Description
A cozy, caffeine-light autumn drink made with black tea, warming spices, pure maple syrup, and oat milk. Ready in 10 minutes, this latte offers the comfort of a coffee shop beverage without the jitters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black tea bags (Assam or Ceylon)
- 1 large cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 4–5 cardamom pods (or ¼ tsp ground cardamom)
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 4–5 black peppercorns
- 2 cups oat milk (or dairy/almond/coconut milk)
- 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup water
- Optional: Cinnamon dusting, whipped cream, or star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the spices: Place the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns in a saucepan over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer spices: Pour in the water, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes to extract flavors.
- Steep tea: Turn off the heat and add the black tea bags. Let steep for 2-3 minutes. Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.
- Warm milk: While tea steeps, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or the same one (after removing tea bags) over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling.
- Combine: Pour the hot spiced tea into the warm milk. Add maple syrup and whisk vigorously until dissolved and uniform.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into a mug to remove spice bits. Garnish with cinnamon or star anise if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the milk, as it can scorch and alter the flavor. Crush cardamom pods slightly to release oils. Use real maple syrup for best flavor. You can make a chai concentrate ahead of time by simmering spices and tea, then storing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large mug
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chai latte, maple chai, fall drink, autumn recipe, cozy drink, oat milk latte, caffeine light, homemade chai