Save Embrace the comforting warmth of a Cardamom Chai Latte, a fragrant Indian-inspired beverage that combines robust black tea with a melody of whole spices. Perfectly balanced with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, this latte is the ultimate companion for chilly days and cozy afternoons.
Save By simmering fresh ginger, cinnamon, and peppercorns, you create a deeply flavorful concentrate that rivals any coffee shop version. The addition of frothed milk transforms the spiced tea into a luxurious, café-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Spiced Tea Concentrate
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (preferably Assam or Darjeeling)
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 black peppercorns
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Milk
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk of choice)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Step 2
- Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add tea bags and simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
- Step 4
- Remove from heat, strain the concentrate into a heatproof pitcher, and discard solids. Stir in honey or sugar until dissolved.
- Step 5
- In a separate saucepan, heat milk until steaming (do not boil). Optional: Froth milk using a whisk or milk frother for a creamy texture.
- Step 6
- Divide the spiced tea concentrate between two mugs. Top each with hot milk. Stir gently.
- Step 7
- Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your taste. If you prefer a more intense ginger heat or a sweeter finish, simply modify the amounts during the simmering and mixing stages.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use almond, oat, or soy milk as your base. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the drink entirely plant-based.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this creamy Cardamom Chai Latte with buttery cookies or crunchy biscotti for a cozy and satisfying treat.
Save Savor the complex layers of spice and the rich, creamy finish of this homemade latte. It is a simple yet elegant way to bring a touch of traditional spice into your daily routine, offering a moment of pure relaxation in every cup.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes cardamom chai latte different from regular chai?
Cardamom chai latte highlights the distinctive floral and citrusy notes of green cardamom pods, which are lightly crushed to release their essential oils. While traditional masala chai includes a broader spice blend, this version emphasizes cardamom's unique flavor profile while still incorporating cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper for depth.
- → Can I use tea bags or loose leaf for this preparation?
Black tea bags work perfectly for this method. Assam or Darjeeling varieties provide the robust base needed to stand up to the aromatic spices. If using loose leaf, measure approximately 2 teaspoons per cup of water and strain through a fine mesh sieve along with the whole spices.
- → How do I achieve frothy milk without a frother?
Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming, then whisk vigorously for 30-60 seconds to create foam. Alternatively, pour hot milk between two containers repeatedly or shake in a sealed jar. Whole milk froths most easily, though oat milk also produces excellent results.
- → What's the best sweetener for cardamom chai?
Honey complements cardamom's floral notes beautifully, while brown sugar adds caramel depth. Maple syrup works well for vegan versions and contributes its own subtle flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon per batch and adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- → Can I make the spiced concentrate in advance?
Yes, prepare the spiced tea concentrate and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before adding steamed milk. The flavors often develop and meld together overnight, resulting in an even more aromatic beverage the next day.
- → What plant-based milk alternatives work best?
Oat milk provides the creamiest texture and neutral flavor that allows the spices to shine. Almond milk adds subtle nuttiness but may be thinner. Soy milk offers good protein content and froths reasonably well. Coconut milk creates a rich, tropical variation though it does impart its own distinct flavor.