There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, spiced drink on a chilly day, and this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly. With aromatic spices and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the kind of drink you'll want to make again and again.

Two white mugs filled with frothy creamy drinks sit on a white marbled surface. Each drink has a thick layer of foam topped with a dusting of cinnamon powder covering about half the foam, and a single star anise placed in the center of the cinnamon. Around the mugs, there are several round, textured brown cookies and a piece of cloth with a star anise on it. The scene is bright with soft natural light, and one mug is closer to the front while the other is slightly behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Chai Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Chai Latte Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves that café chai flavor but wants all the control—and coziness—of making it at home. I’m always amazed at how the simple blend of spices and honey transforms ordinary milk and tea into something magical.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these spices in your pantry already, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Customizable Sweetness: Whether you prefer honey or maple syrup, you can tweak the sweetness to suit your taste.
Rich, Cozy Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creates that warm hug-in-a-cup everyone loves.
Perfect for Any Milk: Dairy, almond, oat, or soy—you choose what you like best or have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these spices work together to create the signature chai flavor. Plus, honey brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with warm milk. Choosing quality spices and a good tea bag makes all the difference here.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with pale beige ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl with light greenish-beige ground cardamom, two uncracked whole brown eggs, two white ceramic cups of steaming dark amber chai tea, and a white ceramic cup filled with creamy milk, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Honey (or maple syrup): Adds natural sweetness, and honey also adds a subtle floral note.
Ground cinnamon: Gives warmth and a bit of earthiness that defines chai’s cozy profile.
Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and helps balance the sweetness.
Ground cardamom: Provides that fragrant, slightly citrusy flavor that’s essential to chai.
Boiling water: Extracts the spices’ flavors perfectly during steeping.
Chai tea bags: Convenient base that enhances the spice blend.
Milk of choice: Creams the drink and cuts through the spices nicely; your choice based on preference or dietary needs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tinker a bit depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Sometimes I kick it up with a bit more ginger or swap the milk for a creamy oat version to keep it dairy-free and super smooth.

Variation: I once added a hint of vanilla extract for a subtly sweet twist, which turned out surprisingly delicious and added a layer of softness.
Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup works great if you want a richer, earthier sweetness plus it’s perfect if you're avoiding honey.
Spice adjustments: Feel free to add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg if you’d like an even spicier latte.
Dairy alternatives: Almond or coconut milk gives the chai a nutty vibe; it’s lovely if you want something lighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Honey and Spices

Start by adding honey, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to a heat-proof jar or measuring cup. Then, pour in the boiling water. Whisk everything together until the honey fully dissolves. This step is key because it helps the spices infuse evenly and the sweetness blend smoothly.

Step 2: Steep Your Tea Bags

Drop the chai tea bags into your spiced mixture and let them steep for at least 15 minutes. I usually go a bit longer for a stronger flavor. Just remember, the longer you steep, the deeper and more intense the chai concentrate will be—just avoid bitterness by not overdoing it.

Step 3: Warm and Froth Your Milk

If you’re ready to enjoy right away, heat your milk gently on the stove until it's just simmering. For an extra touch, I recommend using a milk frother—it’s a game changer! Froth about a cup at a time, so you get that lovely foam and creamy texture everyone craves in a latte.

Step 4: Combine and Enjoy

Divide the warm milk evenly between two mugs, then pour in the chai concentrate on top. Stir gently so everything melds together. That first sip right after mixing? Pure magic.

Top Tip

From countless chai lattes made in my kitchen, I’ve learned these little tips really help you nail the perfect cup every time.

Steeping Time: Don’t rush the tea bags—letting them steep for a good 15 minutes draws out deep flavor without bitterness.
Spice Freshness: Freshly ground spices will always give you the most vibrant chai flavor, so if you can grind your cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods, go for it!
Milk Frother Magic: Using a frother isn’t just fancy—it really changes the texture and feel of the chai latte. It’s worth investing in a simple handheld one if you love lattes.
Sweetness Level: Always start with less sweetener and add more after tasting, especially if you’re using a strong honey that may overpower the spices.

How to Serve Homemade Chai Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole cardamom pods floating on top—it just adds a touch of elegance and a stronger aroma. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of honey on the foam for an extra sweet finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your chai latte with buttery biscotti, spiced cookies, or even a slice of warm banana bread. I find the subtle spice in these treats complements the chai’s flavors beautifully—perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Creative Ways to Present

For little gatherings, serving chai lattes in clear glass mugs lets those creamy layers shine, and topping with whipped cream + a dusting of cinnamon feels a bit indulgent. You could even add a cinnamon stick for stirring as a cute touch that smells amazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store the chai concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps the flavors vibrant, and when I want a quick fix, I just warm it back up and add milk.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen the chai concentrate myself because the spices sometimes get a bit grainy after thawing. Instead, I recommend making a fresh batch—it’s quick enough not to need freezing!

Reheating

Gently warming the chai concentrate on low heat works best to preserve its delicate spice notes. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause uneven heating and make the honey settle at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup and use your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. The spices and tea flavor will still shine through beautifully.

How do I adjust the spices if I want a stronger chai flavor?

If you want to amp up the spice, try adding a pinch more cinnamon and cardamom, or steep the tea bags a little longer. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much spice can overwhelm the honey and milk balance.

Can I prepare the chai concentrate ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chai concentrate up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to a gentle simmer before mixing with warm milk to enjoy that fresh, comforting chai taste.

What type of milk works best in this Homemade Chai Latte Recipe?

It really depends on your taste and dietary needs. Traditional whole milk is rich and creamy, but oat milk is my personal favorite for a naturally sweet and smooth texture. Almond and soy milk work well too, just avoid watering down your chai with overly thin milks.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chai Latte Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort drinks whenever I want a little warm indulgence without the fuss of heading to a café. I hope you’ll find the same joy in making it at home, savoring each spicy, sweet sip, and maybe even sharing a cup with a friend. Trust me, it’s worth every cozy moment!