Spiced Chai Latte
A creamy, aromatic beverage infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves, perfect for any season. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 15 minutes brings together (crushed) Cardamom pods, inch Cinnamon stick, (whole) Cloves 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 130 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.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (steeped in 1 cup boiling water) Black tea
- 3 (crushed) Cardamom pods
- 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick
- 2 (whole) Cloves
- 1 cup (steamed) Milk
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pot, combine 1 tbsp black tea, 3 crushed cardamom pods, 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves. Pour in 1 cup boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder. Stir until dissolved.
- Step 3: Pour the brewed tea into a mug, add steamed milk, and stir gently. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chai Latte take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spiced Chai Latte?
Refrigerate any leftover 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 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 Spiced Chai Latte 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 Spiced Chai Latte?
Indian indian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.