During cold weather, a chai latte with just the right amount of creaminess and sweetness is like a hug in a mug. The cinnamon and ginger make it warm, and the sugar makes it slightly sweet. But who has the time or patience to wait in long lines at pricey coffee shops whenever they want a chai? Not me.

So, I'm thrilled to share this Easy Chai Latte Recipe, which is quick and easy and tastes just as good as the ones you can get at a fancy coffee shop. Yes, we're going to make chai drinks at home, and it's going to be amazing!

This recipe comes from Kayla’s Kitch and Fix, and like all of Kayla’s recipes, it’s super easy to make and can easily be made dairy-free. Also, we’re throwing in a little bonus: the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother—a game-changer for frothy, café-quality drinks at home.

The Spice That Makes It Nice: What’s in a Chai Latte?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why chai lattes are so special. “Chai” actually means “tea” in Hindi, and it’s traditionally made with black tea, milk, and a mixture of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. In India, chai is a staple, but it’s often a little spicier and less sweet than the chai lattes we’re used to here in the West.

Our version today is the perfect blend of those rich spices, creamy milk, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s not just delicious; it’s also great for your health! Those spices pack a punch of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, so you can sip guilt-free.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 2 bags of chai tea or black tea
• 1 cup of your favorite milk (almond, oat, soy, regular—totally up to you!)
• 3/4 tsp. of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. of ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp. of ground cloves
• 1 tbsp. of pure maple syrup or honey (for a little sweetness)

How to Make the Perfect Chai Latte at Home? 

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by brewing your tea—place your tea bags in hot water and let them steep for about 4 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea flavor. If you like a bold, tea-forward chai, feel free to let it steep a little longer. Once done, remove the tea bags and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix the Milk and Spices

In a separate saucepan, combine your brewed tea and milk of choice. Add in the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, stirring to make sure everything is well-blended. This is where the magic happens—those spices will infuse into the milk, creating that signature chai flavor.

Step 3: Sweeten It Up

Next, add your sweetener. You can adjust the sweetness depending on your preference—maple syrup will give it a deep, rich sweetness, while honey will bring a more floral note. Stir it all together, and let the mixture warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Step 4: Froth Like a Pro

Here’s where the Milk Frother comes into play! Use it to froth the chai mixture right in the saucepan—this is what gives your latte that irresistible creamy texture with a light, foamy top. Froth until you see those tiny bubbles and a beautiful layer of foam.

Zulay Says: If you don’t have a frother, no worries! You can whisk the mixture vigorously by hand or even give it a quick blend with an immersion blender. (But seriously, if you love lattes, investing in a frother is a game-changer.)

Step 5: Pour and Enjoy

Once your chai is nice and bubbly, pour it into your favorite mug, take a deep breath, and inhale that spiced goodness. The smell alone is enough to put you in full fall-mode. Now sit back, sip, and enjoy the cozy, homemade goodness!

Why You'll Love This Easy Chai Latte Recipe

• It’s customizable: Whether you like it spicy, sweet, strong, or mild, you can tweak the ingredients to fit your personal taste.
• Dairy-free? No problem!: You can use almond, oat, soy, or any other milk alternative, making this latte perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• It’s way cheaper: No more spending $5 (or more!) on a single chai latte. You can make this at home for a fraction of the price.
• Health benefits: Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are loaded with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, so your body will thank you for sipping on this.
• Saves time: No waiting in line. You can have this delicious latte ready in minutes.

Zulay's Tips for the Best Homemade Chai Latte

1. Get the spices right: Freshly ground spices are going to give you the best flavor. If you’re using pre-ground spices, make sure they’re still fresh—stale spices won’t have that bold chai flavor.
2. Use a high-quality tea: This recipe is all about the tea, so choose a strong, robust chai or black tea for the best results.
3. Don’t skimp on the frothing: Froth is what takes your latte from good to great. If you don’t have a milk frother, consider investing in one—trust me, it’s worth it. The Milk Frother is perfect for this and works with any type of milk.

Why Make Chai at Home?

Sure, it’s tempting to swing by your local café for that perfectly frothy chai latte—but think of all the time (and money) you could save by making your own at home. Not to mention, you can totally customize it to your taste! So, if you love a little extra spice? You can throw in more cinnamon. Prefer it sweet? Add another drizzle of maple syrup or honey. And don’t even get me started on how satisfying it is to froth that milk to perfection.

And what I liked in this Chai Latte recipe the best is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, waiting to transform into your new favorite drink!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Are you excited to try this recipe? Have any ideas to make it even more perfect? Leave a comment below and let us know how your chai latte turned out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any recipe suggestions you have for us.

And if you know someone who’s as obsessed with chai lattes as we are, share this post with them! Don’t forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness when you share your creations on social media. Let’s spread the chai love!

Watch How to make this Chai Latte!

Check out the other recipes in this series!