Starbucks Chai Tea Latte (Copycat Recipe)

This homemade Chai Tea Latte captures the warm, aromatic flavors of traditional Indian chai, featuring a blend of black tea and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, combined with steamed milk for a creamy finish. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoons, this recipe is easy to make and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, all while being suitable for those looking for a comforting beverage.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 4 whole cloves
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the black tea bags, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, and sliced ginger to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a separate container to remove the spices and tea bags.
5. In another saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming, but do not boil.
6. Whisk the milk vigorously to create froth, if desired.
7. Combine the strained tea with the heated milk and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, if using.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.