Description

A homemade, caffeine-free chai latte made with real spices, maple syrup, and oat milk. This cozy fall drink is quick to make, customizable, and provides a comforting alternative to coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup water
1 cup milk (whole milk or oat milk recommended)
4–5 black tea bags (English Breakfast or Assam)
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
3–4 cardamom pods (or ½ tsp ground cardamom)
3–4 whole cloves
4–5 black peppercorns
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
1 piece star anise (optional)
2–3 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil (optional)
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Combine water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and star anise in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the spices.
Add the tea bags to the spiced water and steep for 2 minutes. Remove the tea bags.
Pour in the milk and maple syrup. Stir well to combine. Add butter or coconut oil if using.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until hot but not boiling (about 3 minutes).
Strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug to remove spices and tea leaves.
Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not boil the milk, as it can scorch and taste cooked. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and coconut oil. You can make a spiced tea concentrate ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; just heat fresh milk and mix with the concentrate when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 120
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 50
Fat: 4
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 18
Protein: 4

Keywords: chai latte, maple chai, fall drink, cozy drink, caffeine-free, homemade chai, oat milk latte, autumn recipes