Easy Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (16 ounces) water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise, chopped
• 8-10 cardamom pods, split
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/2 inch slice ginger root
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 14-16 ounces chai concentrate (prepared from above)
• 2-4 good-quality black tea bags
• 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice, to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the chai concentrate: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with cinnamon sticks, star anise, split cardamom pods, whole cloves, ginger slice, split vanilla bean with seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices, collecting the liquid as your chai concentrate.

2. 2

   Brew the black tea: With the hot chai concentrate still warm, add 2-4 black tea bags directly into the concentrate and let steep for 3-5 minutes depending on desired strength. Remove the tea bags after steeping.

3. 3

   Heat the milk: In a separate saucepan or using a milk frother, warm 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3-5 minutes.

4. 4

   Combine the latte: Pour the steeped chai concentrate into a cup or mug, add the warmed milk and sweeten with 2-3 tablespoons of honey or your preferred sweetener to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.

5. 5

   Serve and enjoy: Optionally, froth some extra milk on top for a creamy finish and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.