Turmeric Free Classic Chai Latte

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.8

(8)

Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this chai latte is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up and slow down. Black tea simmers alongside fresh ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — no spice blend packets required. Many store-bought chai mixes and café versions sneak in turmeric for color or wellness appeal, so making it from scratch gives you full control over exactly what goes into your cup. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to find, and the result is a rich, golden-brown latte that's naturally free of that bright yellow spice without sacrificing any complexity. Whole milk gives the drink a creamy, velvety body, while honey rounds out the heat with a gentle sweetness you can dial up or down to taste. Straining everything through a fine-mesh sieve at the end means you get a silky-smooth pour with all the bold flavor and none of the grit. It's a genuinely satisfying homemade ritual that's hard to beat on a chilly morning or a slow afternoon.

About Fig

Fig 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 →

Ingredients

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 — small bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil — 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!