Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Oh, the Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte – what a delightful, harmonious blend of flavors! If you’ve ever found yourself craving something that’s both comforting and refreshingly unique, this drink might just be your new obsession. Imagine the earthy, slightly grassy tones of matcha green tea combined with the warm, spicy complexity of chai spices, all swirled together in creamy steamed milk. It’s like a cozy hug with a vibrant kick.

  • Why this drink? Because it’s a beautiful marriage of two distinct tea cultures – the Japanese tradition of matcha and the Indian chai spice blend.
  • Perfect for: Those who want a caffeine boost but prefer something smoother and more nuanced than your standard coffee.
  • Seasonal appeal: Works great year-round – warm and comforting in winter, and cool and refreshing iced in summer.
  • Starbucks signature: This drink blends matcha’s antioxidant power with chai’s aromatic punch, making it a flavorful alternative to your regular latte.

Ready to become your own barista? Let’s gather what you need!

Ingredients For Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte Recipe

Okay, the magic of this drink lies in the balance of these key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

  • Matcha Powder

    • Use high-quality, finely ground Japanese matcha.
    • This is the green tea powder that gives the latte its vibrant green color and earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Chai Concentrate Or Chai Tea Bags

    • Traditionally, chai is made with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
    • You can use a pre-made chai concentrate for convenience or brew strong chai tea from bags or loose leaf.
  • Milk Of Your Choice

    • Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are great for dairy-free versions.
    • Steaming or frothing the milk is key to that smooth latte texture.
  • Sweetener

    • Simple syrup, honey, or agave – adjust to taste. The sweetness rounds out the earthiness of matcha and the spice of chai.
  • Hot Water

    • To brew the chai or to dissolve the matcha powder properly.
  • Optional: Vanilla Extract or a pinch of salt for extra depth and balance.
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How To Make Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – the step-by-step method that will turn your kitchen into a mini Starbucks barista station!

  1. Prepare The Chai Base

    • If using chai concentrate, pour about 3/4 cup into a saucepan.
    • If brewing chai tea, steep 1-2 chai tea bags in 3/4 cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes to get a strong, spicy infusion.
  2. Mix The Matcha

    • In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to avoid clumps.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water, about 175°F (80°C).
    • Whisk briskly with a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small regular whisk until frothy and smooth.
  3. Combine Chai And Matcha

    • Pour the prepared chai into a large cup or glass.
    • Add the whisked matcha and stir gently to blend the flavors.
  4. Steam And Froth The Milk

    • Heat 1 cup of your chosen milk until steaming (about 150°F or 65°C).
    • Froth using a handheld frother or steam wand until creamy and slightly foamy.
  5. Assemble The Latte

    • Pour the steamed milk over the chai-matcha mixture.
    • Sweeten to taste with your preferred sweetener.
    • Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or matcha powder on top for a pretty finish.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy that beautiful balance of creamy, spicy, and earthy flavors.

Expert Tips

Want to impress yourself or your guests? Here’s where the pros get nitpicky to elevate the latte experience:

  • Use filtered water for brewing chai and mixing matcha to avoid any off flavors.
  • Don’t use boiling water for matcha – it can scorch the powder and turn the taste bitter. Aim for around 175°F (80°C).
  • Sift the matcha powder – it makes whisking easier and your latte smoother.
  • Froth milk just right: Not too much foam, not too little – aim for velvety microfoam.
  • Adjust sweetness carefully: The spices and matcha are bold, so you want sweetness to complement, not overpower.
  • Chai concentrate vs. homemade: Homemade chai gives control over spices but takes more time; concentrate is convenient but check the ingredient list for additives.
  • Experiment with milk types: Oat milk tends to blend exceptionally well with matcha and chai, giving a naturally sweet and creamy finish.

Recipe Variations

Now, let’s get creative because no good recipe is complete without some fun twists:

  • Iced Green Tea Chai Latte: Prepare the latte as above, let cool, pour over ice, and add a splash of cold milk or oat milk for a refreshing twist.
  • Vegan Version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
  • Spiced Up: Add an extra pinch of cayenne or black pepper to the chai base for a spicy kick.
  • Vanilla Matcha Chai Latte: Add a teaspoon of vanilla syrup or a drop of vanilla extract to add a lovely warm sweetness.
  • Dirty Green Tea Chai Latte: Add a shot of espresso for those who want a caffeinated punch alongside the tea.
  • Honey Ginger Twist: Stir in fresh ginger juice or honey for a zesty, immune-boosting punch.

Final Words

This Green Tea Chai Latte recipe is a true testament to how two distinct tea traditions can come together to create something wonderfully unique and comforting. The layers of flavor – from the earthy smoothness of matcha to the warm spices of chai – make every sip a mini adventure for your taste buds.

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Whether you’re craving a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon indulgence, or a soothing evening treat, this latte is versatile enough to fit all moods and moments. Plus, making it yourself means you control every ingredient – no mystery syrups or artificial flavors here.

FAQs

What Is A Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

A Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte is a unique beverage that combines the spicy flavors of chai tea with the smooth, earthy taste of green tea, mixed with steamed milk and sweetened with a syrup or sweetener. It’s a fusion of two popular tea varieties, offering a warm and comforting drink with a slightly exotic twist.

What Are The Main Ingredients In A Green Tea Chai Tea Latte At Starbucks?

The main ingredients include chai concentrate (a blend of black tea, spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and sugar), matcha powder (finely ground green tea leaves), steamed milk, and sometimes vanilla syrup or sweetener to enhance the flavor.

Can I Make A Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte At Home?

Yes, you can make a Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte at home. You’ll need chai concentrate, matcha powder, milk (dairy or non-dairy), and a sweetener like vanilla syrup. Steep the chai, whisk the matcha, steam the milk, and combine all ingredients for a homemade version of the drink.

What Type Of Milk Is Used In A Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

Starbucks typically uses steamed 2% milk for a Green Tea Chai Tea Latte, but you can customize your order with other milk options, such as whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, based on your preference.

What Does Matcha Add To The Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

Matcha adds a vibrant green color and an earthy, slightly bitter flavor to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the chai concentrate. It’s also known for its health benefits, including antioxidants, and offers a mild caffeine boost.

How Much Caffeine Is In A Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

The caffeine content of a Green Tea Chai Tea Latte depends on the size and the specific amounts of matcha and chai concentrate. Typically, a Grande (16 oz) contains around 70-80 mg of caffeine, split between the matcha (green tea) and the chai concentrate (black tea).

Can I Make A Decaffeinated Version Of The Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can request decaffeinated chai concentrate and matcha powder at Starbucks to make a decaf version of the Green Tea Chai Tea Latte. However, it’s important to note that the flavor profile may be slightly different without the caffeine’s bitterness.

What Flavors Are In A Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

A Green Tea Chai Tea Latte has a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors. The chai concentrate brings warmth with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove, while the matcha adds a slightly grassy, earthy note. Together, these flavors are balanced by the creaminess of steamed milk.

How Can I Customize My Green Tea Chai Tea Latte?

You can customize your Green Tea Chai Tea Latte by adjusting the type of milk, sweetness level, or adding extra flavorings such as vanilla, honey, or cinnamon. You can also ask for more or less chai concentrate or matcha, depending on how strong you want the flavor.

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Is The Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte Vegan-friendly?

The Starbucks Green Tea Chai Tea Latte is not vegan by default because it contains dairy milk and honey in the chai concentrate. However, you can make it vegan by using non-dairy milk (such as oat or almond milk) and requesting a dairy-free sweetener like agave or simply omitting the honey.