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Starbucks-Style Chai Tea Latte

This cozy homemade chai tea latte mimics the Starbucks classic using whole spices steeped in black tea and warm milk, sweetened to taste, ready in under 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chai Base
  • 2 black tea bags or 1 tablespoon loose black tea
  • 1 cinnamon stick about 3 inches, broken into pieces
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 1 piece fresh ginger 1/2 inch, sliced thin
  • 1 star anise optional
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk your choice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or 2 teaspoons sugar adjust to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or milk steamer
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Tea strainer or fine mesh sieve
  • Whisk or milk frother (optional)
  • Mug for serving
  • Spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Break the cinnamon stick into pieces and lightly crush the cardamom pods to release their oils.
  2. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add cinnamon pieces, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger slices, and star anise to the boiling water and reduce heat to medium; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Turn off the heat and add the tea bags; steep for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring to avoid bitterness.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug, discarding the solids.
  6. Rinse the saucepan, then warm 1/2 cup of milk over medium heat until steaming (150 to 160°F); do not boil.
  7. Froth the warm milk using a milk frother or whisk vigorously for about 20 seconds to create microfoam.
  8. Pour the frothed milk into the mug with chai base, add honey or sugar and a pinch of sea salt, then stir until sweetener is dissolved.
  9. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed; serve immediately with an optional dusting of cinnamon.

Notes

Store leftover chai base in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and combine with fresh milk when ready to serve.