Homemade Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 2 tablespoons loose black tea leaves (such as Assam or Darjeeling)

• 2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1-2 slices fresh ginger)

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (or 2-3 crushed cardamom pods)

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or 2-3 whole cloves)

• Optional: 1-2 black peppercorns for added spice

Instructions:

1. Prepare Spices:

   • If using whole spices, lightly crush them with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their flavors.

2. Boil Water and Spices:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and optional black peppercorns.

   • Bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. Steep Tea:

   • Once the water is boiling, add the loose black tea leaves.

   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.

4. Add Sweetener:

   • Stir in the honey or sweetener and remove from heat.

5. Prepare Milk:

   • In a separate saucepan or using a microwave, heat the 1/2 cup milk until hot but not boiling.

   • Use a hand frother or a milk frother to froth the milk until it’s light and airy. If you don’t have a frother, you can also shake the milk vigorously in a jar with a lid or blend it briefly in a blender.

6. Combine:

   • Strain the chai tea into a mug to remove the tea leaves and spices.

   • Pour the hot, frothed milk into the mug with the chai tea.

7. Serve:

   • Optionally, you can top the latte with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Enjoy your warm and cozy homemade Chai Tea Latte!

More to Explore