Homemade Chai Latte: hot and cold recipe in 10 minutes

Homemade chai latte can be prepared in ten minutes, with simple spices and the milk of your choice. Here's the comforting hot recipe, the cool summer version, and a matcha variation to change up your routine.

Chai latte is a spicy black tea, topped with frothy milk. It comes from India, where masala chai has been prepared for generations. The latte version, softer and creamier, has become popular in cafes worldwide.

Good news. Homemade chai latte is not complicated at all. With a few basic spices and a saucepan, you get a result that is more flavorful and much less sweet than industrial versions. Here's how to make it, hot or cold.

Ingredients for homemade chai latte

The strength of chai comes from its blend of spices. You can adjust the proportions to your taste. The base always remains the same.

The spice blend

For two cups, you'll need one crushed cardamom pod, a cinnamon stick, two cloves, a thin slice of fresh ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Add a star anise for an aniseed note, if you like.

Tea and milk

Use two teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea, preferably Assam or Ceylon. As for milk, anything works. Whole milk gives a rich texture. Plant-based milks also work very well, with a preference for barista oat milk, which produces the densest and most stable foam.

Hot chai latte recipe

The hot version is the most classic. It requires a slow infusion for the spices to release their full flavor.

Steps

Pour 250 ml of water into a saucepan. Add the crushed spices and bring to a simmer. Let infuse for five minutes over low heat. Add the black tea and let it infuse for another two minutes. Then pour in 250 ml of milk and heat without boiling. Strain, sweeten with a little honey if needed, and serve.

The total time is around ten minutes. The result is a spicy, creamy chai latte, balanced between the warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the milk.

Iced chai latte recipe

When it's hot, iced chai latte is just as delicious. The method is similar, with a more concentrated infusion.

Steps

Prepare the spice and tea concentrate as for the hot version, but with only 150 ml of water. Strain and let cool. Fill a large glass with ice cubes. Pour in the concentrate, then top up with the cold milk of your choice. Stir and sweeten lightly if desired.

The concentrate can be stored for two to three days in the refrigerator. You can prepare a larger quantity to enjoy an iced chai latte in an instant.

Matcha chai latte variation

To change up your ritual, replace black tea with matcha. The result is more vegetal, softer, with a nice stable energy. Whisk one gram of matcha with a little warm water, add the infused spices, then the frothy milk.

This version blends two worlds: the spicy sweetness of chai and the stable energy of matcha. To master the basics, understanding in detail chai tea, its spices, and its homemade chai latte recipe provides all the benchmarks on the role of each spice.

Mistakes to avoid

The first mistake is to boil the milk. It sets the aromas and gives a cooked taste. Always heat gently.

The second mistake is skipping the spice infusion. Adding a ready-made spice powder results in a flat chai. Taking five minutes to infuse whole seeds changes everything.

The third mistake concerns sugar. Café versions contain a lot. At home, start without, then adjust with a little honey. You'll maintain control over the sweetness.

Frequently asked questions about homemade chai latte

What is the difference between chai and chai latte?

Chai refers to Indian spiced tea. Chai latte adds a significant amount of frothy milk, which makes it creamier and softer.

Can you make a chai latte without black tea?

Yes. Rooibos gives a caffeine-free version. Matcha offers a more vegetal and energizing alternative.

Which milk produces the best foam?

Whole milk foams most easily. Among plant-based milks, barista oat milk produces dense and stable foam.

How long can chai concentrate be stored?

Two to three days in the refrigerator, in a sealed container. Then just add milk when serving.

Is chai latte heavily caffeinated?

It contains caffeine from black tea, moderated by milk. The matcha version provides a more stable and longer-lasting energy.

Want to try the matcha version?

The matcha chai latte is a great gateway to a softer and more energizing ritual. It all starts with the quality of the powder. A good matcha whisks without lumps and retains a round flavor, even when mixed with spices.

To choose a premium Japanese matcha suitable for your lattes, explore the TSUKI collection of premium Japanese matchas.