Pin Indulge in the spirit of the holidays with this Christmas Chai Latte. This festive drink combines the bold flavors of black tea with a medley of aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, all softened by creamy milk and a decadent spiced whipped cream topping.
Pin Creating this drink is a simple way to bring a touch of holiday magic to your day. The combination of heat and spice makes it the perfect companion for a chilly winter afternoon, offering comfort and flavor in every mug.
Ingredients
- Chai Base:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or 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
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Spiced Whipped Cream:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option)
- 1/4 tsp reserved spice mix (see instructions)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Spice Mix
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Reserve 1/4 teaspoon of this spice mix for the whipped cream.
- 2. Brew the Chai
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, black tea, brown sugar, and the remaining spice mix. Heat gently over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 3. Add Milk and Steep
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes.
- 4. Strain
- Remove from heat and strain the chai into a mug to remove tea leaves (or tea bag) and spice sediments.
- 5. Make the Spiced Whipped Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, honey, and reserved spice mix until soft peaks form. Use a hand whisk or electric mixer as preferred.
- 6. Serve
- Top the chai latte with a generous spoonful or dollop of spiced whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra festivity.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your personal preference. For extra warmth and depth, add a splash of vanilla extract during the steeping process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and coconut cream, and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
This latte pairs beautifully with gingerbread cookies for a classic holiday treat. The spicy notes of the tea complement the ginger and molasses flavors of the cookies perfectly.
Pin With its inviting aroma and rich, layered flavors, this Christmas Chai Latte is the ultimate seasonal treat. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of the holidays in every cozy sip.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I make a vegan version of this drink?
Use plant-based milk instead of dairy and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. For spiced whipped cream, opt for coconut cream.
- → Can I adjust the spice levels?
Absolutely, you can increase or reduce spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger to suit your taste preferences.
- → What is the best way to steep the chai for optimal flavor?
Simmer the tea and spices gently, then add milk and steep for about five minutes over low heat to allow flavors to meld without bitterness.
- → How do I achieve soft peaks in the whipped cream?
Whip the heavy or coconut cream along with the reserved spice mix and sweetener until soft peaks form, using a whisk or electric mixer for best results.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this beverage?
A small saucepan for simmering, a whisk or mixer for the cream, a fine mesh strainer for clarity, and a mug to serve.