LATTESChai Latte at Home
The quick answer
A chai latte is 4 oz of strong brewed chai concentrate (or 2 chai tea bags steeped in 4 oz of water) mixed with 6-8 oz of steamed milk. No espresso needed. Use Oregon Chai or Tazo concentrate for a quick version, or steep black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a homemade concentrate.
A chai latte doesn't need an espresso machine -- or any espresso. It's one of the most satisfying hot drinks you can make at home from ingredients that cost a few dollars.
Chai latte concentrate is the fastest path. Oregon Chai, Tazo Chai, and David Rio all make liquid concentrates you dilute 1:1 with steamed milk. Pour 4 oz of concentrate into a mug and top with 4-6 oz of steamed frothed milk. These concentrates are available at most grocery stores and produce a consistently spiced, sweet drink with zero guesswork.
Brewing from scratch takes 10 minutes and tastes noticeably better. Simmer 2 cups of water with 2 black tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, and a pinch of black pepper for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten with 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, and use 4 oz of this concentrate per serving with 6 oz of steamed milk.
Milk frothing for chai latte follows the same process as any other latte. Heat whole milk or barista oat milk to 140-150 degrees F and froth for 20-30 seconds. Oat milk is an especially natural partner for chai spices because its mild sweetness amplifies the cinnamon and cardamom. Barista oat milk (like Oatly) froths nearly as well as whole milk.
Sweetener is flexible here. The chai concentrate is already sweetened, so you may not need to add anything. If brewing from scratch, honey blends beautifully with the warm spices. Brown sugar adds a molasses depth. Maple syrup is another warm-flavored option. Taste before adding sweetener -- good chai concentrate is often sweet enough on its own.
Dial it in before you make it
Match your espresso dose and yield before you pull the shot.
Espresso Ratio Calculator
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose (in) | 18 g |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Yield (out) | 36 g |
| Yield (fl oz ref.) | 1.2 fl oz |
| Shot time guide | Aim 25–32 seconds |
fl oz reference uses 30 g per fl oz (espresso is denser than water). Dial in grind size to hit your target yield in 25–32 s.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We tested Oregon Chai concentrate, Tazo Chai concentrate, and a homemade version brewed with whole spices and fresh ginger. The homemade won clearly -- deeper spice flavor and real ginger heat that the concentrates lacked. The Oregon Chai was the best store-bought option, with a good spice balance and not overly sweet.
Pro tips
- Oregon Chai is the most widely available concentrate and has the best spice balance for home use.
- Oat milk amplifies the natural sweetness of chai spices -- start with less sweetener if using it.
- For the best homemade concentrate, use whole spices and fresh ginger rather than ground spices.
- Steep chai tea bags longer than regular tea -- 5-7 minutes for a strong enough base.
- For iced chai latte, pour cold concentrate over ice and add cold milk. Stir and dust with cinnamon.
Frequently asked questions
What is chai latte made of?
A chai latte is a blend of spiced black tea and steamed milk. The spice blend typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. It's usually sweetened with honey or sugar. Unlike a coffee latte, chai latte uses tea as the base and contains significantly less caffeine than an espresso-based drink.
What is the best chai concentrate for lattes?
Oregon Chai Original Concentrate and Tazo Chai Concentrate are the two most widely available options in US grocery stores. Oregon Chai is spicier with more cardamom. Tazo is slightly sweeter and smoother. David Rio Tiger Spice is a premium option with excellent spice depth. All three are diluted 1:1 with steamed milk.
How much caffeine is in a chai latte?
A chai latte made with 4 oz of chai concentrate has about 30-50 mg of caffeine, compared to 60-80 mg in an espresso latte. The exact amount depends on the tea type and how long it was steeped. If you want the chai flavor without caffeine, caffeine-free rooibos chai blends are available in most health food stores.
Can I make a dairy-free chai latte?
Yes. Barista oat milk (Oatly or Califia) is the best dairy-free option for steamed chai lattes because it froths well and its natural sweetness complements the spices. Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all work well in iced chai lattes served cold. Avoid skim or low-fat alternatives -- they produce very thin, watery results.
What is the difference between a chai latte and a dirty chai latte?
A dirty chai latte adds a shot of espresso to a regular chai latte. The espresso adds a bitter coffee note that cuts through the sweetness of the spices and milk, creating a more complex flavor. The dirty chai has more caffeine (about 90-130 mg total) and a noticeably bolder, more layered taste.
