Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
There’s something incredibly cozy about sipping a Vanilla Chai Tea Latte on a chilly afternoon. The blend of warm spices, creamy milk, and a hint of vanilla makes this drink a household favorite. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, one sip at a time.
I started making this latte at home to save trips to the coffee shop, and honestly, it’s better than anything I’ve bought. The best part? It’s so simple to make and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this latte dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Swap out regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Q: Can I use chai tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?
A: Yes, chai tea bags work perfectly. Use 2–3 bags, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can make the chai concentrate in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add steamed milk when ready to serve.
Q: How can I make it sweeter?
A: You can add extra honey, maple syrup, or a splash of vanilla syrup for more sweetness.
Q: Is this recipe caffeinated?
A: Yes, since black tea is the base, it does have caffeine. If you want a caffeine-free version, use decaf black tea or herbal chai.
What You Need to Make Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
- Simmer the Spices: In a small saucepan, bring the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Steep the Tea: Remove from heat and add the black tea. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and Sweeten: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the spices and tea leaves. Stir in honey and vanilla extract.
- Steam the Milk: Warm the milk in a separate pan or froth it using a milk frother until hot and foamy.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the tea mixture into mugs and top with the steamed milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon for warmth or extra pepper for a spicy kick.
- Foamy Milk Hack: If you don’t have a frother, shake warm milk in a jar or whisk it vigorously to create foam.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Try brown sugar or agave syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- Iced Version: Chill the tea concentrate and pour over ice, topping with cold frothed milk for a refreshing iced chai latte.
- Double the Batch: Make a larger batch of chai concentrate and keep it in the fridge for quick lattes all week long.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I love this recipe! It’s so creamy and flavorful—better than the coffee shop version.” – Emily
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This latte was perfect for a cozy morning. I added extra vanilla and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top—heavenly!” – Rachel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made the iced version and it was delicious! The spices are spot on.” – Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used oat milk and agave syrup, and it turned out fantastic. Great dairy-free option!” – Lisa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Super easy and quick to make. It’s my new go-to afternoon pick-me-up.” – Jessica
Printable Recipe
Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
This Vanilla Chai Tea Latte is a creamy, spiced drink with hints of vanilla and honey. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups—better than your favorite coffee shop!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Simmer the Spices:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Steep the Tea:
- Remove from heat and add the black tea. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
Strain and Sweeten:
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the spices and tea leaves. Stir in honey and vanilla extract.
Steam the Milk:
- Warm the milk in a separate pan or froth it using a milk frother until hot and foamy.
Combine and Serve:
- Pour the tea mixture into mugs and top with the steamed milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this Vanilla Chai Tea Latte made your mornings or afternoons a little cozier, please share it with your friends and family! Whether you post it on Instagram with your favorite mug or pin it to your recipe board, spreading the love helps others discover this comforting drink.
Tag me if you make it—I’d love to see your creations and hear how you personalized it to suit your taste!
