Spiced Coconut Chai Latte

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

A creamy and fragrant latte combining bold black tea with aromatic chai spices and coconut milk, perfect for a cozy afternoon. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together black tea leaves, water, coconut milk 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 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 1 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water, 2 whole cloves, and 3 whole black peppercorns to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse spices.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tsp black tea leaves, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/4 tsp ground ginger to the spiced water. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant and rich in color.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 tbsp honey, warming the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling to blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Strain the latte through a fine mesh sieve into your favorite mug and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Coconut Chai Latte 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 Spiced Coconut Chai Latte?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced coconut 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 Coconut 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 Coconut 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 Coconut 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.