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The Western reinvention of the Chai Latte emerged in the 1990s as coffeehouse chains became increasingly popular and the demand for new and exciting beverages grew. Chai Latte is one of many adaptations of India's national drink, Masala Chai. Combining the strong flavors of black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, along with the smooth creaminess of milk, it has found its way onto café menus around the world in recent decades. Have you ever tried a Chai Latte?
How to Make Your Own Chai Latte
You do not need to visit a café to enjoy an aromatic Chai Latte. You can easily prepare this delicious drink right in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, a creamy Chai Latte sweetens any tea time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chai Latte
The word "Chai" comes from Hindi, meaning "tea," while the Italian word "Latte" translates to "milk." So, "Chai Latte" literally means "milk tea." This beloved drink originates from India, where traditional Masala Chai is made with strong black tea and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and pepper. This means you already know the two key ingredients: spiced tea and milk. Often, the classic recipe is enhanced with cream, frothed milk, and sweeteners to add extra sweetness and creaminess.
Step-by-Step to Deliciousness
There are two main brewing methods: The traditional method allows you to take your time and use loose spices you blend yourself. If you are in a hurry, opt for a ready-made Masala Chai mix for quick brewing.
Traditional Brewing (for one large or two small cups of Chai Latte)
- Grind 1/4 tsp of peppercorns, 1/2 cinnamon stick, 1 piece of star anise, 3 cloves, 3 cardamom pods, and 5g of ginger using a mortar and pestle. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste.
- Add the ingredients to a pot with 200ml of boiling water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Now, add one or two tea bags or 4g of loose black tea, like our NANDANA, and let it steep for about 2 more minutes away from direct heat.
- Stir in 1 tsp of brown sugar until dissolved.
- Add about 300ml of the (plant) milk of your choice.
- Strain your Chai Latte into a glass or cup and enjoy!
Quick Brewing
- Choose your favorite Chai blend and brew it slightly stronger than usual. Our HARIMAN CLASSIC CHAI is perfect for making a delicious, aromatic Chai Latte.
- Heat and froth the (plant) milk of your choice.
- Combine the Chai and milk in a 50:50 ratio in a glass or cup and sweeten your Chai Latte to taste. Enjoy!
Tried It Yet? Our Tips for You
Even though Chai Latte is already incredibly tasty, there are many ways you can creatively enhance this delicious drink! Here are some ideas:
Choose a Different (Plant) Milk
The milk component often makes up at least half of the drink and therefore significantly influences its flavor. Be adventurous and experiment! A personal favorite is vanilla plant milk. Keep in mind that flavored milks are often pre-sweetened, so you might need less added sugar.
Iced Chai Latte for the Summer
Many tea drinks are delightful when served cold, and Chai Latte is no exception. It's a refreshing treat on hot summer days! Let your Chai cool before combining with chilled (plant) milk from the fridge. Add ice cubes, and your refreshing cold drink is ready.
Unique Sweeteners
While we mentioned brown sugar in our recipe, there are plenty of other sweeteners that can complement your Chai Latte. From honey to vanilla syrup – explore different options to create your perfect Chai Latte.
Make it a Dirty Chai Latte
You might have seen this curious name on a café menu and wondered what it is. A Dirty Chai Latte gets its name because it includes a shot of espresso, which gives the drink a rich, muddy color. Don't let the name put you off, though! This variation has garnered quite the reputation.
Practical Tools
- Milk frother or whisk
- Mortar and pestle
- Glass straws
- Tall glass for serving
- Insulated mug for enjoying on the go
A World of Flavors: Spices Meet Tea
Did you know that classic Masala Chai originally consisted only of spices, with black tea not added as a main ingredient until the 19th century? Both versions have their charm. If you're in the mood for a pure spiced tea, use a ready-to-use blend like our naturally caffeine-free DEEP ASANA, or create your personalized spice mix! This way, you can decide which flavors stand out and which ones linger subtly in the background.
If you want tea as the base of your Chai, green and black teas are both excellent choices. For black tea, robust varieties with strong, malty notes like Assam pair beautifully with the aromatic spices. Green tea is also an intriguing choice, offering a fresh twist to the classic Masala Chai with its grassy notes blending harmoniously with spices like ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
Vegan Chai Latte: Here's How!
Vegan options are more popular than ever. Making a vegan Chai Latte is a breeze: simply replace cow's milk with any number of plant-based milk alternatives, and you're good to go! Admittedly, the variety can be overwhelming. If you haven't found a favorite plant-based milk yet and aren't sure what would work best in a Chai Latte, start with a plant-based barista milk. These have specific properties similar to cow's milk that make them especially great for delicious lattes. They froth beautifully and won't react negatively to the tea's heat, keeping the drink perfectly creamy. Beyond classic soy, oat, almond, pea, and coconut milk, there are numerous options with added flavor, such as vanilla. Just get experimenting!
The Magic of Chai: What Makes This Tea So Special?
In India, the birthplace of Chai, this aromatic beverage holds a special place in the heart of its society. Carefully guarded recipes are lovingly passed down through generations, while the enticing aroma of Masala Chai wafts from bustling street corners. The roots of Masala Chai delve deep into Ayurvedic tradition, which ascribes to it the ability to harmonize body and mind. Chai is much more than just a tea—it's an integral part of Indian culture, symbolizing community, hospitality, and a small but significant everyday ritual.
