Homemade Chai Latte

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this low sugar chai latte is the ultimate drink. Inspired by traditional Masala Chai, this version blends bold black tea with fresh ginger, crushed cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, then swirls it all together with silky oat milk. It’s soothing, aromatic, and just the right amount of sweet. One sip and you’ll feel like you’re curled up under your favorite blanket, even if you’re just rushing out the door. Bonus: your kitchen will smell like a dreamy autumn candle while it brews.

Why This Homemade Chai Latte Stands Out

Chai tea lattes are the ultimate cozy drink—warm spices, creamy texture, and a soothing kick of caffeine. But most store-bought versions are loaded with sugar and artificial flavor. This homemade chai latte brings all the flavor with none of the fuss. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your tea ritual:

• Fresh, bold spice blend: No pre-mixed powders here, this recipe uses whole cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger for rich, authentic flavor that tastes like it came straight from a café.
• Gut-friendly ginger boost: Fresh ginger adds more than just a zesty bite, it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support digestion, ease cold symptoms, and help your body fight stress.
• Low sugar, totally customizable: Skip the overly sweet chai concentrates. This version is lightly sweetened and easy to adjust, add your favorite milk (we love creamy oat), use the sweetener of your choice, and make it just how you like it.
• Minimal effort, no equipment needed: All you need is one saucepan and 15 minutes. No frother, espresso machine, or steeping for hours.
• Perfect for meal prep: Brew a batch of the chai base and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just heat it up, add milk, and froth if you like. It’s a weekday treat that feels like self-care in a mug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This warm and soul-soothing chai latte comes together easily with a mix of pantry staples and fresh spices. It’s comforting, nourishing, and layered with bold, aromatic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to brew the perfect cup:

• Fresh ginger root: Grated fresh ginger adds a zesty, peppery kick. Look for plump, smooth-skinned ginger in the produce section. You don’t need to peel it, just give it a good rinse and grate it straight into the pot.
• Whole spices: A warming blend of green cardamom pods, whole cloves, nutmeg, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and a star anise pod creates the signature masala chai. You’ll find these in the spice aisle.
• Black tea bags: Strong black tea forms a strong, slightly bitter base that balances the sweetness and spices. Go for Assam or Darjeeling if you want an authentic chai flavor. 
• Oat milk (unsweetened): Oat milk brings a naturally creamy texture without overpowering the spices. Choose unsweetened so you can control the sweetness. You can also make your own oat milk at home.
• Pure maple syrup: A splash of maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness and enhances the warming spices. It also keeps this recipe refined sugar–free. Look for 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor and quality.

How to Make this Chai Latte

You don’t need a café or a fancy espresso machine to enjoy a warm drink that’s rich in flavor. Everything simmers together in one pot using a handful of whole spices, bold black tea, and creamy oat milk. Here’s how to make it:

1. Add water to a medium saucepan and toss in grated ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and star anise. For easy cleanup, place all the spices in a linen tea bag or reusable spice sachet before simmering.
2. Set the saucepan over medium heat and let the ingredients come to a gentle boil, allowing the spices to infuse into the water.

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to infuse the water with warm, aromatic spice.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes.

5. Remove the spice mix bag, leaving behind a fragrant, golden chai base.
6. Pour in a bit more hot water to dilute the concentrate to your desired strength, then stir to combine.

7. Add black tea bags to the spiced water, cover the saucepan, and steep for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
8. Add maple syrup into the chai tea base that is being brewed.

9. Remove the tea bags and pour in oat milk. Whisk until smooth and steamy.
10. Ladle the finished chai tea latte into a mug from a saucepan.

How Much Caffeine Is in Chai Lattes?

The caffeine content in chai lates can vary depending on how it’s prepared. Chai lattes are typically made using black tea, such as Assam or Darjeeling, both of which naturally contain caffeine. On average, one 8-ounce cup of chai tea contains around 40–70 mg of caffeine. That’s about half the amount found in a standard cup of coffee (which averages 95 mg per 8 oz).

Need Less Caffeine?

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or prefer a lighter drink, try these options:

• Brew it weaker: Steep your tea for less time or use fewer tea bags to reduce caffeine content.
• Use decaf black tea bags, many brands now offer decaffeinated versions.
• Try rooibos chai, a naturally caffeine-free herbal alternative with similar warm spice notes.

Easy Chai Latte Variations

One of the best things about making your own chai tea latte is how easily you can adapt it to fit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a creamier texture, a gentler caffeine kick, or a naturally sweet twist, these simple recipe variations let you make it your own.

• Switch up the milk: Oat milk adds a naturally creamy base, but you can also use almond, soy, or cashew milk depending on your taste or dietary needs. For a thicker, richer chai latte, try a splash of full-fat canned coconut milk.
• Choose your tea base: Black tea is traditional, but you can use a naturally caffeine-free version that still pairs beautifully with warm spices.
• Customize the sweetness: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, but feel free to swap in agave nectar, honey, or coconut sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust to taste and balance the drink to your liking.
• Spice boost: Want even more warmth? Add a pinch of ground turmeric or a dash of cayenne for a little heat and added health benefits.
• Top it off: For an extra treat, finish your latte with a dollop of creamy coconut whipped cream. It adds a luscious, dairy-free finish and makes your homemade chai feel like a cozy café indulgence.

More Tea and Latte Recipes You’ll Love

Here are a few of my favorite teas and lattes that are soothing, nourishing, and simple to make, perfect for winding down, boosting your wellness routine, or just sipping something delicious:

• When I need help relaxing before bed, I reach for lavender sleep tea. It’s a calming blend of dried lavender, chamomile, and mint that helps quiet the mind and ease tension after a long day.
• When I need a little pick-me-up that still feels like a treat, I make a cinnamon dolce latte. It hits that afternoon sweet spot with creamy oat milk, natural sweetener, and cozy cinnamon spice—no drive-thru needed.
• On warmer days when I want something refreshing with a gentle boost, I go for my vanilla iced matcha latte. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and totally dairy-free.
• For something soothing and anti-inflammatory, I turn to my spiced golden milk recipe. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon for a cozy drink that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
• And when I want a gentle pick-me-up without the crash, metabolism boosting tea does the trick. It blends green tea, cinnamon, cayenne, and lemon to help support digestion and energy levels naturally.

If you make this chai latte recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.