Description
This Chai Latte recipe offers a comforting and aromatic spiced tea beverage, combining black tea with a blend of warm spices and creamy milk. Enhanced with a fragrant spiced whipped cream topping, this latte is perfect for a cozy break or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Chai Base
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (or a 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
- A pinch of ground black pepper
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (reserved from chai base spices)
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this spice mix for the whipped cream topping.
- Heat Water and Add Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Gently heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- Brew the Chai Base: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Allow the chai to steep for 5 minutes, letting the spices and tea infuse fully into the milk.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the chai into a mug to remove the tea leaves or tea bag and any spice particles. Keep the chai warm while preparing the whipped cream.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and reserved 1/4 teaspoon of spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or electric mixer to achieve the desired texture efficiently.
- Top and Garnish: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the warm chai latte. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, aromatic spiced beverage.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste for desired sweetness.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat cream.
- The whipped cream can be sweetened alternatively with maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.
- Freshly ground spices impart the best flavor; consider grinding whole spices if available.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately to experience optimal warmth and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired