Ask anyone! There are very few drinks more comforting than a warm-steamed cup of chai tea latte. With its exotic blend of spices and creamy textures, this drink has managed to capture the hearts….and tastebuds of many tea and even coffee enthusiasts around the globe. 

Let’s take a better look into this wonder drink and explore the steps needed to prepare a fresh cup of this special drink. We will also explore the concept of chai tea concentrate, what it is, and how you can use it to create your perfect cup of chai tea latte in the comfort of your home.

What is Chai Tea Latte?

Also known as chai latte or even just chai tea in some places, chai tea latte is a popular variation of tea that originated in India. The word “chai” actually just means tea in Hindi. So it’s worth mentioning that when we say chai tea, we’re essentially saying “tea tea”. Redundant! We know! 

Chai tea is prepared by brewing black tea by mixing specific aromatic spices and herbs. These herbs and spices include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. This cocktail is what gives chai tea its distinctive warm and spicy flavor profiles. 

To make a chai tea latte, the brewed chai is combined with steamed milk and sweeteners like sugar or honey. This results in a creamy and flavorful drink that is just perfect to sip on during a chilly or rainy day, or when you are feeling under the weather.

Chai Tea Latte Recipe

While the exact recipe for chai tea varies across nations, cultures, cities, or even families, the ingredients for the drink traditionally include spices like cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper. This tea drink is typically brewed with milk. In some places, it is sweetened with sugar and honey; and in others, it is drunk as is. 

However, it is important to note that the sweetened chai tea that we get in tea and coffee shops here in the USA has very little in common with the actual chai from India. Let’s get into the details of what ingredients you need to make an authentic cup of chai tea. 

Some of the things you’ll need to make a delicious cup of chai tea latte are:

Tea

The best tea leaves to use as the tea base for chai teas are the Assam and Darjeeling black teas native to India. However, you can also use chai made with various green teas. Some chai teas are also prepared using South American teasanes known as Yerba Mate or the South African herb called red rooicos. Furthermore, some chai teas are prepared without using any tea leaves and just spices. 

Milk 

Traditional chai tea is typically made using buffalo milk. But here in the West, we are used to chai tea made using cow’s milk or some form of daily alternatives like soy, almond, and coconut milk. Since India is such a large nation, chai tea is also made using yak or goat milk. Some recipes are also made by first stepping a strong chai concentrate in water and then diluting it with warm milk. 

Sweeteners 

Everything from sugar, brown sugar, and honey to turbinado and demerara are used as chai sweeteners in India. Another common sweetener that you’ll need to prepare an authentic chai tea experience is jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar that is popular in many parts of India.  

Spices

The secret ingredient of the recipe, the spices or the “masala” used will vary by region, climate, and preferences. However, e traditional spices include ginger, cloves, anise, cardamoms, cinnamon, and black pepper. All these spices are readily available in India. You can also use mace, nutmeg, and fennel to prepare a fresh cup of chai tea. Here, you can make this drinking bay leaf, cacao, saffron, and allspice. You can also expect to find some cafes using cumin and coriander in the preparation process.

How to Prepare a Fresh Cup of Chai Tea Latte 

You might be under the impression that since chai tea latte has the word “latte” in it, you would need several complicated pieces of equipment to prepare this drink. After all! The term “latte” is often associated with coffee. And most of us associate the process of making coffee with an element of technicality involved. 

But what if we were to tell you that you can easily make a fresh cup of warm chai tea latte from the comfort of your home? Well! It’s true. Here’s a simple chai tea latte recipe to get you started:

Ingredients: 

1 cup water (more depending on the quantity you’re looking to make)

2 black tea bags 

½ cup milk 

2 tablespoons of sugar or honey 

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of ground sugar 

¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom

A pinch of cloves 

Instructions:

Step 1: First, pour the water into a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil. 

Step 2: Add the tea bags to the water and, after a while, add the spices. 

Step 3: Now reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes. 

Step 4: Pour the milk and sweetener into the saucepan and continue to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. 

Step 5: Now strain the mixture into a cup or thermos (depending on the quantity) and start sipping away on your delicious homemade chai tea latte.

Chai Tea Concentrate: A Convenient Alternative

Some call it a blessing for chai tea enthusiasts, while others call it a convenient remedy to quickly and easily making chai tea lattes at home. Chai tea concentrate is the liquid extract that captures the true concentrated essence of the chai tea. It is typically a blend of brewed black tea, combined with spices and sweeteners that have been simmered down and packed to create a potent and flavorful blend that can be used as a base. 

Using chai tea concentrate to make a chai tea latte is very simple. You’re using it as a substitute for tea. So all you need to do is mix the concentrate with an equal amount of milk or milk alternative, heat the mixture, and you’re done. This convenient option is the perfect remedy for those looking to enjoy a delicious cup of chai tea latte without having to deal with the hassle of brewing tea and measuring out the spices each time.

Bring our Sherpa chai tea concentrate to your kitchen to make a refreshing cup of chai tea today. 

In conclusion, chai tea latte is a delightful and comforting drink that combines the rich and strong flavors of black tea and aromatic spices with the pleasant and creamy textures of fresh milk. So, whether you’re brewing your tea from scratch or using a chai tea concentrate, the result is a warm and spicy drink that will brighten your day.