Christmas Chai Latte Recipe
Introduction
Warm up your winter mornings with this cozy Christmas Chai Latte. Infused with aromatic spices and topped with spiced whipped cream, it’s a festive twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet moments at home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 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
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Honey, for whipped cream (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the spice mix by combining cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this mix to use later for the whipped cream.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the water, black tea leaves or tea bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just starts to simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Step 4: Strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves or bags and any spice sediments. Keep the chai warm while you prepare the whipped cream.
- Step 5: Whisk the heavy cream, honey (if using), and the reserved 1/4 teaspoon of spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or electric mixer for best results.
- Step 6: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative for the topping.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an added layer of flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, allow the tea to steep a bit longer before straining.
Storage
Store any leftover chai base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Whipped cream is best made fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made chai spice mix instead of making my own?
Yes, pre-made chai spice mixes work well and can save time. Use about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons in place of the individual spices.
How can I make the whipped cream sweeter without honey?
You can substitute honey with powdered sugar or granulated sugar to sweeten the whipped cream to your preference.
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Christmas Chai Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This Christmas Chai Latte is a warm and festive spiced tea beverage perfect for the holiday season. It combines aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper with rich black tea, sweetened brown sugar, and creamy milk. Topped with a lightly spiced whipped cream, this comforting drink brings cozy holiday cheer in every sip.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp of the spice mix (from above)
- 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (reserved from above)
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- 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 spice mix to be used later for the whipped cream topping.
- Heat Water and Add Ingredients: Pour the water into a saucepan, add the black tea bag or leaves, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices.
- Brew the Chai Base: Lower the heat to low, stir in the milk, then let the chai steep gently for 5 minutes to develop a rich, balanced flavor.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and strain the chai into a mug to filter out the tea leaves and spice sediments. Keep warm while preparing the topping.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, honey, and reserved 1/4 teaspoon of spice mix until soft peaks form. This can be done by hand or with an electric mixer for quicker results.
- Top and Garnish: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping.
- The spice mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week to save time.
- Use fresh ground spices for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger chai, increase the tea steeping time by a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: Christmas Chai Latte, Spiced Tea, Holiday Beverage, Chai Recipe, Festive Drink
