How to Make a Masala Chai Latte at Home

A great masala chai latte doesn't require a trip to a café or a syrup-loaded mix from a box. With the right tea and a few simple steps, you can make one at home that's spicier, fresher, and more satisfying than anything you'll find at a drive-through. Here's how.

What Is Masala Chai?

Masala chai (literally "spiced tea" in Hindi) is a black tea brewed with a blend of warming spices — typically cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and black pepper. It originated in India and has been a daily ritual for millions of people for centuries. The café version you know as a "chai latte" is a Westernized take on the original, usually made with a concentrate or syrup. The homemade version is better in every way.

What You'll Need

  • 2 teaspoons of our Masala Chai (or 2 tea bags)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk of your choice (whole milk, oat milk, and coconut milk all work beautifully)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • A small saucepan

How to Make It

Step 1: Simmer the tea. Add 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add your Masala Chai, reduce heat, and simmer for 3–5 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger and spicier it gets.

Step 2: Add the milk. Pour in 1 cup of milk and bring back to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch it carefully — milk can boil over quickly.

Step 3: Sweeten. Add honey or maple syrup to taste. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust from there.

Step 4: Strain and serve. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into your mug. Top with a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if you like.

Tips for the Best Chai Latte

  • Go strong on the tea. Chai is meant to be bold. Don't be shy with the amount of tea you use.
  • Oat milk is excellent here. Its natural sweetness and creaminess complement the spices perfectly.
  • Make a concentrate. Brew a double-strength batch with less water, refrigerate it, and mix with steamed milk throughout the week. Lasts up to 5 days.
  • Iced chai: Let the concentrate cool, pour over ice, and top with cold milk. Perfect for summer.

Make It With Our Masala Chai

Our Masala Chai is blended for balance — enough cardamom and ginger to be warming and complex, without any single spice overpowering the rest. It's the kind of chai that works just as well in a latte as it does brewed straight. Give it a try and make it your morning ritual.

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