Description
A cozy, spicy, caffeinated latte combining bold espresso with warm chai spices and cinnamon, perfect for busy weeknights. Quick to make with minimal ingredients and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chai tea bags (strong, spiced chai with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves)
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso (about 1 ounce / 30ml) or strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole milk preferred; oat or almond milk for dairy-free)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra for garnish
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
- Optional: star anise or cloves for extra chai spice
Instructions
- Bring about 1 cup (240ml) of water to a boil. Pour over two chai tea bags in a heatproof cup or small pot. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and set aside.
- While the chai steeps, pull a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 ounce / 30ml). If no espresso machine, brew a strong ¼ cup of coffee.
- Pour 1 cup (240ml) of milk into a small saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until steaming with small bubbles around edges. Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon while warming.
- Use a milk frother to create foam or whisk vigorously/shake in a sealed jar until frothy.
- Pour brewed chai tea into a mug. Add the espresso shot. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm cinnamon-spiced milk over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top. Optionally, add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve immediately.
Notes
Steep chai strong but not bitter; use fresh ground cinnamon for best flavor; warm milk gently to avoid scorching; vanilla extract rounds out flavors; dairy-free options include oat or almond milk; sweetener is optional and adjustable; cinnamon should be stirred in while warming milk to avoid clumps.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte (about 10-12
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 1014
- Fat: 47
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 6
Keywords: dirty chai latte, chai latte, cinnamon latte, espresso drink, quick latte, dairy-free latte, spicy latte, cozy drink, caffeinated beverage