Description
Warm up this holiday season with a delightful Christmas Chai Latte that combines aromatic spices and creamy textures. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire, this cozy drink is sure to become a festive favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf chai or 2 chai tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 crushed cardamom pods
- 4–5 slices of fresh ginger
- 2–3 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using ground spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (if using ground spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (if using ground spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (if using ground spices)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Additional cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)
- Peppermint stick or crushed candy canes (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew the Chai: Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it’s boiling, add 2 tablespoons of loose leaf chai or 2 chai tea bags. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Add Spices: While the tea is simmering, add 1 cinnamon stick, 4-5 crushed cardamom pods, 4-5 slices of fresh ginger, and 2-3 whole cloves. If you’re using ground spices, add 1/2 teaspoon of each spice directly to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Sweeten It Up: After the spices have infused, stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup, adjusting to your taste. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more.
- Add Milk: Pour in 1 cup of your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and heat gently until it’s warmed through, but do not let it boil. Stir to combine the flavors.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and strain the chai mixture into mugs, discarding the spices. If you want a frothy texture, you can use a milk frother or whisk the milk before pouring.
- Top It Off: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with additional cinnamon or nutmeg for that festive feel. You can even add a festive peppermint stick or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a holiday twist!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your taste preferences. You can prepare the chai base in advance and reheat it gently before serving, adding milk as needed.