• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Blogghetti logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
    •  Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Search
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Home » Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

Jan 16, 2023 · Leave a Comment

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read our privacy policy.

Make your own Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte with this easy recipe that combines the classic vanilla flavor and exotic spices. You’ll feel like you’re drinking a fancy tea latte from your local coffee shop.

homemade vanilla chai tea latte with text overlay

When I first made my homemade mix for Chai, I used ground spices which are perfect for storing the mix in the pantry. It’s such a favorite and one of the popular posts on the blog. Perfect for gift giving, too. However, I really wanted to use the exotic spices in their whole form for this Vanilla Chai Latte. It was so fun to use the spices in this way and the drink is just heavenly.

I am a mug person, by that I mean if I see a cute cup I buy it. My mug cabinet is full, so full that my hubby has gently told me to stop buying them unless I give as many as I get away to thrift stores or others. I love the larger mugs over the smaller “normal” sized ones. This chai latte recipe makes 2 large mug servings. or 4 normal sized ones.

It’s the perfect recipe to make to share with someone who also has a fondness for the flavors of Chai. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. In my house, I am the only one who cares for so you I get to drink it all. Such a hard job – not.

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte
  • What are chai spices?
  • Do chai lattes have caffeine in them?
  • Can you use dairy free milk in lattes?
  • Want an iced vanilla chai latte?
  • Ingredients
  • How to make this vanilla chai latte
    • Step 1
    • Step 2
    • Step 3
    • Step 4
    • Step 5
    • Step 6
  • Tips, Tricks, and FAQs
  • You may also enjoy these copycat coffee house drinks

Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

Typically, Vanilla Chai Latte has flavors of black tea, vanilla extract, chai spices, milk, and sugar. For this recipe, I am using whole milk and honey. You can easily substitute the milk of your choice. Almond or Oat milk both are tasty in this latte. The honey is your sweetener, so if it’s not your thing, use sugar or even pure maple syrup.

Some recipes for chai lattes use chai tea bags, which is an easier and quicker way to make the drink. This drink does not, instead it uses whole spices and black tea bags.

Making this latte at home is so much cheaper than buying it at your local coffee shop. Yes, the initial cost of ingredients may be more than that Starbucks Chai Latte, but you can make many cups from them. Plus, this copycat version tastes much better.

close up of vanilla chai latte
Delicious Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

What are chai spices?

Chai spices include cardamom, allspice, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. In addition, this chai latte has pure vanilla extract. Some Chai lattes will also have a bit of black pepper to spice it up a little.

whole spices used in making chai latte
Spices that make up Chai

Do chai lattes have caffeine in them?

Yes, chai lattes have caffeine in them since they are made with black tea leaves.

Can you use dairy free milk in lattes?

Yes, you can use your favorite dairy-free milk in this chai latte. I love using whole milk simply because it makes it a bit more creamy; but I also use almond and oat milk, too. Try cashew, coconut, or soy as well.

Want an iced vanilla chai latte?

Want to drink your Vanilla Chai Latte cold? Allow the drink to cool off for 5-10 minutes and then pour it over ice for a perfect iced chai tea latte. Or add the slightly cooled chai latte to a blender with 2 cups of ice and blend well to make a blended frappe Chai Latte.

view of two large blue mugs filled with Vanilla Chai Tea Lattes
Pour yourself a cup of this hot drink and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 5-6 whole star anise
  • 3-4 two-inch cinnamon sticks
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tabelspoons honey
  • 3 black tea bags
  • Optional Garnish: Ground cinnamon and/or whole star anise
Follow Blogghetti on Pinterest

How to make this vanilla chai latte

Step 1

Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat. Tip: Set temperature between medium and medium-low. The milk should get very warm, but not scald. You don’t want to burn the milk.

Step 2

This recipe uses WHOLE spices, not ground. Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place them on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin just until they crack. (They should remain mostly whole, but open up a bit).

Step 3

Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is very warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat and discard the tea bags. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids and divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between large (12-ounce) mugs and set them aside.

Step 5

Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until a nice foam develops. Tip: Make sure the blender cap is properly vented to prevent the hot liquid from exploding. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender.

Step 6

Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with some ground cinnamon and garnish with star anise, if desired, and serve immediately.

chai latte with star anise in mug
Try it iced!
Vanilla Chai Latte is comfort in a cup!
Click to Tweet
Vanilla Chai lattes in blue mugs with star anise and cinnamon sticks on the side
Such a great way to enjoy a fancy coffee shop drink made by you.

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

  • Please note that this recipe uses WHOLE spices, not ground.
  • Substitute your milk of choice to make this dairy free.
  • Use sugar or sugar substitute in place of honey. Pure maple syrup is also a great substitute for honey.
  • Add a dash of black or white pepper to the milk with the spices for a bit of spice.
  • This recipe will make two – 12-ounce mugs or four – 8 ounces mugs.

You may also enjoy these copycat coffee house drinks

  • Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
  • Hansel and Gretel Gingerbread Latte
  • Vanilla Caramel Apple Latte
  • Copycat Recipe for Passion Tea Lemonade
overhead view of chai latte with milk froth
Less expensive to make this Starbucks copycat recipe at home.
delicious creamy homemade vanilla chai latte in blue mugs

Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte

Make your own Vanilla Chai Latte at home with this easy recipe that combines the vanilla flavor and exotic spices. You'll feel like you're drinking a fancy tea latte from your local coffee shop.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Keyword: Chai, latte, tea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 – 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 5-6 whole star anise
  • 3-4 2 inch cinnamon sticks
  • 1 2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to your tastes)
  • 3 black tea bags

Instructions

  • Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat. Tip: Set temperature between medium and medium-low. The milk should get very warm, but not scald. You don’t want to burnt milk.
  • Please note that this recipe uses WHOLE spices, not ground.
    Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin just until they crack. (They should remain mostly whole, but opened up a bit).
  • Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is very warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and discard the tea bags. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids and divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between large (12 ounce) mugs and set aside.
  • Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until a nice foam develops. Tip: Make sure the blender cap is properly vented to prevent the hot liquid from exploding. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender.
  • Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top off each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with some ground cinnamon and garnish with a star anise, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Please note that this recipe uses WHOLE spices, not ground.
  • Substiute your favorite milk to make this dairy free.
  • Use sugar or sugar substitute in place of honey. Pure maple syrup is also a great substitute for honey.
  • Add a dash of black pepper to the milk with the spices for a bit of spice.
  • This recipe will make two – 12 ounce mugs or four – 8 ounces mugs.
delicious creamy homemade vanilla chai latte in blue mugs
This vanilla chai latte is my favorite, even over a pumpkin spice latte!

Connect with Blogghetti! Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #Blogghetti on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured!

Enjoy!

More from Blogghetti

Drinks Chai, chai latte, Latte, tea, vanilla chai latte

Previous Post: « 20 New Year’s Eve Recipes
Next Post: Hot Baked Taco Dip Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, avid reader, crafter, wife, mother, and always a student. Click here to read full profile.

TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

mini turkey meatloaves close up

Mini Turkey Meatloaves Recipe

tray of sausage balls appetizers

Air Fryer Sausage Balls

close up of creamy squash soup with garnishes in white bowl

Creamy Autumn Squash Soup

cherry cobbler served on white and gray plate

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cherry Cobbler

hard cinnamon candy in glass bowl

Hard Cinnamon Candy

the best slow cooker chili - served in a white bowl

The Best Slow Cooker Chili Ever

Rosemary bread sliced on wooden cutting board

Easy Homemade Rosemary Bread

Valentine's M&M Cookie Bar squares - close up

Valentine’s M&M Cookie Bars

Recipe Key

AppetizersBakingCasseroles

Crock Pot MealsMeal PlansOne Pan Meals

Cooking TipsSoupsVegetables

Get Tried and True Recipes Straight to Your Inbox!

Copyright © 2023 • All rights reserved • All rights reserved. • Privacy Policy
All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to the post for the original recipe.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT