There's something deeply comforting about a warm, spiced drink on a chilly day, and this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe hits that spot perfectly. With fragrant spices and natural sweetness, it’s a cozy treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Two white mugs filled with frothy light brown spiced latte topped with a thick layer of white foam dusted with cinnamon powder on one side and a star anise placed in the center. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface surrounded by textured brown cookies and a beige cloth with another star anise resting on it. The cups have a smooth, speckled finish with a slightly darker bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't get enough of this chai latte—it's like a warm hug in a mug. The blend of spices and honey creates a rich, soothing flavor that instantly lifts your spirits. You’ll soon see why I make this at home instead of buying it!

Balanced Spice Blend: The mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom gives this latte authentic chai warmth without overpowering your taste buds.
Natural Sweetness: Using honey (or maple syrup) lets you control the sweetness, and it adds a lovely floral note that sugar can’t match.
Simple & Quick: You only need a few ingredients and a short prep time, making this a great pick-me-up on busy mornings or chilly afternoons.
Customizable: Whether you want it dairy-free, extra frothy, or with a bit of vanilla, you can tailor it to your liking easily.

Two white ceramic mugs sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a frothy drink. The top layer is thick white foam, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon powder that covers almost half of the foam on each mug. On top of the cinnamon powder sits a single star anise in the center of each mug. In the background, there is a clear glass jar with cinnamon sticks inside, and some cinnamon sticks and star anise pieces are scattered nearby. A small part of a white plate with cookies can be seen on the right edge. The scene is softly lit, emphasizing the warm, cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Homemade Chai Latte Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the warming spices to the creamy milk – making it both comforting and flavorful.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cardamom, two chai tea bags with paper tags, a white ceramic cup filled with steaming boiling water, and a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Honey: I prefer honey for natural sweetness and depth; it melds beautifully with spices. Maple syrup works well too if you want a plant-based alternative.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and a hint of sweetness — make sure it’s fresh for maximum flavor.
Ground Ginger: It brings brightness and a gentle kick that balances the sweetness nicely.
Ground Cardamom: The star spice in chai, cardamom offers a unique floral and citrusy aroma that defines the drink.
Boiling Water: Essential for steeping the tea and spices, extracting all that delicious flavor.
Chai Tea Bags: Convenient and flavorful; I always keep a supply for easy chai lattes on demand.
Milk of Choice: Whole milk lends creaminess, but almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully to keep it dairy-free.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. I love to swap out spices or adjust sweetness depending on my mood, and you can do the same! It’s your chai, after all.

Variation: I sometimes add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra cozy twist — it feels like a chai latte snow day in a cup!
Dairy-Free: Using oat milk gives it a nice creamy texture without overpowering the spices, perfect for non-dairy drinkers.
Sweetness Level: Start with less honey and add more as you go; everyone’s sweetness preference is different, and you can totally make it just right for you.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Step 1: Brew Your Chai Concentrate

Start by adding honey, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to a heat-proof jar or large measuring cup. Pour boiling water over the mix and whisk until the honey fully dissolves — this sets the base for your chai’s deep flavor. Then, tuck in your chai tea bags and let them steep for at least 15 minutes. I like to leave mine a bit longer for a stronger spice punch.

Step 2: Warm and Froth Your Milk

While the tea concentrates, warm your milk on the stove until it’s just about to simmer — be careful not to boil it, as that can change the flavor. If you have a milk frother, use it to foam the milk in batches of one cup. It adds that café-style creaminess that makes sipping this chai latte feel extra special.

Step 3: Assemble and Sip

Divide your frothed milk evenly into two mugs, then pour in one cup of your chai concentrate over the top. Give it a gentle stir, and you’re ready to enjoy. Feel free to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for show — I always do!

Top Tip

After making this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe numerous times, I’ve learned a few things that make the process smoother and tastier, saving you from little hiccups.

Use Fresh Spices: Old spices lose their punch, so fresh ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom make a noticeable difference.
Steeping Time Matters: Don’t rush the chai bags—letting them steep fully ensures a rich base without bitterness.
Frothing Magic: If you don’t have a frother, a tight jar and vigorous shaking can mimic froth, though a frother really takes it next level.
Mind the Milk Temperature: Heating milk gently prevents scalding and preserves that sweet creaminess you’re after.

How to Serve Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I adore topping my chai latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg — it adds a lovely aroma right before the first sip. Sometimes, I even throw on a few crushed cardamom pods for a fancy touch when guests come over.

Side Dishes

This chai latte pairs perfectly with buttery croissants for breakfast or spiced cookies as an afternoon snack. I’ve even enjoyed it alongside a warm slice of pumpkin bread — pure cozy vibes!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the chai latte in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful swirls of frothy milk and deep amber tea. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer not only looks elegant but also infuses a bit more spice as you sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make too much chai concentrate, just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve kept mine fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for busy mornings when you want chai without the prep.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the chai concentrate myself since the spices can mellow out and milk textures change. I’d recommend prepping fresh for best flavor, but freezing isn’t off the table if you’re careful to store in small portions.

Reheating

When reheating leftover chai latte, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power to keep the spices bright and prevent the milk from curdling. Stir it occasionally for even warmth and enjoy just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use loose leaf chai tea instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! Just replace the tea bags with 2 tablespoons of loose leaf chai tea. Use a fine mesh infuser or strain it after steeping to keep your drink smooth and free from leaves.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave and choose a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy to make this recipe completely vegan without sacrificing flavor.

What's the best way to froth milk without a frother?

If you don’t have a frother, you can heat your milk and then shake it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar until it foams up. Alternatively, whisking the milk briskly by hand can also create some froth.

Can I prepare this chai latte in advance?

The chai concentrate can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. When you're ready, warm the milk freshly and combine just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe has become my go-to comfort drink all year round. It’s simple, customizable, and feels so much more special than a store-bought latte. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a delightful ritual that warms your heart and your hands. Plus, nothing beats sipping a fresh chai latte made just the way you love it!