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Oh, chai tea latte – just saying the words conjures up images of cozy cafés, the comforting scent of warm spices, and that creamy, soothing sip that warms you from the inside out. But what if you want to recreate that magic at home with a little twist – like using almond milk for a dairy-free, nutty flavor boost? That’s exactly what we’re talking about today!
Chai tea latte is a beautiful blend of black tea infused with a symphony of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, combined with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness. Using almond milk not only makes it vegan-friendly but also adds a subtle, natural sweetness and a lovely nutty undertone that makes this drink extra special.
This recipe is perfect for those chilly mornings when you want to cozy up, or for any time you need a little aromatic pick-me-up. Plus, it’s easy to customize, healthier than many store-bought versions, and fun to make!
Let’s talk about what you need to get started. The beauty of this recipe is you probably have most of these ingredients right in your pantry already!
Spices (the heart and soul of chai!):
Now the fun part – brewing this aromatic delight! Follow along, and soon your kitchen will smell like a spice market in India.
Okay, here are some insider nuggets that take your chai latte from ’nice’ to ’oh wow, this is next-level!’
One of the best things about chai is how versatile it is – here are some fun ways to mix it up:
Making your own chai tea latte with almond milk is such a rewarding ritual. It’s not just a drink – it’s an experience, a warm hug in a cup, a sensory celebration of spices and creaminess. Once you master the basics, you can tweak and tailor the flavors to exactly what your taste buds crave.
Plus, knowing you made it from scratch means no hidden preservatives, artificial flavors, or excess sugar. Just pure, wholesome goodness – perfect for a cozy morning, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a calming evening treat.
To make a chai tea latte with almond milk, you will need chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai, unsweetened almond milk, water, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup (optional), and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper if you’re enhancing the flavor of the chai.
Start by steeping 2 chai tea bags (or 1.5 tsp loose-leaf chai) in 1/2 cup boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 cup of almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Optionally, froth the milk using a frother or whisk. Remove the tea bags, mix the tea with the milk, add sweetener to taste, and stir well before serving.
Yes, you can use store-bought chai concentrate. Simply mix equal parts of the concentrate with almond milk, heat on the stove or in the microwave, and serve. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
Absolutely. As long as you use plant-based ingredients like almond milk and avoid animal-derived sweeteners such as honey (you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup instead), your chai tea latte will be entirely vegan.
Barista-style or extra creamy almond milk works best for chai tea lattes, as it froths better and creates a richer, more indulgent texture. However, unsweetened almond milk is preferred if you want to control the sweetness.
You can froth almond milk using a milk frother, a handheld whisk, a French press (by pumping the plunger up and down), or by shaking warm almond milk in a sealed jar. Heating the milk beforehand helps create better froth.
Yes. Brew the chai tea as usual, let it cool, then mix it with cold almond milk and pour over ice. Optionally, you can sweeten it and blend it with ice for a frappé-style iced chai latte.
A typical chai tea bag contains about 30-50 mg of caffeine per serving. The caffeine content in your latte will depend on the type and quantity of black tea used. Decaffeinated versions are also available.
Almond milk is low in calories, lactose-free, and often enriched with vitamins D and E. It’s a good dairy alternative for those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences. Combined with the antioxidant-rich spices in chai, this latte can be a nutritious beverage when consumed in moderation.
Yes. You can brew a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving, or enjoy it cold. Be sure to shake or stir well before drinking, as separation may occur.