Description
This homemade Chai Latte from scratch combines a rich blend of aromatic spices and Assam tea brewed into a flavorful concentrate, mixed with warm milk and topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Perfectly spiced and creamy, this comforting beverage is ideal for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Ingredients
Chai Concentrate Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons Assam loose tea
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (plus 1 optional for garnish)
- 10 cardamom pods
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Milk and Whipped Cream
- 2 ½ cups milk (any kind)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Optional Garnish
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole star anise
Instructions
- Make Chai Concentrate: Crush and roughly chop the star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods. In a saucepan, combine the water, Assam tea, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, chopped spices, nutmeg, ground ginger, black peppercorns, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain out the tea leaves and spice solids, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Heat Milk: On the stovetop, gently heat the milk over low heat until you see little bubbles forming along the edges. Avoid boiling. Once bubbled, turn off the heat.
- Make Whipped Cream: Using a handheld milk frother or whisk, whip together the heavy cream and sugar in a tall container until soft peaks form.
- Assemble Drink: Pour equal parts chai concentrate and warm milk into four mugs. Top each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a whole star anise for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Use filtered water to enhance the tea’s flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste for a sweeter or less sweet chai.
- The whipped cream topping can be replaced with frothed milk for a lighter version.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the best texture and warmth.
- You can store leftover chai concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before use.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
