Chai Tea Masala Latte Recipe [+Tips]

• A bold base of black tea.
• A medley of warm, toasty spices.
• Creamy, rich milk (dairy or non-dairy – we’re flexible here).
• And just the right touch of sweetness to tie it all together.

Whether you’re a die-hard chai lover or a curious coffee switcher, this recipe will take you straight into the heart of the Indian kitchen – with your favorite mug waiting at the end.

Ingredients For Chai Tea Masala Latte Recipe

Gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with some seriously nostalgic aromas. Here’s what you’ll need for two generous servings:

For The Masala Spice Mix (You Can Pre-make A Jar Too!)

• 2 green cardamom pods – lightly crushed
• 4-5 black peppercorns
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick – or ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger – peeled and thinly sliced or ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional but amazing!)
• A tiny pinch of nutmeg (freshly grated if you can)
• Star anise – totally optional but adds a sweet licorice kick

For The Chai

• 2 cups water
• 1½ tbsp black tea leaves – Assam is traditional; you can use Darjeeling or a strong English breakfast tea
• 1 cup whole milk – or any plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy – they all work)
• 2-3 tsp sugar – or adjust to taste (jaggery or honey also work)
• Optional: A dash of vanilla extract for a Western twist

How To Make Chai Tea Masala Latte?

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a spice market in Delhi? Let’s go step-by-step:

Step 1: Make The Masala (if Not Already Made)

• Take all your spices (cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel, etc.)
• Gently crush them using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a jar.
• You don’t want powder – just enough to release their essential oils.

Step 2: Boil Water And Spices

• In a saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of water.
• Add the crushed spice mix and sliced ginger.
• Bring it to a rolling boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes so the water gets infused with the spice goodness.

Step 3: Add The Tea Leaves

• Toss in the black tea leaves and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.
• The longer it boils, the stronger and more tannic it gets – perfect if you love a bold chai.

Step 4: Add Milk And Sweetener

• Pour in the milk and sugar (or sweetener of choice).
• Stir gently and let it come to a gentle boil once more – watch it carefully, chai loves to overflow when you’re not looking!

Step 5: Strain And Serve

• Turn off the heat and strain the tea using a fine sieve into your favorite mug.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top if you’re feeling fancy.
• Sip. Sigh. Smile.

Expert Tips

Want to level up your chai game? These insider secrets will take you from ’yum’ to ’OH WOW’:

• Use whole spices whenever possible – they pack way more flavor than pre-ground versions.
• Crush spices fresh just before using – like coffee beans, spices lose their aroma fast once ground.
• Don’t skimp on simmering time – the longer those spices steep, the more aromatic your chai will be.
• Balance your spices – don’t go overboard with any one spice (looking at you, cloves and nutmeg).
• Choose your milk wisely – whole milk gives a creamy traditional feel, but oat milk is a dreamy vegan alternative.
• Use jaggery or brown sugar for a deep, caramelized sweetness.
• Brew strong – weak tea can’t stand up to all that spice.

Recipe Variations

Not all chai is created equal – and that’s the beauty of it! Customize yours like a pro barista-meets-herbalist:

Iced Chai Latte

• Make the chai as usual.
• Let it cool, then pour over ice with cold milk.
• Add vanilla syrup for that café-style sweetness.

Vegan Chai Latte

• Use almond, oat, or soy milk.
• Sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
• Bonus points for frothing your plant milk for that barista feel.

☁️ Dirty Chai Latte

• Add a shot of espresso to your masala chai. It’s spicy, bold, and caffeinated AF.
• Great for when you want the kick of coffee with the soul of tea.

Turmeric Chai

• Add a ½ tsp of ground turmeric while boiling the spices.
• Anti-inflammatory, golden, earthy – and super Instagrammable.

Pumpkin Spice Chai

• Add 1 tbsp pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice to your chai while simmering with milk.
• Tastes like fall in a cup.

Final Words: Why This Latte Is More Than Just A Drink

Here’s the thing – making chai isn’t just about sipping something tasty. It’s a ritual. It’s about slowing down, letting aromas fill the room, wrapping your hands around a warm mug, and just being present.

In India, chai isn’t just a beverage. It’s a conversation starter, a welcoming gesture, a daily pause. There’s something deeply grounding about it – a blend of earth, heat, and comfort all in one.

Making your own chai masala latte at home means:

• You control the flavors.
• You save money.
• You get to impress literally everyone.
• And let’s be honest – it smells better than any candle.

FAQs

What Is A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

A Chai Tea Masala Latte is a spiced tea-based beverage made with a combination of traditional masala chai spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves), black tea, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and sweetener. It is similar to a regular chai latte but with a stronger emphasis on the rich spices that characterize masala chai.

What Are The Key Ingredients In A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

The key ingredients include black tea (preferably Assam or Darjeeling), masala chai spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper), milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy), sweetener (sugar, honey, or maple syrup), and water.

How Do You Make The Masala Chai Spice Mix For A Latte?

To make a masala chai spice mix, combine equal parts of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. You can adjust the quantities based on your spice preference, but typically 1 tsp of each spice is a good starting point. Store the mix in an airtight container for future use.

Can I Use Pre-made Chai Tea Concentrate For A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

Yes, you can use a pre-made chai tea concentrate for a quicker version of a Chai Tea Masala Latte. However, homemade chai concentrate gives you more control over the flavor, and using fresh spices often results in a more aromatic and flavorful drink.

How Much Milk Should I Use For A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

For a typical Chai Tea Masala Latte, use about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk per serving. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy or strong you want the latte to be. You can also use dairy-free milk alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk.

What Kind Of Tea Should I Use For A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

Traditionally, Assam tea is used because of its strong, malty flavor, which pairs well with the spices. You can also use other black teas like Darjeeling, Ceylon, or English breakfast if preferred.

How Do I Make The Perfect Frothy Chai Tea Masala Latte?

To make a frothy Chai Tea Masala Latte, heat your milk until it’s steaming but not boiling. Use a milk frother to create a creamy foam, or whisk the milk vigorously by hand or with a hand blender to get the desired froth. Pour the frothed milk over your spiced chai tea base for a smooth, creamy finish.

Can I Make A Chai Tea Masala Latte Iced Instead Of Hot?

Yes, you can easily make an iced Chai Tea Masala Latte. Prepare the chai tea as usual, allow it to cool, then pour it over ice and top it with cold milk. Add a little extra sweetener if desired since the cold may dull the sweetness.

What Is The Best Sweetener For A Chai Tea Masala Latte?

The best sweetener is subjective and depends on your taste. Common options include white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even stevia. Brown sugar and maple syrup tend to complement the warm spices of the chai well.

Can I Make A Chai Tea Masala Latte Without Caffeine?

Yes, you can make a caffeine-free version of a Chai Tea Masala Latte by using a caffeine-free herbal tea such as rooibos or an herbal chai blend. Just brew the herbal tea as you would with traditional black tea and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.