What is a Chai Latte?
At its essence, a Chai Latte is a spiced tea beverage mixed with steamed milk. The foundation is strong black tea, simmered with a medley of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and peppercorns.
This aromatic brew is then combined with frothy milk, resulting in a creamy, soul-soothing drink that’s both invigorating and calming.
How to Serve and Pair
Serve your Chai Latte hot, in a large, inviting mug that encourages you to cradle it in your hands. For an extra layer of indulgence, top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg. On warmer days, consider serving it iced, providing a refreshing yet still deeply flavorful experience.
Pair this delightful beverage with a range of snacks. Scones, biscotti, or buttery shortbread cookies complement the rich, spiced notes of the chai perfectly. For a more authentic touch, enjoy it with Indian treats like samosas or pakoras, which add a savory balance to the sweet and spicy profile of the chai.
Notes About the Recipe
- Tea Selection: Choose a robust black tea, such as Assam or Darjeeling, which provides a sturdy base that holds up well against the strong spices and milk.
- Spice Mix: Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste. For a bolder kick, add extra ginger or peppercorns. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cloves or cinnamon.
- Sweetener: Traditional chai often includes sugar, but you can experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even a touch of vanilla extract for a unique twist.
- Milk Options: While whole milk offers the creamiest texture, alternative milks like almond, soy, or oat can be used to cater to dietary preferences or lactose intolerance.
Chai Latte
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 tea infuser or tea bag
- 1 whisk
- 1 mug
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon black tea leaves or 1 tea bag
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Add the tea leaves or tea bag, cinnamon stick, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg to the saucepan.
- Whisk gently to combine the spices with the milk.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Remove the tea leaves or tea bag and strain the mixture into a mug.
- Add honey or sweetener of choice and stir until dissolved.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chai Latte!