Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

Warm up your holiday season with a cozy Christmas Chai Latte. This spiced tea latte blends aromatic spices and creamy whipped topping for a festive treat that’s simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• a pinch of ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (see instructions below)
• Honey (optional, for whipped cream)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the spice mix by combining cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this mix for the whipped cream.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine water, black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, stir in the milk, and let the mixture steep gently for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves or bags and any spice sediments. Set aside while preparing the whipped cream.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, honey (if using), and reserved spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or electric mixer for faster results.
6. Step 6: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version.
• Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness or substitute with maple syrup.
• Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
• If fresh spices are available, consider grinding them yourself for a more vibrant taste.

Storage

Store any leftover chai base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, then prepare fresh whipped cream. Whipped cream is best made fresh and not stored for long as it can lose its texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chai latte vegan?

Yes, substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream, and use maple syrup or another vegan sweetener instead of honey for the whipped topping.

How do I avoid the whipped cream from melting quickly?

Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream, and serve the latte immediately after adding the topping. Keeping the beverage cool before adding cream helps maintain the texture longer.

Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 76 reviews

This cozy Christmas Chai Latte recipe blends warm spices, black tea, and creamy milk to create a festive and comforting beverage perfect for holiday mornings or chilly evenings. Enhanced with a spiced whipped cream topping, this drink infuses traditional chai flavors with a seasonal twist, making it an inviting treat to savor by the fireside.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spice Mix

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• a pinch of ground black pepper

Chai Latte

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp of the prepared spice mix (from above)
• 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)

Whipped Cream Topping

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp reserved spice mix (from above)
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this mixture to be used later for the whipped cream topping.
2. Heat Water and Add Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the water, black tea leaves (or black tea bag), brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently, allowing the mixture to just start simmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices.
3. Brew the Chai Base: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the milk. Let the chai steep for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld fully without boiling.
4. Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai through a fine sieve into a mug, ensuring all tea leaves and spice sediments are filtered out. Keep the chai warm as you prepare the whipped cream topping.
5. Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream together with honey and the reserved 1/4 teaspoon of spice mix until soft peaks form. Using an electric mixer will speed up this process, but a hand whisk works well too.
6. Top and Garnish: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. For a festive finishing touch, lightly sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or honey.
• Use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• The whipped cream can be prepared in advance but is best fresh for optimal texture.
• For a stronger chai, steep tea leaves slightly longer but avoid boiling to prevent bitterness.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise for added festive presentation.

Keywords: Christmas chai latte, spiced chai, holiday drink, warm beverage, chai latte recipe, festive drink