A Christmas Chai Latte is all about amping up those classic warming spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—with a festive twist, often a hint of vanilla or white chocolate.
I grew up loving the smell of cinnamon and ginger simmering on the stove, and this Christmas Chai Latte brings that same familiar comfort right into my kitchen.
I make this drink every year when the holiday baking starts, and it fills the house with the sweetest festive warmth.
If you love warm drinks during holiday gatherings or want something simple that tastes like a cozy hug, this will be your new favorite.
Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
Here are the top reasons why you’ll absolutely love making and sipping on this Christmas Chai Latte recipe:
✦ Intense, Authentic Spice Flavor: Unlike store-bought mixes that can taste flat, this recipe uses whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger) that are lightly toasted. This brings out a deep, complex, and incredibly authentic chai flavor that is truly warming and fragrant.
✦ Customizable Sweetness: You control the sugar! You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to fit your taste, making it healthier than many coffee shop versions.
✦ Batch-Friendly: You can make a large batch of the concentrate ahead of time and store it for up to a week. That means a hot, homemade latte is just a quick mix and warm-up away, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
✦ Festive and Cozy: The combination of traditional chai spices with an optional hint of white chocolate or vanilla just screams “holiday season.” It feels like a hug in a mug and is the ultimate cozy treat for a chilly evening.
✦ A “Better-Than-The-Shop” Treat: It gives you that luxurious, coffee-shop-quality drink right in your own kitchen, saving you money while providing superior flavor and freshness.
It’s truly the perfect way to bring the warm, festive spirit of the holidays into your mug!
How to Prepare a Christmas Chai Latte Recipe?
Recipe Overview
This Christmas Chai Latte is a warm, creamy drink made with black tea, spices, brown sugar, and whipped cream. It’s one of my favorite holiday drinks when I’m craving holiday flavors without using fancy equipment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Holiday Drink
- Course: Beverage
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 1
- Servings: 1 cup
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: Around 160 per serving
Equipment
- Small pot
- Mug
- Spoon
- Whisk or hand frother (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
For the Chai Latte
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground black pepper
For the Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp of the spice mix (use leftover from the ingredients above)
Ingredient Notes
- Black tea bags work best for quick brewing, but loose leaf black tea gives a deeper chai flavor.
- You can switch brown sugar with white sugar or honey if that’s what you have.
- Whole milk makes it creamy, but any milk works.
- The spice mix is what gives this the classic Christmas chai latte taste.
- A pinch of black pepper may sound odd, but it brings out the warm spices.
How to Make Christmas Chai Latte
1. Make the Spice Mix
Stir the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper together in a small bowl. Keep 1/4 tsp aside for the whipped cream.
2. Heat the Water and Tea
Warm the water in a small pot. Add the black tea bag or tea leaves. Let it steep until the water turns dark and fragrant.
Tip: Don’t boil the tea too long or it can taste bitter.
3. Add the Milk and Brown Sugar
Pour in the milk and add the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar melts.
4. Add the Spice Mix
Add the spice mix into the pot and whisk gently. The smell is what makes this feel like Christmas morning.
5. Simmer
Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes. No need for a full boil.
6. Strain and Pour
Strain the tea into your mug if you used loose tea leaves.
7. Make the Whipped Cream
Whisk the heavy cream with the reserved spice mix until thick and fluffy. You can use a whisk or shake it in a small jar.
8. Assemble
Top your chai latte with a spoonful of spiced whipped cream. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want an extra festive look.
Nutrition Facts (Approx.)
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Variations and Substitutions
Milk Options
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk for a sweeter finish
Sweeteners
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- White sugar
Extra Festive Add-Ins
- A spoon of white chocolate syrup
- A splash of chai tea latte concentrate
- A tiny swirl of caramel
Storage Tips
- Keep leftover chai latte (without whipped cream) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat on low heat to keep the milk from curdling.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this during holiday gatherings with:
- Christmas cookies
- Fruit cake
- Cinnamon rolls
- Holiday treats
- Fresh gingerbread slices
It also pairs well with morning breakfasts during family events.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor.
- Don’t skip the whipped cream. It adds a festive warmth.
- Adjust the sweetness if you like it lighter or richer.
- If you want a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bag longer before adding milk.
- Be careful not to boil the milk too hard.
- Be sure to whisk the spices well, or they may settle.
- Be gentle with black pepper; a little goes a long way.
- Be sure to taste and adjust the sugar to your liking.
Related Drinks You May Like
▶Pumpkin Chai Iced Latte Recipe
▶Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipes
FAQ About Christmas Chai Latte
Q: Can I Make This Without Dairy?
Yes, any plant-based milk will work.
Q: Is This The Same As The Christmas Chai Latte Starbucks Style?
It’s similar, but mine has a homemade Christmas chai flavor that tastes fresher.
Q: Can I Make This Caffeine-Free?
Use rooibos tea instead of black tea.
Q: Can I Turn This Into A Frozen Chai Latte?
Yes. Chill it and blend it with ice for a frozen chai latte recipe.
Q: Can I Make An Iced Chai Latte At Home Using This Recipe?
Yes. Let it cool and pour it over ice for an iced chai latte from scratch.
Conclusion
I hope you get a chance to make this Christmas Chai Latte during your holiday gatherings. It’s warm, creamy, and full of holiday flavors that fit right into the festive season. If you try it, tell me how it turned out. I love hearing your ideas and tips too.
Christmas Chai Latte
Ingredients
For the Chai Latte
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground black pepper
For the Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp of the spice mix use leftover from the ingredients above
Instructions
Make the Spice Mix
- Stir the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper together in a small bowl. Keep 1/4 tsp aside for the whipped cream.
Heat the Water and Tea
- Warm the water in a small pot. Add the black tea bag or tea leaves. Let it steep until the water turns dark and fragrant.
Add the Milk and Brown Sugar
- Pour in the milk and add the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar melts.
Add the Spice Mix
- Add the spice mix into the pot and whisk gently. The smell is what makes this feel like Christmas morning.
Simmer
- Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes. No need for a full boil.
Strain and Pour
- Strain the tea into your mug if you used loose tea leaves.
Make the Whipped Cream
- Whisk the heavy cream with the reserved spice mix until thick and fluffy. You can use a whisk or shake it in a small jar.
Assemble
- Top your chai latte with a spoonful of spiced whipped cream. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want an extra festive look.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the milk too hard.
- Be sure to whisk the spices well, or they may settle.
- Be gentle with black pepper; a little goes a long way.
- Be sure to taste and adjust the sugar to your liking.
Welcome to alljuicecorner.com, your go-to resource for all things juice! I’m Marina, the passionate juice enthusiast and health advocate behind this vibrant community. My journey into the world of juicing began five years ago, sparked by a desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle and explore the nutritional power of fruits and vegetables. I spent countless hours researching, experimenting with different combinations, and understanding the science behind each sip.
I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the juice table. My mission is simple: to share the joy and health benefits of juicing with as many people as possible. Through “alljuicecorner.com,” I aim to demystify the world of juicing, offering easy-to-follow recipes, tips on selecting the right produce, and insights into the health benefits of various ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned juicer or just starting, this blog is designed to be your companion on this delicious journey.
