Autumn-Inspired Chai Latte

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced drink to embrace the season.

A chai latte is the perfect cozy beverage, combining aromatic spices and rich flavours that evoke the essence of fall. With its comforting warmth and inviting scent, this homemade chai latte will wrap you in a blanket of autumn bliss.

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Ingredients

• For Chai Concentrate:
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags (like Assam or English breakfast)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Latte:
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chai Concentrate

1. Heat Water and Spices: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom) and sugar. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Add Tea Bags: Turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Allow them to steep for 4-5 minutes for a robust flavor.
3. Strain: Remove the tea bags and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate any spice residue.

Step 2: Froth the Milk

1. Heat Milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil.
2. Froth Milk: Use a milk frother or whisk vigorously to create foam. Alternatively, you can shake the heated milk in a jar with a tight lid until frothy.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Mix Chai and Milk: Pour about ½ cup of chai concentrate into a mug and top with ¾ cup of frothed milk.
2. Sweeten and Garnish: Stir in vanilla extract if desired and sprinkle with additional cinnamon on top.

Optional Variations:

• Iced Chai Latte: Prepare the chai concentrate as above, let it cool, then pour over ice and add cold milk.
• Dirty Chai Latte: Brew two shots of espresso and add them to your chai latte for an extra caffeine boost.

Enjoy your homemade chai latte! This recipe is not only easy but allows you to adjust sweetness and spice levels according to your preference.