Chai latte is a modified version of masala chai, combining the same ingredients as the tea but made similarly to a caffé latte.
It’s easy to see why chai latte is so popular in coffeehouses and cafes. Imagine a rich, velvety drink that combines the warmth of spices with the deep flavor of black tea, all wrapped up in a creamy embrace. This beverage combines flavor, aroma, and texture. Each sip will leave you craving another.
When it comes to making it, no rule says you must prepare your chai latte in a certain way. But if you’re new to it, this may be a helpful guide.
Here’s how to make chai latte. Fun fact: “chai” means tea.
Ingredients
- Two cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
- Two teaspoons of whole black peppercorns
- Four whole cloves
- Six green cardamom pods, cracked
- Four cups water
- One two-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- Three black teabags
- One-quarter cup of sweetener (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- Three cups of cold whole milk or coconut milk
- One star anise
These ingredients make 4 servings of Chai Latte
Procedure
Toast the spices (cinnamon, peppercorn, cloves, star anise, and cardamom) in a dry saucepan until the fragrances are released. Add ginger and water, and allow it to simmer.
Add the tea bags to the mixture and allow it to steep for about ten minutes. Using a skimmer, remove the tea bags carefully without bursting them.
Heat the milk with the sweetener in another saucepan and whisk lightly to create foam. Do this over low heat. Coconut milk is an alternative to whole milk for vegans.
Pour your tea into a mug through a strainer to prevent the solid spices from entering into the mug. Afterward, pour in the milk without the froth. Stir this mixture gently before topping the latte with some milk froth.
To make a cold cup of chai latte, cool the milk and tea sufficiently before mixing and serve it with ice.
Storage and shelf life
When storing your chai latte, it is important to keep it away from direct sunlight and strong-smelling foods, as the beverage can absorb odors.
Freshly brewed chai latte can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for optimal flavor and aroma, it is best consumed within 24 hours.
Variations and tips
- With just a few tweaks to the recipe, you can add a twist to your chai latte, making it more flavorful or spicy. For example, adding vanilla syrup or extract to the mixture will give it a vanilla flavor. Using more ginger means the tea will be spicier than usual.
- Use high-quality tea to ensure a rich and satisfying taste. It is also preferable to use fresh spices.
- Garnish your chai latte with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or whipped cream to make it look more appealing.
- Whole milk, almond, or coconut milk are the best types of milk for this recipe. These milks complement the flavor of the tea.
Health benefits of chai latte
You can get numerous health benefits from drinking a well-prepared chai latte. This is, however, not an overnight miracle. You only gain its benefit when you drink it regularly. Some of the useful properties of chai latte are:
- Antioxidant property: Black tea, the key ingredient in chai latte contains antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of certain diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory property: the spices used in the preparation of chai latte can help reduce inflammation and protect against related diseases.
- Digestive aid: Teas are generally known for soothing indigestion and bloating. The spices in the recipe enhance this feature.
- Other health benefits include its calming effect, stress relief property, and its ability to soothe colds and coughs.
Treat your tastebuds to something exquisite by trying out this recipe. Feel free to experiment and try new things. Nothing is as comforting as a hot chai latte on a cold morning. Indulge yourself with one cup or two!
