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Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

Curl up with a homemade vanilla chai latte, blending rich chai spices with smooth vanilla for a comforting, invigorating beverage. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats, it's easy to make and customizable for sweetness.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2 Servings

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or frother
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Serving mugs

Ingredients
  

For the Chai

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 chai tea bags
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 slice fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup to taste

For the Vanilla Infusion

  • 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil the Water

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Steep the Tea

  • Add the loose black tea or tea bags, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and ginger slice. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes.
  • Tip: For stronger flavor, steep a little longer, but keep an eye to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Strain the Spices

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or another saucepan, discarding the solids.
  • This leaves you with a beautifully spiced chai base.

Step 4: Froth the Milk

  • In the original saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Once warm, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Use a whisk or frother to create froth for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  • Pour the spiced chai into mugs, filling them about halfway.
  • Top with the frothed milk, and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Pro tips