Delicious and Simple Hot Vanilla Chai Latte Recipe

During the cold winter months, it is the simplest luxuries that brighten my day. Something as small as a hot cup of chai brings all the cozy and comfortable feelings I need to start my day right. This hot vanilla chai recipe is a perfect indulgence on a bitter, cold winter morning.

Heating with a wood stove often means waking in the morning to an edge of chill in our home. As the house begins to warm once the fire is restocked, I love to warm myself from the inside with a hot drink. Since I am not much of a coffee drinker (it gives me the jitters), I typically turn to tea. Some mornings call for a sweeter, creamier variety. I’ve enjoyed some really delicious chai lattes in different coffee shops, but I wanted to find a way to make it at home for myself. It’s surprisingly easy! This recipe makes enough for two cups.

What you’ll need:

-Tea Kettle
-Glass measuring cup
-Measuring spoons
–Handheld milk frother
-Your favorite mug

Ingredients:

-2 decaf chai tea bags (you can use one, but you’ll need to steep for longer)
-Water
-8 oz. Whole milk or milk of choice
-1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
-2 Tbs. Granulated sugar
-Dash of cinnamon for garnish (optional)

How to Make your Hot Vanilla Chai Latte

1. Begin by heating your water in the kettle. I use a regular stove top kettle but an electric kettle works very quickly if you’re short on time!
2. Once the water is boiling, pour 8oz of water over your tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. While the tea bags are steeping, heat 8oz milk in the microwave until almost boiling, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t let it boil, or it will form an unpleasant film on top of the milk.
4. Remove the tea bags, squeezing the liquid out of them, and discard.
5. Divide your tea into two mugs.
6. Stir in 1 tsp. of vanilla extract and 2 Tbs. granulated sugar to each mug.
7. With your handheld frother, froth the milk until it is nice and bubbly.
8. Gently pour the milk over the chai tea.
9. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and enjoy!

Variations

This chai latte recipe is incredibly customizable! Here are some ideas on how to switch it up:

-Maple extract in place of the vanilla. I had to do this in a pinch once and it added a wonderful maple flavor.
-Add brown sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar. Any type of sweetener would work.
-Use a different milk. I use whole milk in my variation because I like the creaminess the fat content renders, but you can also use almond milk, skim, milk, or another type of milk. I would not suggest using coconut milk for this recipe though as it will greatly alter the flavors.
-Make it caffeinated. Those who need a kick of caffeine in the morning can use caffeinated chai tea bags.
-Adjust the sweetness. My husband prefers his chai less sweet so I typically lower the sugar to 1 Tbs. for him.
-Drink it cold. After mixing the latte, pop it in the fridge to cool and enjoy it over ice! This works best if you don’t froth your milk first.

What if I don’t have a milk frother?

No problem! I’ve made this recipe many times without one and it tastes just as good. I picked up my handheld milk frother from Marshall’s for around $6 and I love the airy quality it gives the latte. I’d categorize it as a “little luxury” that makes this chai feel more indulgent but it is not necessary.

I hope you get to enjoy your hot vanilla chai latte curled up next to a cozy fireplace! What is your favorite variation on this winter classic? Share with me in the comments!

Yield: 2 lattes

Delicious and Simple Hot Vanilla Chai Latte

Print

This cozy, hot vanilla chai latte is the perfect sip for a cold winters day. With simple, classic ingredients, you can whip it up in under 10 minutes!

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• -2 decaf vanilla chai tea bags (you can use one but it will need to steep for longer)
• -Water
• -8 oz Whole milk
• -1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
• -2 Tbs. Granulated sugar
• -Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by heating your water in the kettle.
2. Once the water is boiling, pour 8oz of water over your tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. While the tea bags are steeping, heat 8oz milk in the microwave until almost boiling, about 1 minute. Don't let it boil, or it will form an unpleasant film on top of the milk. This can also be done on the stove, but watch it carefully!
4. Remove the tea bags, squeezing the liquid out of them, and discard.
5. Divide the tea into two mugs.
6. Stir 1 tsp. of vanilla extract and 2 Tbs. granulated sugar into each mug of tea.
7. With your handheld frother, froth the milk until it is nice and bubbly.
8. Gently pour the milk over the chai tea.
9. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and enjoy!