Introduction

The Christmas Chai Latte is a warm, spiced beverage that perfectly captures the festive spirit. Combining rich black tea with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, it’s topped with a creamy, lightly spiced whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

A white mug with green Christmas tree and star patterns is filled with a creamy light brown drink, topped with a thick swirl of white whipped cream. A light dusting of brown cinnamon powder is sprinkled on top of the whipped cream. Some of the creamy drink has spilled slightly down the side of the mug and onto the wooden surface beneath. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
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 (see instructions below)
1 tsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the spice mix by combining the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of this blend for the whipped cream.
Step 2: In a saucepan, mix the water, black tea leaves or bag, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the milk and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves or bags and spice sediments. Keep it warm as you prepare the whipped cream.
Step 5: Whisk the heavy cream, honey, and reserved 1/4 teaspoon of spice mix together in a bowl until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for ease.
Step 6: Spoon or pipe the spiced whipped cream over the chai latte. For a festive finish, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or a creamy plant-based milk like oat or almond for a richer latte.
Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness, or substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for whipping.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for added warmth.
If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, steep the tea a bit longer before adding milk.

Storage

This chai latte is best enjoyed fresh. You can refrigerate any leftover chai base (without whipped cream) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. Whipped cream should be made fresh for topping.

How to Serve

A white ceramic mug with green Christmas tree and star patterns holds a creamy drink. The mug is filled almost to the top with a light brown liquid, likely hot chocolate or coffee, topped with a large swirl of white whipped cream dusted with light brown cinnamon powder. Some of the drink and cream overflow and drip down the side of the mug, resting on a wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tea for this latte?

While black tea is traditional and provides a robust base, you can experiment with other black teas like Assam or Darjeeling. Green tea or herbal teas will change the flavor profile significantly and may require adjustments in spice.

How do I make the whipped cream without an electric mixer?

You can whisk heavy cream by hand using a balloon whisk. It takes more time and effort but is definitely possible. Whisk quickly in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.