Ginger-Infused Spiced Chai Latte

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

A warm, aromatic chai latte infused with fresh ginger and warming spices, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoons. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together water, black tea bags, cinnamon stick 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: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger root, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods, 3 whole cloves, and 4 black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer the spices for 10 minutes to fully extract their flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 black tea bags to the spiced water and steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and strain out the spices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar until dissolved.
  5. Step 5: In a separate pot, heat 1 cup milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Combine the spiced tea with the steamed milk, stirring well. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Infused Spiced Chai Latte take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Ginger-Infused Spiced Chai Latte?

Refrigerate any leftover ginger-infused spiced 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 Ginger-Infused Spiced 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 Ginger-Infused Spiced 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 Ginger-Infused Spiced Chai Latte?

General 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.