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What do you need to make this chai tea latte

The ingredients you need to make this version of chai latte are:

Loose-leaf black tea
Spices 
Milk

If you use whole milk or coconut milk, you probably won’t need to add any sweetener because they are both already naturally sweet.

However, depending on your taste, you can decide to add some raw honey after you have strained the milk.

If you like milk foam on top, as much as I do, you might want to get a milk frother like the one I use in the video below.

However, you can also make milk foam by whisking the milk with a whisker or using a jar with a lid to shake it vigorously. 

What is chai tea?

In many languages, the word “chai” means tea, so saying chai tea is actually like saying tea tea. 

So, why the confusion?

A common drink served in Indian restaurants is masala chai and it’s a tea made with black tea and spices. 

As we have the tendency to shorten names, we have started to call the masala chai just chai.

Now, people who are new to the concept think that the word chai refers to that type of tea made with spices and served in Indian restaurants.  

How to make chai latte

You might have seen other recipes where they suggest to brew the tea first, and then spices in water, adding the milk last.

However, in this version of chai latte, I prefer to brew the tea and spices directly in milk because the flavor compounds of the spices are mostly fat-soluble.

STEP BY STEP PICTURES ON HOW TO MAKE THIS SUGAR-FREE CHAI LATTE

WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS CHAI LATTE

Does Chai Latte have caffeine? 

In this version of chai tea latte, I use loose-leaf black tea that contains caffeine. However, the quantity I use is only one teaspoon per cup, which doesn’t make a very strong tea.

If you prefer a caffeine-free chai latte, you could use caffeine-free black tea, or another type of tea; such as rooibos or herbal tea. 

Chai tea benefits

BLACK TEA
Black tea contains polyphenols, including catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins.

In one study in rats, it has been shown that theaflavins help to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

In this other study has been shown that consuming black tea decrease cardiovascular risk factors and improve the antioxidant status in humans.

Further more, the polyphenols contained in black tea may help to maintain a healthy gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing the bad one (1).

CINNAMON
As we have already analyzed on the Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe, this spice has anti-inflammatory activities (2) and has beneficial effects on all the factors associated with metabolic syndrome (3).

CARDAMOM
In a study in rats it appears that cardamom, together with cinnamon, exert antioxidant protection through their ability to activate the antioxidant enzymes.

CLOVE
Finally, in this other study has been shown that cloves too exert antioxidant protection through their ability to activate the antioxidant enzymes

How to store and how long it lasts

Chai latte should be consumed as soon as it’s ready; however, you can also store it in a thermos if you prefer to have it on the go, drinking it within the next few hours. 

Another option is that you make a batch of concentrated masala chai with the tea, spices, and water, adding the milk only before consuming it.

In this case, think like you are making a masala chai concentrate and double the amount of spices and tea. 

This concentrate can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

I suggest serving it, using half a glass of the concentrate and half a glass of milk, but you can find the proportions you prefer.

How to make a vegan chai tea latte

To make this chai latte vegan, you just need to substitute the whole milk with plant-based milk. 

However, since the flavor compounds of the spices are mostly fat-soluble, make sure to use an option that contains fat, like coconut milk.

Can I change the spices

Yes! Use the spices you love the most and in the amounts you prefer. 

This recipe here is the version I prefer, and for some people, it might seem pretty light on spices.

You can try to make this version first, but you can play with types and amounts of spices to find the taste you prefer the most.

However you make it, I hope you’ll enjoy this flavorful, comforting drink. 

It’s perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth, even if it doesn’t contain any sweetener. It’s perfect for those days when it’s chilly outside, and if served with ice, it makes a great option for warmer days too.

More hot drinks to enjoy this winter

Golden Milk

Ginger Water

What to serve this chai latte with:

Your turn: Have you ever tried chai tea latte before? If not, do you think you will give this recipe a try? 

Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

As always, I appreciate you stopping by my blog. If you think this post might help someone you know to make even a small step to a healthier lifestyle, please don’t hesitate to share it away!

Happy Healthy Drinking!

A big hug,