Description
This Vanilla Chai Latte recipe combines the rich boldness of dark roast coffee with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, blended with creamy vanilla almond milk and sweetened condensed milk for a luscious, comforting beverage perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Spices and Coffee
- 1 cup dark roast coffee (fine-ground)
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Large pinch of salt
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups vanilla almond milk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the spice and coffee blend: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coffee, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ground ginger, allspice, grated fresh ginger, black pepper, cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined. This blend will infuse the latte with its signature chai flavor.
- Brew the coffee-spice mixture: Pour the spice-coffee mixture into a coffee filter for a drip coffee machine, then add the 4 cups of cold water to the machine and brew as usual. Alternatively, place the mixture with cold water into a 48 oz French press coffee maker, cover with the lid while keeping the plunger extended, allow to brew for 4 to 5 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly to extract the brew.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mix: While the coffee brews, combine 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl, mixing well. This will be used as a topping to add sweetness and sparkle.
- Heat and foam the milk: Pour the vanilla almond milk (or regular milk) into a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until the milk becomes foamy and is warmed through, being careful not to boil.
- Combine coffee and sweetened condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a large mixing bowl with a lip or pour spout. Add the brewed coffee mixture and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the latte: Divide the sweetened coffee mixture evenly into four coffee mugs. Use a spoon to gently push aside the foam from the heated milk in the saucepan, then pour a small amount of milk in each mug followed by a spoonful of the milk foam on top to create a creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the foam on each latte for an extra touch of sweetness and spice. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this homemade Vanilla Chai Latte.
Notes
- You can substitute regular milk or any other plant-based milk if almond milk is not preferred.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your taste preference for sweetness and creaminess.
- Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor but pre-ground spices work well too.
- Using the French press method yields a more robust spice flavor extraction.
- The latte can be customized with a dash of vanilla extract if desired for extra aroma.
