Description
This festive Christmas Chai Latte is a warm, spiced beverage perfect for cozy winter days and holiday gatherings. Infused with traditional chai spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper, it blends black tea with creamy milk and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Topped with homemade spiced whipped cream sweetened with honey, this latte offers a comforting and rich flavor that captures the spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Chai Latte
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based alternative
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp of the chai spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper combined)
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: Combine 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground black pepper into a small bowl and mix well. This will be used for both the latte and the whipped cream.
- Brew the chai tea: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a gentle boil. Add the black tea bag or loose tea leaves, along with the full spice mix and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the tea is richly infused with the spices and sugar is dissolved.
- Add milk: Stir in 1/2 cup of milk or plant-based alternative into the simmering tea. Heat the mixture until it is warm but not boiling, about 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Strain the chai: Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea leaves and spices from the chai mixture to ensure a smooth beverage.
- Prepare spiced whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, whisk 1/4 cup heavy cream with 1/4 tsp of the prepared spice mix and 1 teaspoon honey until soft peaks form. This whipped cream should be light, airy, and subtly spiced.
- Serve: Pour the warm chai latte into a mug and top generously with the spiced whipped cream. Optionally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for garnish.
Notes
- Adjust the level of sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to your preference.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan option, but use a plant-based whipped cream alternative if you want to keep it fully vegan.
- Freshly grind the spices if possible for a more vibrant flavor.
- This chai latte can be served iced by chilling the brewed tea and serving over ice with cold milk.
- Store any leftover spiced whipped cream in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours for best texture.
Keywords: Christmas chai latte, spiced chai, holiday drink, chai tea, whipped cream, warm beverage