Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A soothing chai latte infused with aromatic cardamom pods, sweetened naturally with honey, and enriched with a splash of vanilla extract. This indian-inspired breakfast ready in about 15 minutes brings together water, black tea leaves, lightly crushed cardamom pods for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 1 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil and add 2 tsp black tea leaves plus 3 lightly crushed cardamom pods. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup whole milk to the saucepan and heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and strain the tea mixture into a mug to remove tea leaves and cardamom pods.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until fully dissolved and combined.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for garnish and serve warm for a comforting spiced chai experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla?

Refrigerate any leftover cardamom-infused chai latte with honey and vanilla in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom-Infused Chai Latte with Honey and Vanilla?

Indian breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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