Easy Chai Latte Recipe - One Sweet Appetite

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This super simple Chai Latte Recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor. Ready in just minutes, you are sure to love this coffee shop dupe.

Need an added boost of caffeine? Be sure to try my Dirty Chai Latte! Strong brewed coffee or espresso is added into the mix giving you a flavor packed start to your day.

RECIPE FEATURES

Easy: I add all of the ingredients for the tea right into my drip coffee maker or keurig for a quick brew that is still delicious.
Customizable: Add more or less spice and sweetness to your preference. You’re the barista in control of flavor.

I’m a sucker for a good latte, but sometimes tea hits the spot. I can’t help but lean towards the enticing flavor of black tea, cinnamon, and ginger. Something about a good chai really pulls you in and makes you feel that warm comfort. Making a homemade chai tea seemed so intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple!

You don’t need many ingredients to whip up a delicious Copycat Starbucks chai and can actually have it ready in just minutes! Simple, delicious, and one we plan on making regularly.

black tea bags and cinnamon sticks on a white plate

WHAT IS A CHAI LATTE MADE OF?

The ingredient list is short for this recipe, which is one of the many reasons I love it. Here is what yo uwill need:

Black Tea: I used basic black tea bags from our local grocer. A box of 100 was only $3 at the time of writing this post. That’s .03 cents per cup!
Water: Just enough to brew a strong cup of tea.
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
Milk: I used 2%, because that is what we have on hand. But I’m excited to try this with almond and coconut milk as I’m sure it will be a delicious change.
Brown Sugar: I love the slight molasses flavor brought in by brown sugar, but you can substitute this for granulated sugar if needed.
Vanilla: Just a touch to bring all of the flavors together.

warm milk being poured into a chai tea latte

CHAI LATTE RECIPE WITH A TEA BAG

PREP: Gather your ingredients and measure everything you will need. I find this helps the process be extra smooth and quick.
STEEP: Place the tea bag into your mug. Bring the water to a boil and carefully pour into the prepared mug. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and discard.
MILK: Combine the milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and vanilla in a medium sized glass jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother after heating the mixture.
MIX: Gently pour the milk mixture over the tea, stir, and enjoy.

HELPFUL TOOLS

Mugs: I love to make these in glass mugs (affiliate) so you can watch the tea and milk slowly combine into each other for a beautiful cloud like experience.
Mason Jar: I don’t own a frother (affiliate), so I make my foam milk in a mason jar (affiliate).
Coffee Machine: You can brew the tea with the spices using a regular drip coffee machine (affiliate). Super easy and time saving.

top down image of a mug filled with foam and chai

RECIPE TIPS

What is the difference between a chai and chai latte?

The biggest difference is that a chai latte is going to be much sweeter than a chai tea. Both contain similar ingredients, but one calls for sugar while the other does not.

Can you make this an iced chai latte?

Yes! To make this an iced latte, simply pour the tea into a tall glass with ice and top with the milk after mixing, but before heating, and enjoy.

Can I make this in a coffee pot?

Yep. In fact, I make this in our drip coffee pot regularly. Simply place the tea bag (I add an extra) in the filter of a drip coffee maker. Add the water called for in this recipe and run the machine. Complete the milk as stated in the instructions below.

close up image of a tan mug with foam on top and a cinnamon stick sitting next to it.

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Easy Chai Latte

Yield: 1 serving

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This super simple Chai Latte Recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor. Ready in just minutes, you are sure to love this coffee shop dupe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
2 black tea bags
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Place the tea bag into a mug.
Bring the water to a boil and carefully pour into the prepared mug. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and discard.
Combine the milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and vanilla in a medium sized glass jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother after heating the mixture.
Gently pour the milk mixture over the tea, stir, and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust the spices based on your tastes.
For a sweeter drink, add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar.