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delicious creamy homemade vanilla chai latte in blue mugs
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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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Drinks
Keyword: Chai, latte, tea
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.