Chai It Yourself: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Cozy Classic
What is a Chai Tea Latte? A chai tea latte is a warm, spiced tea-based drink made with black tea, aromatic spices, and steamed milk. Learn how to make this cozy favorite at home and enjoy its bold, comforting flavor any time.
Whether you’re curled up with a good book or powering through your morning, a chai tea latte delivers just the right balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes this drink so special and show you how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
A Cozy Classic
The chai tea latte takes inspiration from masala chai, a traditional Indian beverage made by brewing black tea with a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. The result is a rich and complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with steamed milk.
At JAX Beverage, we love how the chai tea latte blends boldness and comfort in one cup. It’s tea-forward, gently spiced, and finished with velvety milk ideal for both tea lovers and those looking for something a little different from their usual coffee routine.
The Chai Tea Latte Chai tea lattes are typically served in an 8 to 12-ounce cup or mug and can be made with dairy or non-dairy milk, depending on your preference. The name “chai” literally means “tea” in Hindi, so technically “chai tea” means “tea tea”, but we forgive the redundancy because the flavor speaks for itself.
What You Need to Make a Chai Tea Latte
Making a chai tea latte at home is simple once you have the right ingredients and tools.
Ingredients:
● Loose leaf black tea or chai tea bags
● Spices (whole or ground: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper)
● Milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or any steamed milk you love)
● Sweetener (honey, sugar, or maple syrup—optional but recommended)
Equipment:
● Saucepan or kettle
● Tea infuser (if using loose leaf)
● Steaming pitcher or milk frother
● Fine strainer (if simmering whole spices)
How to Make a Chai Tea Latte
Here’s a simple method to create a delicious, homemade chai tea latte:
1. Brew the Chai In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea (or 1 tea bag), and your spices. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors bloom. You can also use a pre-made chai concentrate if you're short on time.
2. Strain and Sweeten Strain the tea into a mug to remove the tea leaves and spices. Stir in your sweetener of choice, adjusting to taste.
3. Steam the Milk Steam 1 cup of milk using a steam wand or milk frother until it’s hot and slightly foamy.
4. Combine and Enjoy Pour the steamed milk over the brewed chai and stir gently. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra cozy touch.
Spiced, Smooth, and Satisfying
The chai tea latte is a flavorful alternative to coffee drinks, warm, soothing, and full of character. Whether you make your own spice blend or use a convenient concentrate, this drink is endlessly customizable and always satisfying.
At JAX Beverage, we’re all about helping you enjoy barista-quality drinks at home. Try making your own chai tea latte and bring a little extra comfort into your day.