Starbucks Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

• Tea Base

  • Black tea bags or loose-leaf tea (Assam or English Breakfast are fantastic choices for that robust, classic tea flavor)
  • Chai tea bags if you want the spiced, warming chai latte version

• Milk

  • Whole milk for that creamy, velvety texture (but feel free to swap with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk for dairy-free options)

• Sweetener

  • Classic simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved)
  • Or honey, maple syrup, agave nectar-whatever floats your boat!

• Spices And Extras

  • A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (especially great for chai or seasonal twists)
  • Vanilla extract for that subtle, fragrant sweetness

• Water

  • Fresh, filtered water for brewing your tea (super important for the best flavor!)

Optional extras to mimic Starbucks’ exact vibe:

• Steamed milk foam for topping (you can create this at home with a frother or by shaking warm milk vigorously)
• Matcha powder if you want a green tea latte spin

How To Make Starbucks Tea Latte?

Alright, this is where the magic happens. Follow these steps closely and you’ll be sipping on a Starbucks-quality Tea Latte faster than you can say ’barista, please!’

Step 1: Brew Your Tea Strong And Steamy

• Heat about ¾ cup of fresh filtered water to near boiling (around 200°F or 93°C).
• Steep 2 tea bags or about 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea for 5 minutes. This is important because the tea should be bold enough to stand out once mixed with milk.
• If you’re making a chai latte, steep the chai bags in hot water, or brew your loose chai blend similarly.

Step 2: Sweeten Your Brew

• While the tea is still hot, stir in your preferred sweetener.
• I recommend starting with 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup (adjust to your taste).
• If you want vanilla notes, add a splash (about ½ teaspoon) of vanilla extract now.

Step 3: Steam Or Heat Your Milk

• Steam about 1 cup of milk until hot and frothy.
• No steamer? No problem! Warm milk gently on the stove or in the microwave, then froth using a handheld frother, a French press (pump vigorously), or by shaking it in a tightly sealed jar.

Step 4: Combine And Serve

• Pour the sweetened tea into your favorite mug.
• Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
• Spoon the frothy milk foam on top for that beautiful, café-style finish.
• Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of matcha powder for garnish.

Step 5: Sip And Enjoy!

• Take a moment to appreciate the aroma before you dive in.
• Sip slowly, savoring the creamy, fragrant blend.

Expert Tips

Want to truly impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to try your latte)? Here are some insider tricks:

• Tea Quality Matters: Use high-quality loose-leaf tea or premium tea bags. Cheap tea will give you a flat, bitter flavor.
• Strong Brew is Key: Don’t be shy with the steeping time! A weak tea base will be overpowered by milk.
• Temperature Control: Overheating milk can scald it, ruining the texture and taste. Aim for warm, not boiling.
• Sweeten Gradually: Start with less sweetener-you can always add more after tasting.
• Experiment with Milk: Oat milk steams beautifully and adds natural sweetness.
• Frothing Alternatives: No fancy frother? Use a mason jar! Warm milk, screw the lid on tightly, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
• Make It Iced: Brew double-strength tea, chill it, then pour over ice with cold milk and sweetener.

Recipe Variations

Because who wants just one way to enjoy this delicious latte? Here are some fun spins on the classic Starbucks Tea Latte:

• Chai Tea Latte: Use spiced chai tea, add a dash of cinnamon and cardamom, and sweeten with honey or brown sugar.
• Vanilla Rooibos Latte: Swap black tea for caffeine-free rooibos and add vanilla syrup.
• Matcha Tea Latte: Use high-quality matcha powder whisked into hot water, then add steamed milk and sweetener.
• Iced Tea Latte: Brew strong tea, cool it, pour over ice, and mix with cold milk.
• Dirty Tea Latte: Add a shot of espresso for that caffeinated kick-perfect for mornings.
• Spiced Holiday Latte: Add cloves, star anise, and a hint of orange zest to your tea for a festive treat.

Final Words

Making a Starbucks-style Tea Latte at home isn’t just about replicating a café drink-it’s about embracing the ritual, customizing the flavor, and enjoying every step from brew to sip. It’s a simple pleasure that can brighten your mornings or soothe your evenings with its creamy warmth and aromatic charm.

So, whether you’re a chai fanatic, a classic black tea lover, or someone who just likes trying new cozy drinks, this recipe is your gateway to endless delicious possibilities. Plus, making it yourself means no waiting in line and total control over sweetness, milk, and spice.

FAQs

What Is A Starbucks Tea Latte?

A Starbucks tea latte is a warm, creamy beverage made by combining concentrated brewed tea with steamed milk and a sweetener. Popular varieties include the Chai Tea Latte, London Fog (Earl Grey), and Matcha Green Tea Latte.

How Do I Make A Starbucks-style Chai Tea Latte At Home?

To make a Chai Tea Latte like Starbucks, steep 2 chai tea bags (or use 1/2 cup of Tazo Chai concentrate) in 1/2 cup hot water. Heat and froth 1/2 cup milk (any kind). Combine the tea and milk, then sweeten with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or vanilla syrup to taste.

What Tea Does Starbucks Use In Their Tea Lattes?

Starbucks uses Teavana teas for its tea lattes. For example, the Chai Tea Latte uses Teavana Classic Chai concentrate, while the London Fog uses Teavana Earl Grey tea. Matcha lattes use a finely ground green tea powder blend.

Can I Use Regular Tea Bags Instead Of Teavana For The Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with similar high-quality tea bags. For instance, Twinings or Stash Earl Grey for a London Fog or Tazo Chai for a Chai Latte are good alternatives. The flavor may vary slightly but still yield a delicious result.

How Do I Make A London Fog Tea Latte Like Starbucks?

Steep 1 Earl Grey tea bag in 1/2 cup hot water for 4-5 minutes. Heat and froth 1/2 cup milk, then mix with the tea. Add 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup (or 1-2 tsp) to sweeten. Optional: add a dash of lavender syrup for a floral touch.

What Is The Best Milk To Use For Tea Lattes?

Whole milk is traditionally used at Starbucks for its creamy texture, but you can use alternatives like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk depending on dietary preferences. Oat milk is particularly popular for its smooth, frothy consistency.

How Do I Make A Matcha Tea Latte Like Starbucks?

Whisk 1-2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water to make a smooth paste. Heat and froth 1 cup milk, then mix with the matcha. Add 1-2 teaspoons of simple syrup or honey to sweeten, if desired.

Can I Make A Starbucks Tea Latte Iced Instead Of Hot?

Yes, all tea lattes can be made iced. Brew a concentrated tea (or mix matcha with water), pour over ice, and add cold milk and sweetener. Stir well. Starbucks typically shakes iced tea lattes for a smooth blend.

How Much Caffeine Is In A Starbucks Tea Latte?

Caffeine content varies by type. A tall Chai Tea Latte has about 70mg, a Matcha Latte ranges from 55-80mg depending on size, and a London Fog typically contains 40-60mg. Herbal tea lattes, if made, may have little to no caffeine.

Can I Customize The Sweetness In A Homemade Starbucks Tea Latte?

Absolutely. You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup, honey, or sugar. You can also use sugar-free alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to suit your taste or dietary needs.