Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte

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

A warming spiced latte blending Ethiopian coffee with chai spices, cardamom, and cinnamon, served creamy and aromatic for a comforting beverage. This ethiopian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together strong brewed Ethiopian coffee, whole milk, water 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 150 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Ethiopian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp black tea leaves, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 3 thin ginger slices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and steep for 5 minutes covered to infuse spices.
  2. Step 2: Strain the spiced tea mixture into a clean saucepan, then add 1 cup whole milk and 2 tbsp honey. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup strong brewed Ethiopian coffee into two mugs, then divide the spiced milk mixture evenly over the coffee.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract into each mug and serve immediately for a rich, fragrant spiced latte experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte?

Refrigerate any leftover ethiopian-inspired spiced coffee chai latte 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Chai Latte?

Ethiopian cocktails & drinks 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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