Homemade Chai Tea Latte – Just Like Starbucks Chai Tea Latte (But Real Ingredients, Infused with Fresh Ginger and Much Cheaper!)

• 2 bags black tea (Earl Grey, Black, or a blend)
• 1 inch (about 2.5 cm or 10–15g) fresh ginger, sliced or grated
• 3–4 whole black peppercorns (for subtle warmth)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free version)
• 1/4 tsp (heaping) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper (for a subtle kick)
• Pinch of ground cloves (adds warmth without overpowering)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
• 1/2–1 tbsp (8–15 ml) maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• Pinch of salt (balances sweetness and sharpens flavours)
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract (added after heating)

Instructions

1. Spiced Tea Base

   1

   In a small saucepan, add 1 cup (240ml) water, ginger, black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes for a stronger spice infusion. (Skip simmering if you prefer a milder flavour.) Add tea bags to the hot spiced water and steep covered: 2 minutes for black tea (prevents bitterness) or 3–4 minutes for Earl Grey (for richer bergamot notes). Remove tea bags and strain out the whole spices into your prepared cup. Set aside.

2. Spiced Milk

   2

   In a separate small saucepan, combine: milk, cinnamon, cardamom, ground black pepper, cloves, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently, until hot but not boiling (about 160°F/70°C). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. 3

   Froth the spiced milk using a handheld milk frother, handheld immersion blender, or regular blender until creamy and foamy. If you don't have a blender, a good whisk should do the job! Blend for only about 20 seconds until frothy, as blending too long will make it cold.

4. Assembly

   4

   Gently pour the frothed spiced milk on top of your steeped tea. Optional: dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy your café-style chai tea latte at home!