Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

The Christmas Chai Latte is a warm, spiced beverage perfect for cozy winter days. Combining fragrant spices with rich cream, it’s a festive twist on a classic chai that’s sure to brighten your holiday season.

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

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.
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 starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Strain the chai into mugs to remove the tea leaves (or tea bags) and any spice sediments. Set aside while you prepare the whipped cream.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, honey, and reserved spice mix until soft peaks form. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for quicker results.
6. Step 6: Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the chai latte. For extra festive flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version—just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to control sweetness.
• Adjust the brown sugar amount to your taste, or substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• For a stronger chai flavor, let the tea and spices steep a little longer before adding milk.
• Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an extra layer of aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover chai base (without whipped cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Whipped cream topping is best made fresh but can be stored 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 mix instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute the individual spices with about 1 teaspoon of a pre-made chai spice blend. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. Sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.

Christmas Chai Latte Recipe

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4.5 from 125 reviews

This Christmas Chai Latte recipe is a warm, spiced beverage perfect for the holiday season. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, this creamy chai is sweetened with brown sugar and topped with a lightly spiced whipped cream for a festive and comforting drink.

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

Ingredients

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

Whipped Cream Topping

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

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 use later in the whipped cream and reserve the rest for brewing the chai.
2. Brew the Chai Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the water, black tea leaves, brown sugar, and the reserved spice mix. Heat gently until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Then reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes to fully infuse the flavors.
3. Strain the Chai: Pour the chai through a fine sieve or strainer into mugs to remove the tea leaves and any sediment from the spices. Keep the strained chai warm while preparing the topping.
4. Make the Spiced Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and the reserved 1/4 teaspoon spice mix until soft peaks form. You may use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for faster results. The whipped cream should be light, fluffy, and lightly spiced.
5. Assemble and Serve: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the warm chai latte in each mug. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy holiday drink.

Notes

• Adjust brown sugar quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
• You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan or lactose-free version (note that whipped cream will need to be dairy-free if you want it fully vegan).
• For stronger spice flavor, increase the amount of the spice mix slightly when brewing.
• Use fresh, high-quality black tea for the best flavor.
• The whipped cream is optional but highly recommended for a creamy, festive finish.

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