Chai Latte
A Chai Latte is a creamy, aromatic beverage that perfectly balances the bold flavors of spiced Indian tea (masala chai) with the rich texture of frothy steamed milk. It features a harmonious blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, which are complemented by the sweetness of honey or sugar. This popular coffeehouse staple is cherished worldwide as a comforting and invigorating alternative to coffee, offering a uniquely fragrant and flavorful experience.
Preparation
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Chai Latte is classified as a hot tea drink. It falls into the broader category of hot beverages and is a staple in cafes alongside coffee drinks. While inspired by a traditional tea, its preparation with steamed milk places it in the "latte" family of beverages.
Serving
This is a non-alcoholic beverage served hot in a large, often pre-warmed, ceramic mug or a heat-proof latte glass. Its serving size is substantial, making it a satisfying drink on its own.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug
Glass treatment
Warmed up (optional)
Backstory
The Chai Latte is a modern, Western interpretation of traditional Indian Masala Chai, a beverage with a rich history spanning centuries in India. Masala Chai was traditionally prepared by simmering black tea with milk, sugar, and a blend of local spices. The "latte" version gained immense popularity in the United States during the 1990s coffee boom, where cafes began serving a sweeter, frothier version made with chai concentrate and steamed milk to appeal to a broader audience.
Origin
The drink's inspiration, Masala Chai, originates from India and has been consumed for centuries. The modern Chai Latte as it is known globally was popularized in the United States around the 1990s.
Chai Latte
Commonly known as a Chai Latte, this drink is a Westernized version of traditional Indian "Masala Chai," which translates to "spiced tea." The term "latte" was added to signify the addition of steamed, frothy milk, similar to a caffè latte. The name effectively describes its composition: spiced tea with milk.
Original name
Masala Chai Latte
Alternative names
- Masala Chai Latte
- Spiced Chai Latte
Characteristics overview
The Chai Latte presents a rich, creamy texture and a warm, light-brown appearance, characterized by a complex aroma of sweet spices. Its flavor is a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with a lingering warmth perfect for cooler seasons.
Flavor
Spicy, sweet, creamy, warm, aromatic, milky
Aroma
Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, star anise, black tea
Taste balance
Sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Lingering, warm, spicy, sweet
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, light brown, creamy beige, topped with white milk foam
Texture
Creamy, smooth, frothy, velvety
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is defined by a pleasant warming spice and high levels of both sweetness and creaminess. A subtle bitterness from the black tea provides depth to this non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
To make a Chai Latte, you'll need a base of black tea and milk, infused with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. A sweetener such as honey or maple syrup is essential to balance the spice.
- Water120 ml / 4 ozFor brewing the tea and spices.
- Black Tea2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leafUse a robust black tea like Assam or Ceylon.
- Milk240 ml / 8 ozWhole milk provides the creamiest texture, but oat, almond, or soy milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives.
- Cinnamon Stick1 stickProvides a sweet, woody aroma.
- Green Cardamom Pods3 podsLightly crushed to release their flavor.
- Whole Cloves2 clovesAdds a pungent, warm spice note.
- Fresh Ginger1 thin sliceProvides a sharp, zesty kick.
- Black Peppercorns2 peppercorns(optional)Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Sweetener1-2 tablespoons, to tasteHoney, maple syrup, or brown sugar work well.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
Preparation requires basic kitchen equipment: a saucepan to create the spiced tea concentrate, a strainer to ensure a smooth drink, and a milk frother or whisk to achieve the signature latte foam.
- Saucepan for simmering the spices and tea
- Fine-mesh strainer for removing solids
- Milk frother or whisk for creating foam
Instructions
The process involves simmering spices and water, steeping black tea to create a concentrate, and then combining it with sweetened, frothed milk. The final steps are to strain the tea, assemble the drink in a mug, and garnish.
1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the black tea bags or loose-leaf tea, cover, and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
3. While the tea is steeping, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or in the microwave until hot but not boiling. Use a milk frother to create a rich foam.
4. Strain the spiced tea concentrate through a fine-mesh strainer directly into your serving mug to remove all the spices and tea leaves.
5. Stir your preferred sweetener into the hot tea concentrate until it is fully dissolved.
6. Pour the hot, frothed milk into the mug over the tea concentrate. Hold back the foam with a spoon and then spoon it over the top.
7. Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg is sprinkled on top of the milk foam. This enhances the drink's aroma and adds visual appeal.
- Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg, lightly sprinkled over the foam.
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine and is typically made with dairy, making it vegetarian but not vegan. It can easily be adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by substituting plant-based milk and using a sweetener other than honey.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A standard Chai Latte has a moderate calorie count, with most of its energy coming from a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar found in the milk and added sweeteners.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 30-40 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-35 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Chai Latte is a versatile drink perfect for a comforting start to the morning, a relaxing afternoon break, or a cozy evening treat. Its warm and inviting nature makes it ideal for social gatherings during colder months.
- Morning beverage
- Afternoon pick-me-up
- Cozy evening drink
- Social gatherings
- Cafe visit
Pairing suggestions
The Chai Latte pairs beautifully with a variety of baked goods that complement its spicy and sweet profile. Scones, biscotti, and spiced cakes are excellent choices, as their flavors harmonize with the cinnamon and cardamom notes in the drink. These pairings make for a perfect afternoon tea or a delightful breakfast treat.
- Scones with jam and cream
- Biscotti or shortbread cookies
- Cinnamon rolls or coffee cake
- Spiced breads like gingerbread or banana bread
Chai Latte: A Symphony of Spice and Cream
The Chai Latte is a globally beloved hot beverage that blends the aromatic spices of Indian Masala Chai with the creamy texture of a Western-style latte. It combines black tea, milk, and a symphony of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a drink that is simultaneously comforting, sweet, and invigorating. Easy to prepare at home, it offers a delightful alternative to coffee and can be customized with various milks and sweeteners. It is the perfect companion for a chilly day or a relaxing afternoon break.