Description
Create a comforting and delicious homemade Christmas Chai Latte with rich spices and festive holiday flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for chilly nights and seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chai Concentrate:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose black tea)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 4–5 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- For the Latte:
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chai Concentrate: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the black tea bags, cinnamon stick, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, sliced ginger, star anise (if using), and brown sugar. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the Chai: Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the chai concentrate through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, discarding solids.
- Heat the Milk: Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mug, combine ½ cup of the chai concentrate with ½ cup of the heated milk. Stir in the vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
- Tea Substitution: Use green tea or rooibos for a caffeine-free option.
- Milk Substitution: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener Substitution: Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar.
- Healthier Alternatives: Use less sugar or sugar substitute, opt for unsweetened non-dairy milk, and increase spices like ginger and cinnamon.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. Make a large batch for holiday gatherings.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overboiling milk, adding too much sweetener, and not straining properly.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover chai concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat concentrate and milk separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas chai latte, holiday chai latte, spiced chai, warm drink, festive recipe, homemade chai, tea latte, winter beverage