Chai Latte Recipe
Make Chai Latte Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chai Concentrate
Final Drink
Method
Chai Concentrate
- 1
- 2
Combine liquids and spices
In a small saucepan combine 2 cups water and 1 cup milk. Add the sliced ginger, crushed cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon (or cinnamon stick) and star anise if using. Turn heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer — you should see small bubbles around the edges but not a full rolling boil.
- 3
Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, covered partially with a lid to trap aroma but allow steam to escape. Stir occasionally to prevent milk from scorching.
- 4
Add tea and sweetener
After 10 minutes add the 2 black tea bags and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Increase heat briefly to return to a very gentle simmer, then remove from heat after 1–2 minutes. Let the tea steep in the hot spiced milk for 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength (longer = stronger, more tannic).
- 5
Strain and cool
Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a heatproof container to remove tea bags, ginger and whole spices. Press gently on the solids with a spoon to extract concentrated flavor. The result is a chai concentrate. Taste and adjust sweetness while still warm: add up to 1–2 tablespoons more sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter latte.
- 6
Store concentrate
Allow concentrate to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4–5 days. To use directly from cold, gently rewarm on the stovetop or microwave before making a latte.
Final Drink
- 7
Heat/foam milk
For one serving, heat 1 cup milk until steaming but not boiling (about 150–160°F / 65–71°C). Use a milk steamer or frother if you want microfoam. Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan and whisk vigorously or use a handheld frother to create foam.
- 8
- 9
Garnish and serve
Top with foam and a light dusting (about 1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or place a small cinnamon stick as garnish. Serve immediately.