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Attention, busy home cooks! Get ready to sip on a delightful Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte that’s as quick to make as it is comforting. This easy-peasy recipe is your new best friend for those hectic mornings or cozy afternoons when you need a real-life pick-me-up. Forget the overpriced coffee shop version – with just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you can have a barista-worthy drink in mere minutes. Let’s dive in and make your day a little sweeter (and spicier)!

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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte

This Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte is the ultimate weeknight treat for busy folks like us. It’s a cozy, calming beverage that’s perfect for sipping on a stressful day or curling up with on a lazy weekend. The warming blend of chai spices, creamy vanilla, and a hint of sweetness will transport you to a state of pure comfort and satisfaction. Best of all, it comes together in a flash with minimal effort, so you can enjoy a barista-quality drink without the fuss or hefty price tag. Whether you’re craving a grab-and-go breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a soothing nightcap, this Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte has got your back.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

To make this delectable Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. You’ll start with a base of milk (dairy or non-dairy, your choice!), then add in black tea, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. That’s it – no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, just real-life magic in a mug.

1 cup (240 ml) – Milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
1 black tea bag or 1 tsp (5 ml) loose leaf black tea
1 tsp (5 ml) – Pure vanilla extract
1-2 tsp (5-10 ml) – Honey or maple syrup (to taste)
1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) each – Ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves

Ingredient Substitutions

Milk: Almond, oat, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer (for a dairy-free option)
Sweetener: Brown sugar, agave, or a touch of molasses (for dietary needs)

How to Make Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte

Let’s get this party started! Whipping up a cozy Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte is as easy as 1-2-3 (and 4!).

Step 1: Prep Work

To begin, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a microwave-safe mug or bowl, a whisk or small spoon, and a measuring spoon or two. Easy-peasy!

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In your microwave-safe vessel, combine the milk, black tea, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and your desired spices. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well-incorporated.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Pop your chai latte mixture in the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot and steaming. For a frothy, café-style finish, use your whisk to vigorously blend the latte until it’s nice and foamy.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

To serve, pour your spiced vanilla chai latte into your favorite mug. Feel free to get creative with toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of extra honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your cozy, comforting creation!

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

Use Quality Tea: Be sure to use a high-quality black tea for the best flavor, whether it’s loose leaf or tea bags.
Milk Matters: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different milk varieties until you find your perfect match.
Espresso Shot: For a rich, indulgent twist, try adding a shot of espresso or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Amp Up the Spice: If you’re craving a little extra zing, increase the amount of ginger or cardamom.

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: A sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of extra honey, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage: Refrigerate any leftover chai latte in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy, simply give it a quick reheat in the microwave until hot and steamy.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chai latte mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and give it a stir or whisk before serving.

Nutrition Info

This Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte is a surprisingly nutritious treat! Depending on the type of milk and sweetener you use, a single serving can provide a good dose of calcium, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Plus, the antioxidant-rich black tea and warming spices offer additional health benefits. So sip away, guilt-free!

Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
Calories: 160 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 20 g
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 105 mg

FAQs

Can I make this chai latte with regular tea instead of black tea?

Absolutely! While black tea is the traditional choice, you can definitely experiment with other tea varieties like green, rooibos, or even herbal tea. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary a bit.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

No problem! This chai latte recipe works beautifully with any non-dairy milk you prefer – almond, oat, coconut, soy, or even cashew milk. Simply swap out the regular milk and you’re good to go.

Can I make this in advance?

For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte fresh. However, you can certainly prepare the chai latte mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the microwave and give it a good stir or whisk to recombine the ingredients.

How can I make this recipe extra creamy?

To take your chai latte to the next level of creaminess, try using whole milk or a higher-fat non-dairy milk. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. And don’t forget to whisk it vigorously to create that perfect frothy texture.

Is this recipe caffeine-free?

Not quite – the black tea in this recipe does contain caffeine. However, you can easily make a decaffeinated version by using decaf black tea or swapping in a caffeine-free herbal tea instead.

Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte