Ingredients
Spices
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 star anise
Liquid & Flavorings
- 2½ cups almond milk, or any milk, plus more foamed milk for topping if desired
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, plus more to taste
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Toast Spices: Place the cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, and star anise into a small pot. Toast them over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant, which helps release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Simmer with Milk and Ginger: Add the almond milk and thinly sliced fresh ginger to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to infuse the milk with the spice flavors and ginger warmth.
- Steep the Tea: Turn off the heat and add the black tea bags to the pot. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes, drawing out the rich tea flavor without bitterness.
- Strain the Mixture: Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or liquid measuring cup and pour the chai mixture through it to remove the whole spices, tea bags, and ginger slices, leaving a smooth spiced chai base.
- Sweeten and Serve: Stir in 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, adding more to your preferred sweetness. Pour the chai latte into mugs, top with foamed milk if desired, garnish each with a cinnamon stick, and dust with ground cinnamon for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with regular milk, oat milk, or coconut milk depending on your preference.
- For a creamier latte, use whole milk or creamy plant-based milks like oat or coconut milk for frothing.
- If you prefer your chai less spicy, reduce the amount of black peppercorns and cloves.
- Adjust the maple syrup sweetness to taste or substitute with honey or sugar if preferred.
- This chai latte can be served hot or chilled over ice for a refreshing alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
