Name: Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons chai tea leaves; 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; Whipped cream (optional)

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Busy weeknights call for something comforting yet quick, and this Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew checks all the boxes. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a cozy, satisfying latte in minutes. Sip on this calming, stress-free beverage as you recharge after a long day.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew

This real-life, weeknight-friendly recipe is the ultimate grab-and-go treat. The creamy, aromatic blend of black tea, vanilla, and warm spices creates a comfort-in-a-mug experience that’s both rewarding and easy to make. Plus, with no mess and just one bowl, this single-serve latte comes together in a flash, leaving you with more time to relax.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create this rich and flavorful chai latte. Grab some black tea, milk of your choice, vanilla extract, and a few warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. The result is a cozy, satisfying sip that’s sure to become a new weeknight staple.

1 black tea bag – for a robust, aromatic base
1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice – use dairy, almond, oat, or soy
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract – for a touch of sweetness
1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon – warming spice
1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) ground ginger – a hint of heat
1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) ground cardamom – fragrant complexity

Ingredient Substitutions

Milk Type: Almond, oat, or soy milk all work wonderfully in this recipe and make it dairy-free.
Spices: Adjust the amount of each spice to suit your taste, adding more or less to find your perfect balance of flavors.

How to Make Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew

In just a few simple steps, you can have a cozy, comforting latte ready to sip in no time. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by steeping a black tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes to create a strong, aromatic tea base. While the tea is steeping, gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In a microwave-safe mug, combine the brewed tea, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Microwave the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through and frothy.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Remove the mug from the microwave and give the latte a good stir to fully incorporate the spices. For an extra creamy texture, use a milk frother or whisk to aerate the mixture before serving.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Top your Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for a cafe-worthy finishing touch.

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

Sweetener Swap: Try swapping the vanilla extract for a splash of maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
Tea Variety: Experiment with different tea varieties, such as Assam or Darjeeling, to find your perfect flavor profile.
Richer Latte: For a more indulgent latte, use a combination of milk and half-and-half or heavy cream.
Customize It: No matter how you customize it, this fast, no-mess recipe is sure to satisfy your cozy cravings.

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for a cafe-worthy finishing touch.

Storage: You can prepare the tea base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the tea, add the milk and spices, and microwave until piping hot.

Microwave Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave the latte for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.

Make-Ahead: This single-serve latte is perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of the tea base ahead of time and portion it out into individual servings. Then, when you’re ready for a quick, comforting pick-me-up, just add the milk and spices and microwave.

Nutrition Info

This Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew provides a satisfying boost of comfort and warmth, with just 150 calories and 5 grams of sugar per serving. The combination of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices delivers a nutritious dose of antioxidants, calcium, and anti-inflammatory compounds to help you power through your busy day.

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 80 mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with a variety of milk options, including almond, oat, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and creaminess may vary slightly depending on the milk you choose.

How can I make this latte dairy-free?

To make this Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew dairy-free, simply swap the regular milk for your preferred plant-based milk. Unsweetened almond or oat milk are both excellent choices that will still provide a rich, creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the tea base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the tea, add the milk and spices, and microwave until piping hot.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this single-serve latte is perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of the tea base ahead of time and portion it out into individual servings. Then, when you’re ready for a quick, comforting pick-me-up, just add the milk and spices and microwave.

Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a microwave, you can easily make this Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte on the stovetop. Simply heat the tea, milk, and spices in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and frothy.

Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Mug Brew