Homemade Christmas Chai Latte

A Warm, Festive Holiday Beverage

There’s nothing like a homemade Christmas Chai Latte to get you in the holiday spirit. This aromatic, spiced tea latte combines black tea with traditional chai spices — cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and star anise — blended with creamy milk and lightly sweetened for a cozy, indulgent drink.

Perfect for holiday mornings, festive evenings, or as a warm treat while wrapping gifts, this latte fills your home with a comforting aroma of Christmas spices. Add whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
• 1 star anise
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: whipped cream and ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil spices: In a small pot, bring water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and ginger to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes to release flavors.
2. Brew tea: Add black tea to the spiced water and simmer 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Strain spices: Strain the tea into another pot, discarding whole spices.
4. Heat milk: In the same pot, heat milk until steaming but not boiling.
5. Combine: Pour the spiced tea into the warm milk, stirring to combine. Add sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting sweetness to taste.
6. Serve: Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick for garnish.
7. Enjoy: Sip warm and savor the festive flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & aromatic: Traditional chai spices evoke holiday warmth.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness or milk type to your preference.
• Cozy comfort: Perfect for chilly winter mornings or evenings.
• Easy to make: Ready in under 15 minutes.

Homemade Christmas Chai Latte

This Homemade Christmas Chai Latte combines black tea with traditional chai spices and creamy milk for a warm, festive holiday beverage perfect for cozy mornings and evenings.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 cups

Course: Drink

Cuisine: American, Indian

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags or 2 tbsp loose tea
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 green cardamom pods slightly crushed
• 1 star anise
• 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thinly
• 2 cups milk dairy or plant-based
• 2 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• optional whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

Equipment

• Small pot
• Strainer
• Spoon
• Mugs

Method

 

1. Bring water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and ginger to a boil. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
2. Add black tea and simmer 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Strain tea into another pot, discarding whole spices.
4. Heat milk until steaming. Pour spiced tea into milk and stir.
5. Add sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting sweetness to taste.
6. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors.

Notes

Crush cardamom pods slightly for maximum flavor. Use a milk frother for a frothy latte.

Variations & Twists

• Vanilla Chai Latte: Add a splash of extra vanilla or vanilla syrup.
• Spiked latte: Add a shot of rum or bourbon for an adult version.
• Coconut or almond milk: For a plant-based twist, use dairy alternatives.
• Ginger chai: Increase ginger slices for extra warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with holiday cookies, gingerbread, or cinnamon rolls.
• Serve during Christmas brunch or festive gatherings.
• Use festive mugs and cinnamon stick garnishes for a beautiful presentation.

Storage & Tips

• Make ahead: Brew the spiced tea and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Heat with milk before serving.
• Tip: Crush cardamom pods slightly to release maximum flavor.
• Tip: For frothy milk, whisk vigorously or use a milk frother.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, substitute sugar with your favorite sugar-free sweetener.

Q: Can I use chai tea bags instead of whole spices?
Absolutely! Reduce simmering time slightly if using pre-spiced chai tea bags.

Q: Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes, multiply ingredients and keep warm on low heat.