Personally, the Starbucks Chai Tea Latte is my favorite drink. I also enjoy an iced chai or a dirty chai latte from time to time. If this is your first time trying this, keep reading to find out how I make one of my favorite coffee drinks at home. I have affiliate relationships meaning I may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yields: 2 12-oz. servings or 4 6-oz. servings
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Notes and Tips
- Chai tea features a fragrant blend of brewed black tea and warm spiced milk, which coffee drinkers might enjoy. In this recipe, the chai tea bags are steeped directly in warm milk rather than water for a rich and satisfying treat. You can also brew the tea in one cup of hot water and stir it into two cups of warm, spiced milk before serving.
- Although whole milk is used here, you can use your milk of choice, a combination of milk and heavy cream, or plant-based alternatives such as coconut or almond milk. Do note that using non-dairy milk will affect the taste.
- Some chai latte recipes recommend ground spices rather than the cracked whole spices described here. Although ground spices are a bit easier to use, they can leave an unpleasant, gritty residue even after straining.
- If you can’t find the whole spices in your local grocery store, you can find them online. For example, you can purchase the cardamom pods from Walmart (Organic cardamom pods) and Amazon.
Ingredients of Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
- 3 c. whole milk
- 2 T. cardamom pods
- 1 T. whole allspice
- 1 T. whole cloves
- 5-6 whole star anise
- 3-4 2” cinnamon sticks
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 t. real vanilla extract
- 2-3 T. honey (adjust to suit personal preference)
- 3 black tea bags, preferably organic
- Optional Garnish: Ground cinnamon and/or whole star anise
Supplies used
How to Make Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
#1. Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat.
Tip: Set the temperature between medium and medium-low. The milk should get very warm but not scald.
#2. Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they crack. (They should remain primarily whole, but opened up a bit).
#3. Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.
#4. Remove from heat and discard the tea bags, squeezing first to release as much flavor as possible. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids, divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between individual serving mugs, and set aside.
#5. Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until a nice foam develops.
Tip: Ensure the blender cap is properly vented to prevent the hot liquid from exploding.
#6. Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top off each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and garnish with star anise, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Vanilla Chai Latte!
Did you know?
- Chai tea originates from India and is called ‘masala chai’.
- The difference between a Chai latte and a dirty chai latte is that a chai latte is concentrated with a blend of the natural flavors of chai spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and simmered with hot milk. In contrast, a dirty chai latte is a chai latte that has two shots of espresso.
- Cardamom, used in this recipe, is one of the most expensive spices in the world and is a cornerstone for a chai tea latte. It’s safe to take in moderate amounts. Studies say that it has impressive medicinal abilities that can improve health—for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.
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More Drinks to Try
- Hot Apple Punch
- Aperol Spritz Cocktail
- Summer Berry Sangria
- Sweet Blackberry Iced Tea
- Blueberry Maple Lemonade
- Easy Melon and Apple Sangria
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Vanilla Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 c. whole milk
- 2 T. cardamom pods **see links above
- 1 T. whole allspice
- 1 T. whole cloves
- 5-6 whole star anise
- 3-4 2 ” cinnamon sticks
- 2- inch piece fresh ginger , peeled and chopped
- 1 t. real vanilla extract
- 2-3 T. honey adjust to suit personal preference
- 3 black tea bags preferably organic
- Garnish: Ground cinnamon and/or whole star anise (Optional)
Instructions
- Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat.
- Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin just until they crack. (They should remain mostly whole, but opened up a bit).
- Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is very warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and discard the tea bags, squeezing first to release as much flavor as possible. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids and divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between individual serving mugs and set aside.
- Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until a nice foam develops.
- Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top off each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and garnish with star anise, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Vanilla Chai Latte!
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