Name: Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ cups water; 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea; 1½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 3 whole cloves; 4 black peppercorns; 3 slices fresh ginger; 1 star anise (optional); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 2–3 teaspoons sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup, etc.)

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This Homemade Chai Latte is warm, spiced, and deeply comforting — just like the one from a café, but better because I get to control everything from sweetness to spice level. I mix it fresh with black tea, whole spices, and creamy milk, making it my favorite cozy drink when I want to slow down and sip something soothing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly aromatic and customizable. The blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves fills the kitchen with an inviting scent, and the finished drink is silky and flavorful. It’s cheaper and tastier than store-bought mixes, and I can adjust the sweetness or make it dairy-free depending on my mood. Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Water
Black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea
Milk (any kind — dairy or plant-based)
Cinnamon stick
Cardamom pods
Cloves
Black peppercorns
Fresh ginger slices
Star anise (optional)
Vanilla extract (optional)
Sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup, etc.)

Directions

I start by combining water and whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, ginger) in a saucepan.
I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
I add the tea and steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong I want it.
I pour in the milk and sweetener, then simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes.
I strain the mixture into mugs and stir in vanilla extract if using.
I serve it hot, sometimes topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes use rooibos tea for a caffeine-free version.
Oat milk makes it extra creamy and pairs beautifully with the spices.
For a spicy kick, I add extra ginger or a dash of cayenne.
I occasionally blend the latte with frothy milk for a café-style finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store extra chai in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The spices may intensify as it sits, so I sometimes dilute it with extra milk if needed. Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

FAQs

Can I make this without whole spices?

Yes, I use ground spices in a pinch — about ¼ teaspoon each — but I strain well to avoid grit.

What kind of tea should I use?

I use strong black tea like Assam or Darjeeling, but any black tea will work.

Can I make it iced?

Absolutely. I chill the finished chai and pour it over ice — it’s refreshing and just as flavorful.

Is it better to use dairy or plant-based milk?

Both work. I love oat milk or almond milk for a lighter feel, but whole milk makes it extra rich.

Can I batch-make this for the week?

Yes! I mix a large batch without milk, store it in the fridge, and add milk when reheating each cup.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chai Latte is my go-to drink when I want something warm, spiced, and comforting. I love how easy it is to make with just a few pantry staples and how indulgent it feels without being complicated. Every sip is smooth, fragrant, and soul-soothing — a perfect hug in a mug.