Artificial Flavors Free Classic Chai Latte
Warm, deeply spiced, and impossibly fragrant, this homemade chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up and never leave the couch. The flavor comes entirely from whole spices ā fresh ginger, crushed cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, and optional star anise ā simmered low and slow until the liquid turns a gorgeous amber. No syrups, no flavor packets, no mystery powders: just real ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Honey brings a gentle sweetness that feels far more nuanced than anything you'd get from a coffee shop mix. The technique of simmering the spices before adding the tea and milk is what gives this chai its layered depth, coaxing out every bit of warmth and complexity. Straining it into your mug at the end means a perfectly smooth, silky sip every single time. Once you've made it this way, the bottled stuff simply won't cut it anymore.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more āIngredients
2 servings
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and star anise (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the liquid is fragrant and lightly amber.
- 2
Add the tea bags and milk to the saucepan. Raise the heat to medium and bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer ā small bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil ā then reduce the heat to low and steep for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chai is deep brown and richly spiced.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!