10 Cozy Chai Tea Latte Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission should you decide to click that link and make a purchase. For more information please refer to the Terms & Conditions.

Chai Tea Latte Recipes: A close-up shot of a frothy chai tea latte with cinnamon latte art, in front of a warm, blurred fireplace.

There is nothing quite like the aromatic embrace of a perfectly spiced tea on a chilly day. Whether you are looking for a morning pick-up or a soothing evening treat, these Chai Tea Latte Recipes offer the perfect blend of creamy texture and bold, warming spices.

From classic vanilla to adventurous salted caramel, this collection brings the boutique coffee-shop experience directly to your cozy kitchen.

Golden Turmeric Chai Latte

A bright yellow turmeric chai latte with latte art in a colorful ceramic mug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Vibrant and healthy, this latte combines the benefits of “Golden Milk” with the caffeine and spice of Chai. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 Chai tea bag
  • 1 cup Oat milk
  • 1/2 tsp Ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp Honey

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Tea Steep: Steep the tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  2. Whisk Spices: Add turmeric and ginger to the tea and whisk well.
  3. Sweeten: Stir in the honey.
  4. Milk Preparation: Heat oat milk until it steams.
  5. Combine: Pour the yellow tea base into a mug and top with the milk.
  6. Finish: Stir one last time to ensure the turmeric is well-distributed.

Variations

  • Black Pepper: Add a tiny pinch of black pepper to help with turmeric absorption.
  • Fresh Turmeric: Use 1/2 inch of grated fresh turmeric for a more earthy flavor.
  • Cashew Milk: The creaminess of cashew milk pairs perfectly with turmeric.

Storage: Store the concentrate for up to 2 days, but be aware that turmeric can stain plastic containers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Wearing white while making this! Turmeric stains easily. Also, ensure you whisk thoroughly so you don’t get a “chalky” sip at the bottom.

Classic Vanilla Chai Tea Latte

A creamy vanilla chai latte in a glass mug with a frothy top and a vanilla bean garnish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This is the ultimate coffee-shop classic made right in your kitchen. It’s perfectly balanced, creamy, and far more affordable than the drive-thru version!

Ingredients

  • 2 Black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf Assam)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup Whole milk (or oat milk)
  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Milk frother (optional)
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in your saucepan.
  2. Steep Tea: Add tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes for a strong base.
  3. Sweeten: Remove tea bags and stir in honey and vanilla extract.
  4. Heat Milk: In a separate pot or the microwave, heat milk until steaming but not boiling.
  5. Froth: If desired, use a frother to create a light foam on the milk.
  6. Combine: Pour the tea concentrate into a mug and top with the warm milk.
  7. Garnish: Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and enjoy.

Variations

  • Iced Version: Let the tea concentrate cool and pour over ice before adding cold milk.
  • Dirty Chai: Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick.
  • Sugar-Free: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey.

Storage: Store the tea concentrate in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and add fresh milk when ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t over-steep the tea, or it will become bitter; 5 minutes is the sweet spot. Avoid boiling the milk, as it can change the texture and flavor.

Honeyed Ginger Chai Latte

A warm mug of ginger chai tea next to fresh ginger slices and a honey dipper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Perfect for chilly days, this latte offers a spicy, warming kick thanks to fresh ginger. It’s a soothing “hug in a mug” that clears the senses.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 Black tea bags
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
  • 1 cup Almond milk
  • 2 tsp Raw honey
  • 1 Cinnamon stick

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Vegetable peeler (for ginger)
  • Mug

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Simmer Spices: Place water, ginger slices, and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  2. Infuse: Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes to extract the ginger flavor.
  3. Steep Tea: Add tea bags to the ginger water and steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Warm Milk: Heat your almond milk in a small pan until hot.
  5. Strain: Remove the tea bags and strain the mixture into a mug to remove ginger and cinnamon.
  6. Sweeten: Stir in the raw honey until dissolved.
  7. Top Off: Pour the warm almond milk over the tea and stir gently.

Variations

  • Extra Spicy: Grate the ginger instead of slicing it for more intensity.
  • Turmeric Twist: Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric for an “Anti-inflammatory Chai.”
  • Creamier Base: Use coconut milk for a thicker, tropical undertone.

Storage: Best enjoyed immediately, but ginger water can be prepped in bulk and kept in the fridge for 2 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Forgetting to strain the ginger can lead to a woody texture. Using old, dry ginger won’t give you that signature zing.

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

A pumpkin spice chai latte decorated with star anise, surrounded by autumn decor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: It’s autumn in a cup! This version uses real pumpkin puree for a creamy, earthy depth that beats any syrup-based drink.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 bag Chai tea blend
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 tbsp Pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp Maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Tea Steep: Steep the chai tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix Puree: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup.
  3. Heat: Warm the pumpkin-milk mixture over medium heat until steaming.
  4. Spice It: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice.
  5. Combine: Pour the steeped tea into a mug, then top with the pumpkin milk.
  6. Froth: Use a whisk to create bubbles on top for a latte finish.

Variations

  • Whipped Top: Add a dollop of whipped cream and extra spice on top.
  • Low Carb: Use heavy cream and a keto-friendly sweetener.
  • Dirty Pumpkin: Add a shot of espresso to make it a “Dirty Pumpkin Chai.”

Storage: Store any extra pumpkin milk in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake well before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using “Pumpkin Pie Filling” instead of “Pumpkin Puree”—the filling is pre-sweetened and will be too sugary.

Coconut Cardamom Chai

Overhead view of a coconut chai latte with cardamom pods and coconut flakes on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This recipe highlights the floral notes of cardamom paired with the silky richness of coconut. It’s naturally dairy-free and incredibly aromatic.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 Black tea bags
  • 3 Cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 cup Canned coconut milk (light or full-fat)
  • 1 tbsp Agave nectar

Tools and Preparation

  • Small pot
  • Mortar and pestle (or the back of a spoon to crush pods)
  • Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Crush Pods: Lightly crush cardamom pods to release the seeds’ oils.
  2. Boil: Simmer water and cardamom pods for 5 minutes.
  3. Steep: Add tea bags and steep for another 5 minutes.
  4. Add Coconut: Stir in the coconut milk and agave nectar.
  5. Heat: Warm through until the mixture is hot.
  6. Strain: Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug.

Variations

  • Toasted Coconut: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Rose Water: Add a tiny drop of rose water for a floral Persian-inspired twist.
  • Iced: This version is exceptionally refreshing served cold.

Storage: The cardamom-infused tea base keeps well for 3 days in the refrigerator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using old cardamom pods; if they aren’t fragrant when crushed, they won’t flavor the tea well.

Maple Pecan Chai Latte

A layered maple pecan chai latte in a tall glass garnished with a whole pecan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This latte features a nutty, buttery flavor profile that feels deeply nostalgic and cozy. It’s the perfect companion for a morning book session.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 Chai tea bags
  • 1 cup Pecan milk (or almond milk)
  • 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Milk frother

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew: Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
  2. Sweeten: Stir in the maple syrup while the tea is hot.
  3. Heat Milk: Warm the pecan milk in a saucepan.
  4. Froth: Froth the milk until it has a thick, velvety foam.
  5. Layer: Pour the tea into a mug and slowly pour the milk over the top.
  6. Dust: Finish with a light dusting of nutmeg.

Variations

  • Butter Chai: Add a tiny pat of salted butter for a “bulletproof” style richness.
  • Real Pecans: Blend 2 tbsp of pecans with the milk and strain for a DIY nut milk.
  • Vanilla Maple: Add 1/2 tsp vanilla for extra sweetness.

Storage: This recipe is best served fresh to maintain the foam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using “pancake syrup” instead of 100% pure maple syrup—the flavor difference is massive!

Spicy Peppercorn Chai

A traditional spicy chai latte in a small glass with whole peppercorns on a metal tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: For those who like a real “bite” to their tea, this peppercorn-heavy blend offers a sophisticated heat that lingers beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 tsp Loose-leaf black tea
  • 4 Whole black peppercorns
  • 2 Whole cloves
  • 1 cup Whole milk
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Crush Spices: Briefly crush peppercorns and cloves.
  2. Boil Spices: Boil water with the spices for 4 minutes.
  3. Steep: Add tea and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Add Milk/Sugar: Add milk and brown sugar to the pot.
  5. Double Boil: Bring the whole mixture back to a simmer.
  6. Strain: Pour into a mug through a fine-mesh sieve.

Variations

  • White Peppercorns: Use white pepper for a more floral, sharp heat.
  • Star Anise: Add one star anise for a licorice undertone.
  • Oat Milk: Works great with the spices for a creamy, grain-like finish.

Storage: You can make a large batch of the spiced tea and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Adding too many peppercorns; they get stronger the longer they sit!

Spiced Apple Chai Latte

A clear mug of apple chai latte featuring a dried apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Think of this as a mashup between hot apple cider and a chai latte. It’s fruity, bright, and incredibly aromatic.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Unfiltered apple juice
  • 1 Chai tea bag
  • 1 cup Milk of choice
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon sugar (for garnish)

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Mug

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix Base: Combine water and apple juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Steep: Steep the tea bag in the apple-water mixture for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat Milk: In a separate container, warm and froth the milk.
  4. Combine: Pour the apple-tea base into a mug.
  5. Top: Add the frothy milk.
  6. Garnish: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar.

Variations

  • Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the mug before pouring.
  • Cranberry Chai: Substitute cranberry juice for apple juice for a tart winter twist.
  • Adult Version: Add a splash of dark rum for a nightcap.

Storage: Store the apple-tea base in the fridge; reheat when ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using clear apple “juice” instead of cloudy “cider” or unfiltered juice—the unfiltered kind has much more flavor.

Salted Caramel Chai Latte

Close-up of a chai latte topped with a golden caramel drizzle and sea salt flakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This is the ultimate “treat yourself” drink. The salt cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and the spice of the chai for a perfect flavor triangle.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 Black tea bags
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 tbsp Caramel sauce
  • A generous pinch of Sea salt

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew: Steep tea in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  2. Prep Mug: Put 1 tbsp of caramel sauce and the salt in the bottom of your mug.
  3. Dissolve: Pour hot tea into the mug and stir until the caramel is melted.
  4. Heat Milk: Steam the milk until hot and frothy.
  5. Pour: Add the milk to the tea.
  6. Drizzle: Finish with the remaining caramel sauce on the foam.

Variations

  • Vegan Caramel: Use a coconut-milk-based caramel sauce.
  • Toffee Nut: Add a pump of toffee nut syrup for extra depth.
  • Frozen: Blend all ingredients with ice for a “Chai Frappe.”

Storage: Not recommended for storage; the caramel can settle and harden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Forgetting the salt! The salt is what makes the caramel flavor pop against the tea spices.

Dark Chocolate Chai Latte

A decadent dark chocolate chai latte topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This is the perfect hybrid between a hot cocoa and a spiced tea. It’s decadent, rich, and feels like a total luxury treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 tsp Loose-leaf black tea
  • 1 cup Milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp Dark cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  • A pinch of Sea salt

Tools and Preparation

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew Base: Boil water and steep the black tea for 5 minutes.
  2. Strain: Strain the tea into a clean saucepan.
  3. Whisk Cocoa: Add cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt to the tea. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and turn the heat to medium-low.
  5. Simmer: Heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until it is hot and slightly frothy.
  6. Pour: Transfer to your favorite mug.

Variations

  • Mocha Chai: Swap half the water for a half cup of brewed coffee.
  • Peppermint Dark Chai: Add a drop of peppermint extract for a holiday vibe.
  • Vegan: Use soy milk and maple syrup for a rich, plant-based version.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated, but whisk again to incorporate the cocoa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Not whisking the cocoa powder enough can leave bitter clumps. Make sure to use high-quality cocoa for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts on These Chai Tea Latte Recipes

I hope these Chai Tea Latte Recipes bring a touch of warmth and spice to your daily routine! Whether you’re curling up with a book or hosting a cozy gathering, there is a perfect blend here for every occasion.

Making your own chai at home allows you to customize the sweetness and spice exactly how you like it, turning a simple tea break into a true ritual of comfort. Enjoy every steaming mugful!