Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

Warm up your holiday season with this aromatic Christmas Chai Latte. Infused with traditional spices and topped with a spiced whipped cream, it’s a cozy and festive drink perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk (or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 tbsp black tea leaves (or 2 black tea bags)
• 2 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:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (prepared above)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this spice mix for the whipped cream topping.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the water, black tea leaves, 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 meld the flavors.
4. Step 4: Strain the chai into mugs to remove tea leaves or tea bags and any sediment from the spices. Keep warm while preparing the whipped cream.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, honey, and reserved spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for ease.
6. Step 6: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over each chai latte. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free chai latte that still tastes creamy and rich.
• Adjust the brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness—maple syrup makes a nice alternative.
• For extra warmth, add a slice of fresh ginger during steeping and remove before serving.
• Try topping with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for added aroma and presentation.

Storage

Store leftover chai in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Prepare whipped cream fresh for best texture as it doesn’t store well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground chai spice mix instead of individual spices?

Yes, a pre-made chai spice blend works well and can simplify the process. Use about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons depending on your taste, adjusting the sugar accordingly.

Is it necessary to strain the chai after steeping?

Straining is recommended to remove tea leaves and spice bits for a smooth drink. If using tea bags, simply remove them carefully, but straining helps catch any ground spices.

Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

This Christmas Chai Latte is a warm and festive spiced tea beverage that combines robust black tea with traditional chai spices and creamy milk. Topped with a subtly sweet and spiced whipped cream, this latte is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter moments.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chai Latte

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk (or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 tbsp black tea leaves (or 2 black tea bags)
• 2 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

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (prepared from above spices)

Instructions

1. Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this spice mix for the whipped cream topping.
2. Simmer Tea and Spices: In a saucepan, add the water, black tea leaves, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer.
3. Add Milk and Steep: Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the milk. Allow the mixture to steep gently for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors fully.
4. Strain Chai: Using a strainer, pour the chai into mugs to remove tea leaves or bags and any spice sediments. Set the chai aside while preparing the whipped cream.
5. Make Spiced Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and reserved 1/4 teaspoon spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk for a traditional approach or an electric mixer for speed.
6. Serve: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream on top of each chai latte. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for extra festive flair.

Notes

• Adjust the brown sugar quantity to suit your desired sweetness.
• You can use any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy for a dairy-free version.
• For stronger chai flavor, increase steeping time by a few minutes but avoid boiling after adding milk.
• Spiced whipped cream adds a festive touch, but can be omitted for a lighter drink.
• Store leftover chai in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Christmas Chai Latte, holiday drink, spiced tea, chai recipe, festive latte, whipped cream, warm beverage