Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon

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

A fragrant chai latte infused with bright orange zest, warm cardamom, and cinnamon sticks, sweetened with honey and steamed milk. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together water, black tea leaves, 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups water, 2 tbsp black tea leaves, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 1 tsp fresh orange zest. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  2. Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and strain the tea mixture into a separate container, discarding solids. Stir in 2 tbsp honey while the tea is hot until dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 cup whole milk in a separate saucepan or with a milk frother until steaming and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the honey-sweetened chai tea into a mug and top with the steamed milk. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon powder if desired and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon 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 Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover orange cardamom chai latte with honey and cinnamon 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 Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon?

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 Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon 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 Orange Cardamom Chai Latte with Honey and Cinnamon?

Indian 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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