Name: Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick; 4 green cardamom pods; 4 black cardamom pods; 10 whole cloves; 2 peppercorns; 5 thin slices fresh ginger; 4 teaspoons Darjeeling tea leaves; ⅔ cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 cups water

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy drink to warm your soul, look no further than this Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience bursting with the rich aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves gently simmered with silky milk and black tea. This latte isn’t just a drink; it’s a comforting ritual wrapped in a mug, perfect for any time you need that sweet moment of calm and spice in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mug with a handle is placed on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with a light beige creamy liquid. Above the mug, a metal mesh strainer with a black handle rests on its rim, catching a stream of the same beige liquid pouring down from a shiny metal bowl held above, which shows dark tea leaves at the edge. In the background, there is a blurred tall glass filled with the same creamy liquid and a blue box, all set against a soft light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe starts with simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each spice and element contributes something unique — from warmth and complexity to creaminess and sweetness — pulling together the classic flavors that make chai so irresistible.

Cinnamon stick: Adds a sweet, woody warmth that forms the backbone of chai’s flavor.
Green cardamom pods: Offer a vibrant floral and citrus note that brightens the tea.
Black cardamom pods: Provide a smoky, earthy depth that enriches the spice blend.
Whole cloves: Bring an intense, aromatic punch that complements the other spices brilliantly.
Peppercorns: Give a subtle spicy kick that energizes the overall profile.
Fresh ginger slices: Add a zingy freshness and gentle heat to invigorate the latte.
Whole milk: Creates the creamy texture that makes this chai truly comforting.
Granulated sugar: Balances the spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
Darjeeling tea leaves: Provide a delicate, muscatel-flavored black tea base essential for authentic chai.
Water: The foundation to brew and blend all the flavors seamlessly.

How to Make Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Spices

Begin by adding the cinnamon stick, green and black cardamom pods, whole cloves, peppercorns, fresh ginger slices, and water to a medium saucepan. Bring this to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to let the spices gently simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. This simmering step extracts the potent, aromatic oils and flavors from the spices, creating the chai’s fragrant spirit.

Step 2: Add Milk and Sugar

Next, stir in the whole milk and granulated sugar, then bring the mixture back to a simmer over medium heat. Keep stirring so that the sugar dissolves completely. This melds the creaminess with the spicy broth, producing that luscious chai texture that feels like a warm hug.

Step 3: Infuse the Tea Leaves

Sprinkle the Darjeeling tea leaves into the simmering milk and spice mixture. Stir slightly, remove from heat, and cover. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches your desired strength. The delicate Darjeeling tea adds a subtle muscatel note which perfectly balances the robust spices for a well-rounded latte.

Step 4: Froth Some Milk Tea

Pour a small amount of the chai through a fine mesh strainer into a metal carafe or bowl. Add a splash of extra milk, then froth it using a milk frother or by shaking vigorously in a lidded jar. This creates a velvety foam that crowns the latte and delivers that café-worthy experience at home.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Finally, strain the entire chai mixture through a small mesh strainer into two mugs to remove the spices and tea leaves. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the frothy milk foam you just created. This final touch makes it feel indulgent and creamy — just what a true Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe is all about.

How to Serve Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a creamy beige frothy drink, with a thick foam layer on top. The mugs have handles and are placed on a white plate. In front of the mugs, on the plate, there are four brown cinnamon sticks arranged in a small bundle. Behind the mugs, there is a stack of two small, square brownies with a dark chocolate drizzle on top, showing a slightly chunky texture. The background features a smooth white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of the foam for a beautiful aromatic finish. You can also add a small cinnamon stick as a stirrer for extra flair and fragrance that spills into the air as you sip.

Side Dishes

This chai pairs famously well with mildly sweet treats like buttery shortbread cookies, cardamom-spiced biscotti, or a warm slice of banana bread. The subtle sweetness and spice in these snacks perfectly complement the chai’s creamy, spiced richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the latte in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful layers of tea and froth. Alternatively, drizzle lightly with honey or a caramel sauce on top for a decadent twist that excites the taste buds and eyes alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chai, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. The flavors will deepen slightly, making reheats equally delightful. Be sure to give it a good stir or shake before serving.

Freezing

Freezing chai tea lattes isn’t ideal as the milk can separate and change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and warmed gently within a day or two after making.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover chai, warm it gently over low heat on the stove while stirring to reincorporate the milk and spices. Avoid high heat which can curdle the milk. Adding a bit of fresh milk before serving can help restore that fresh, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives the richest creaminess in this Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe, you can substitute with oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Each brings its own unique flavor nuance.

How strong should I steep the tea?

Steep the tea for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how bold you like it. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for the shorter steeping time. The key is balancing the tea and spice intensity to your taste.

Can I make this chai latte ahead of time?

You can prepare the spice-infused tea base in advance and refrigerate it, then add milk and sweetener when ready to serve. Froth just before pouring to keep that creamy texture fresh and vibrant.

What type of tea works best for this recipe?

Darjeeling tea leaves are ideal because of their delicate flavor and muscatel notes, which complement the spices beautifully. However, you can experiment with Assam or black teas if you want a stronger, more robust chai.

Is this recipe very sweet?

No, the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar provide a gentle sweetness that balances the spices without overpowering them. You can adjust the sugar amount to suit your preference, or swap for honey or maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Creamy Spiced Chai Tea Latte Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s such a comforting, flavorful treat that feels like a warm embrace during chilly days or whenever you need a soothing pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!