chai latte recipe

looking for a detailed guide on how to make chai latte just like a café? this chai latte recipe is meant for just that! it brings together a comforting mix of black tea and familiar spices, creating a delicious drink in just minutes. using ingredients likely already in your kitchen, it’s easy to prepare whenever the craving strikes.

as you brew using our chai latte recipe, it’ll walk you through the process and share everything from simple steps to extra tips for perfecting your cup. along the way, you’ll discover what makes this spiced tea so special and how it stands out from your usual brew. 

so why wait? let’s dive right in and learn how to make chai latte!

understanding chai latte 

chai latte has gained so much popularity that you can find it on the menus of cafés worldwide, including those right here in australia. you’ve probably enjoyed it at your favourite cafés, maybe even wondering how to make chai latte at home.

it’s easy to assume that making a latte requires complex steps and time-consuming effort, leading many of us to enjoy it in a café instead of making it at home.

thankfully, the reality is pleasantly different. mastering how to make chai latte at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to treat yourself whenever you like. additionally, the process of selecting the aromatic spices and watching them blend with the black tea and the creamer is a pleasing sensory experience.

let’s have a closer look to know more before we explore our detailed chai latte recipe.

what is chai latte?

before we learn how to make chai latte, let’s check out what it is. a chai tea latte is a warm drink made by mixing black tea with spices and steamed milk. it’s creamy, sweet and full of balanced flavours from spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and black pepper. the word "chai" simply means "tea" in several languages, especially hindi. it’s not surprising as this drink has its roots in india, where people have been enjoying spiced tea for ages.

where it comes from – chai started in ancient india as a health drink, using spices to boost well-being. later, when the british introduced black tea in the 1800s, people began blending it with milk, sugar and spices to create the spicy version of the black tea or chai tea we know today. the latte we see in cafes became popular in the 1990s when western coffee shops added steamed milk to the traditional recipe.

interesting, isn’t it? give it a try – you’ll love it!

origins and cultural significance

just like the enjoyable layers of flavour found in this latte, the story behind this beloved drink is rich and fascinating.

to begin with, the word "chai" originates from the chinese word for tea, "cha", which was bought to india by british colonists in the 19th century. but chai latte (or masala chai), as we know it today, evolved in the indian subcontinent.

initially, british started tea cultivation in assam to meet the demand for tea back home. then they introduced it to indians through tea breaks for factory workers and by supporting tea vendors at railway stations.

over time, indians added local spices and herbs to their tea, giving it a delicious twist. this new version quickly became a beloved part of indian culture, synonymous with warmth and hospitality.

today, spiced tea (a variant of this latte) is a friendly gesture extended to guests and a beverage of choice for many across the indian sub-continent.

how to make chai latte:

this chai latte recipe is super quick and easy, so you can feel like a true barista in your own kitchen. it lets you skip the cafe and recreate this rich tea using some spices and black tea.

equipment

• saucepan
• strainer
• frother

ingredients

chai tea bags option

• 2 teapigs chai tea temples
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish

black tea option

• 2 teapigs everyday brew
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 whole cloves
• 4 cardamoms
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 3 black peppercorns
• 1 small piece of ginger (sliced)
• pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish

instructions

1. chai tea temple option: grab a saucepan, pour water into it and boil it over medium heat. next, add the teapigs tea bags to the boiling water and allow them steep for 3-5 minutes on low heat. this will infuse the water with the spices and tea flavour from the tea bags.

2. black tea bags option: skip this step if you’re using teapigs chai tea! however, if you’re using everyday brew tea bags – get all the spices together (mentioned under ingredients in the black tea bags option). while the water is boiling, toast them in a small pan to make them more fragrant or use them without toasting – it’s your choice. add the tea bags and the spices to the boiling water, then allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes on low heat. this will infuse the water with the spices and tea flavour.

3. add milk and sweetener: while the infusion continues, pour the milk and sugar in another saucepan and heat it. once the sugar dissolves and the milk steams, turn off the heat and use a milk frother to froth the milk.

4. strain the tea: once the tea has steeped, remove the saucepan from heat and discard the tea bags. using a strainer, pour the tea into two cups. next, pour in the steamed milk, being careful to hold back the froth – you’ll need it in a bit. stir the latte gently.

5. garnish and enjoy: top each cup with some froth and sprinkle cinnamon over it. serve the latte hot and enjoy.

notes on recipe and ingredients:

• teapigs chai tea temples already have a spice mix, so additional spices were not included. however, if you prefer a more intense spicy flavour in your latte, you can add some or all of the spices.
• you can customise your drink with the milk and tea bags of your choice. the milk options can include non-dairy alternatives, while tea bags can be selected from any of these options from teapigs – darjeeling earl grey, english breakfast, chai tea or everyday brew.

tips to add an australian spin to your chai latte:

a chai tea latte is already a delicious drink but adding a few aussie touches can make it even better. here are some easy ways to do it:

•         infuse with native spices – add a pinch of wattleseed for a nutty, coffee-like depth or sprinkle in some cinnamon myrtle or lemon myrtle for a citrusy flavour.
•         try a local tea base – instead of traditional assam, experiment with australian-grown black tea from regions like daintree or tasmania for a unique flavour.
•         add some kakadu plum – for a slightly tart note and a boost of vitamin c, add some kakadu plum powder.
•        sprinkle some macadamia – you can add crushed macadamia nuts on top of the tea for a nutty finish. the taste complements the spices present in chai.
•        serve it chilled for summer – we love our iced drinks, so turn your chai tea latte into an iced version by chilling it and serving it over ice with some australian honey.

which is the best black tea for chai latte?

If you're looking to make a bloody ripper of a chai latte, then you'll need to start with the right tea. Now, the good news is that there are a few types of tea that work as a treat in this drink. One of our top picks here at Teapigs is our very own Everyday Brew Tea.  

This bold and malty tea has just the right amount of oomph to hold its own against the punchy spices in a chai latte.

So, if you want to take your latte game to the next level, grab yourself some Teapigs Everyday Brew and get brewing! Your taste buds will definitely thank ya. 

best spices to choose while making chai latte

mastering how to make chai latte requires a good understanding of the spices. some of the common ones used for that perfect balance of flavours are mentioned below:

• green cardamom is really fragrant and has a slightly sweet flavour. it’s one of the most used spices in this latte because of its strong aroma and unique flavour – a combination of citrusy, floral and slightly sweet notes.
• cinnamon adds a warm and sweet note to this latte.
• ginger provides a fresh spicy kick.
• black peppercorns add a subtle heat and spice.
• cloves add intense flavours that feel spicy and astringent.
• vanilla tends to add floral and sweet taste.

we suggest that you mix all the spices together, the first few times you make this latte. once you’re more comfortable making it, you can play around with the spices and their proportions to get the flavours you prefer.

serving and enjoying chai latte

serving up a delicious latte is the perfect way to add some joy to your loved one’s day! if you’re serving the hot version, just pour the tea into glasses and add some frothy milk (aim for tea to milk ratio of about 1/3:2/3) to it. then finish it up with some cinnamon powder for the visual appeal and taste enhancement.

now, if you’re serving the cold version, pour in the chilled spiced tea over ice and then add milk in the same ratio as the hot version (or add a bit more if you like). sprinkle some cinnamon to complete the presentation and don't forget to serve some tasty cookies or cake to enjoy alongside.

does chai latte have caffeine?

chai tea lattes do contain caffeine, primarily extracted from black tea, which is their main ingredient. the caffeine content in a regular cup of chai tea latte generally ranges from 25 to 55 milligrams. this is way less than a standard cup of coffee, which can contain between 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. 

the exact amount of caffeine can vary based on factors such as the type of tea used, steeping time and whether additional espresso shots are included.

comparison with other beverages

to put this into perspective:

• chai tea latte: 25-55 mg per cup
• brewed coffee: 100-200 mg per cup
• espresso: approximately 64 mg per shot

this comparison highlights that while chai tea lattes do contain caffeine, they offer a milder stimulant effect compared to coffee. interestingly, caffeine in chai interacts with tannins present in black tea, which can lead to a slower absorption rate. this results in a more balanced energy boost.

conclusion

while we explored the ratios of the essential ingredients for making a delicious chai tea latte, including black tea, spices and milk – making yourself lets you have first-hand experience to understand how changes in ingredients and steeping time have an effect on the final flavour. 

this hands-on approach lets you experiment with different combinations and ratios, so don’t hesitate to try various spices or milk alternatives. each adjustment can lead to a unique fusion of flavours that suits your taste. you can go a step further and even try making bubble milk tea.

and don’t be too concerned about its caffeine! even though it has caffeine, chai tea latte usually doesn't disturb sleep even if you take it before bedtime. so, gather your ingredients, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy learning how to make chai latte.

faqs on chai latte recipe

Q. what is a chai latte made of?

A. chai tea latte is made with black tea, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and black pepper, plus milk and a sweetener. the tea and spices are simmered together, then combined with frothed milk for a creamy and smooth drink. it’s an outstanding blend of strong tea, comforting spices and milk.

Q. does a chai latte have coffee in it?

A. a traditional chai tea latte recipe does not contain coffee. however, some variations (like a dirty chai tea latte) include a shot of espresso. this adds a bold coffee flavour and extra caffeine to the drink. so, depending on how it’s made, a chai tea latte can sometimes have coffee for those who enjoy it!

Q. what is in a chai tea latte in australia?

A. in australia, a chai tea latte is a playful mix of local black tea and tasty spices! it often includes aniseed myrtle, pepper berries and cinnamon myrtle. it can also contain roasted wattleseed along with the standard ingredients like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. it’s then combined with frothy milk to get a nice creamy drink.

Q. is chai latte healthier than coffee?

A. chai tea latte can be healthier than coffee in some ways. it contains less caffeine, so that means – reduced crashes. additionally, chai's spices offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. however, pre-made chai tea lattes often contain added sugars, which can be unhealthy. so, both drinks have unique health benefits, and the "healthier" choice depends on your health requirements.