Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Chai Latte is a warm and comforting spiced tea drink, perfect for cozy winter mornings or festive gatherings. Blended with aromatic spices and topped with a lightly sweetened whipped cream, it brings holiday cheer in every sip.

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

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (see instructions below)
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the spice mix by combining the 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 the water, black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and let the chai steep for 5 minutes to develop its flavors.
4. Step 4: Strain the chai into a mug, removing the tea leaves or tea bag and any spice sediment. Set aside while you prepare the whipped cream.
5. Step 5: Whip the heavy cream, honey, and the reserved spice mix in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form using a hand whisk or electric mixer.
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 before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut to make this latte vegan-friendly.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your preference.
• For a stronger chai flavor, steep the tea and spices a little longer before adding milk.
• Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra richness.

Storage

The chai base can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. Whipped cream is best made fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a few hours if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made chai spice blends instead of making my own?

Yes, a store-bought chai spice blend can be used as a convenient substitute. Adjust the amount to taste and reserve a little for the whipped cream topping.

Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Absolutely. You can replace dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream to make it lactose-free.

Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

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4.8 from 112 reviews

This warm and aromatic Christmas Chai Latte blends classic black tea with festive spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, topped with a lightly spiced honey whipped cream for a cozy holiday treat.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Chai Latte

• 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

Whipped Cream

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (from the chai spices)
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this mixture to use in the whipped cream later.
2. Heat Water and Add Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, pour the water and add the black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently until the mixture just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and release the spice aromas.
3. Brew the Chai Base: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and let the chai steep for 5 minutes to blend the flavors fully without boiling.
4. Strain and Serve: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves and spice sediments. Set the chai aside while you prepare the whipped cream topping.
5. Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and the reserved 1/4 teaspoon of the spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for faster whipping.
6. Top and Garnish: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. For an extra festive touch, lightly sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
• Adjust brown sugar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
• For a stronger chai flavor, let the tea steep slightly longer but be careful not to boil the milk.
• If you prefer a less spicy drink, reduce the quantity of black pepper or cloves.
• Whipped cream can be made ahead and refrigerated, but whip fresh for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Christmas chai latte, spiced tea latte, holiday beverage, black tea latte, chai spices, festive drink, whipped cream topping