Easy Homemade Chai Tea Latte Recipe

Save money with this simple and delicious Chai Tea Latte recipe! Darjeeling tea is infused with the rich, warm spices of cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. Ready in minutes it’s a great option when you don’t want to head to the coffee house.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

While I will show you how to make your own homemade chai tea concentrate, I’ll also show you how to make a quick chai tea latte using tea bags and a super fast chai latte using pre-mixed chai concentrate (aka the store bought box).

This easy chai latte is the perfect drink to make on a chilly day or when you need something warm and comforting; the warming spices and milk help to calm and soothe with health benefits too! Check out my Iced Chai Latte recipe too!

This post was originally posted in 2017, this is an update for a better reader experience.

What is Chai?

Chai, also known as masala chai, is commonly called ‘chai tea’ in America. However, that is translated as ‘tea tea’ since the word chai means tea, so when we say Chai Tea Latte, we’re saying “tea tea latte” which is kinda silly, but it’s what we call it.

Traditional chai is made of black tea and warm spices, like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, with a hint of vanilla. It is sometimes sweetened with honey or other sweeteners. Since it uses half tea and half milk, it’s basically a milk tea. 

First, I will show you how to make the chai concentrate. Once you have this on hand, the homemade version of a chai tea latte is ready in a jiffy.

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte

While this might not be a spot-on Starbucks Chai Tea Latte copycat recipe, it’s pretty close and I think better! They used to use Tazo Chai concentrate, but have switched to a chai syrup instead — I say go for the real deal, from scratch, you-know-what’s-in-it chai latte!

How to Make Homemade Chai Concentrate

Skip this step if you have already made your concentrate! Be sure to check out my post on how to make Chai Concentrate!

Start by measuring all of the spices and chai concentrate ingredients. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a mortar and pestle to gently crush the cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, and fresh ginger in a bowl. Then, grate the nutmeg.

Next, add filtered water to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer; adding tea, crushed spices, ginger and vanilla; continue simmering for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove it from the heat.

Cover the pot and let the chai mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes. After, place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the concentrate through the sieve. Then, toss the tea and spices.

Stir in your choice of sweetener until it is evenly distributed and fully dissolved. Let the tea concentrate cool to room temperature before storing it in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator to stay fresh until serving.

#1 From Scratch – How to Make a Hot Chai Tea Latte 

Heat chai concentrate in one of three ways: stovetop, microwave, or milk frother. 

Add your milk of choice to chai directly or warm the milk in the microwave or stovetop until heated, but not boiling. Or pour both ingredients into a milk frother, I like this Capresso as it doesn’t burn the sugars on the bottom.

Or using an electric frother or a whisk, whisk vigorously until the milk is foamy and light. Finally, pour over the heated chai in the mug and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon. Sip and relax!

#2 Quick Chai Tea Latte using Chai Tea Bags

If you are in a pinch, make a quick chai tea latte concentrate by using quality chai tea bags.

• Brew 2 chai tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea in boiling water. I like this Rishi brand in a pinch, though it’s nothing like homemade!
• Then add sweetener, I use honey, but you can use your preferred sweetener, like maple syrup, sugar, or alternatives.
• Add a dash of real vanilla extract.
• Using a milk frother or hand frother or even a whisk, heat milk until hot and frothy. I use whole milk and sometimes even add a splash of half and half or heavy cream, but you can use your favorite percentage or non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, cashew milk or almond milk. 
• Once your tea has brewed, pour it into a mug. Then, pour the hot milk over the top, sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, and sip and enjoy!

#3 Super Fast Hot Chai Latte Recipe using Concentrate

• Chai tea concentrate: Use your favorite Chai concentrate, I like Trader Joe’s Chai, Oregon Chai and Tazo Decaf Chai concentrate available at grocery stores. 
• Milk: I like using whole milk but use your favorite % or plant-based milk!
• Simply heat the concentrate and milk by one of the methods above, pour and swoon!

Iced Chai Latte Recipe 

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Then, pour equal parts chai concentrate and milk of your choice or a milk substitute over the ice. 

Add to a shaker for a shaken iced latte and shake about 10 times. You can also use a cold frother to froth the milk and add to the homemade chai tea latte recipe. Check out my post on how to make a Starbucks Iced Chai Latte!

Substitutions and Variations

• Use a 2:1 ratio of chai to milk for a stronger, spicier tea flavor.
• Dirty Chai Tea Latte: Add a shot of espresso or two to the iced or hot chai latte.
• Chocolate Chai: Adding chocolate syrup to the chai or swirling in the mug.
• Spicy Chai: Increase ginger and add 4-8 black peppercorns!
• Different Spices: Swap out spices as desired; try fennel or allspice too!
• Milk Swap: Try whole milk or non-dairy milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
• Citrus Chai: Orange zest or lemon juice brings brightness.
• If you use dried ginger instead of fresh, double the amount.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Replace the honey with maple syrup, cane sugar, agave, coconut sugar, granulated sugar, brown sugar or your favorite sugar alternative.
• Tea Varieties: Use Earl Grey, Assam, English Breakfast, Roobios or your favorite black tea.
• If you prefer a more bitter chai spice, use less sugar.

Keto Chai Tea Latte

I make these chai tea latte’s low-carb all the time! Swap the honey in the concentrate with sugar-free honey or Monk fruit. For the milk portion, use half almond milk and half heavy cream or coconut milk. Make according to directions and sip and savor!

Storage Tips

Refrigerate – After the concentrate cools, store it in an airtight bottle or mason jar, in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

Reheating – Rewarm in a small saucepan on the stove or in the microwave and enjoy!

How to Freeze Chai Latte 

You can freeze the chai concentrate in ice cube trays and use for either hot (just reheat) or iced chai latte. Stored in an airtight baggie it will be good for 3-6 months. I’ve never tried freezing the chai tea concentrate with milk, if you try it, let me know how it freezes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with Chai Latte Recipe

1. Gluten-Free Breakfast Cookies
2. Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
3. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe
4. Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
5. Apple Crumb Cake

Best Desserts for Homemade Chai Tea 

This Starbucks Chai Latte is great any time of the day! Breakfast, snack, or afternoon tea! Enjoy it with a Starbucks Copycat Coffee Cake or Cinnamon Crunch Scones. Or serve delicious chai lattes the next time you host family and friends and pair them with my irresistible Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie.

More Teas and Hot Beverages

• Homemade Golden Milk Spice Mix 
• Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe
• Turmeric and Ginger Tea
• Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Christmas Morning Dutch Bros (a chai latte with a twist!)

Did you love this Chai Tea Latte Recipe? If you did, please share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest? And don’t forget to rate and comment below!