Description
A quick, cozy, and creamy chai latte made in just five minutes using loose-leaf tea, whole milk, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons (10g) loose-leaf chai tea (Assam-based blend)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 small cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 3–4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 whole nutmeg (freshly grated) or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2–3 whole black peppercorns (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the chai tea leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and half of the maple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer with small bubbles around the edges, avoiding a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture steep for 3-4 minutes until the milk turns a deep amber color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. If using loose leaf tea, strain the milk into a heatproof jug or back into the pan.
- Whisk the milk vigorously for 30-60 seconds to create a light foam, or use a handheld frother for 15 seconds.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the remaining maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels if desired.
- Pour the steamer into a mug, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a light dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
Do not boil the milk as it can scald and ruin the texture. Freshly grated nutmeg is essential for the best aroma. If using tea bags, use 2-3 bags and remove them before frothing. For a richer drink, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large mug
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 8
Keywords: chai latte, fall drink, cozy recipe, vanilla chai, quick breakfast, autumn spices, homemade chai, 5 minute recipe