I still remember the first time I tried a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks. During a ferocious winter storm, I ducked into the nearest coffee shop to escape the cold. I scanned the menu for something different and settled on the chai latte. That first sip was a revelation—warming, aromatic, and perfectly spiced. What started as a random choice quickly became my go-to order.
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Unfortunately, my new habit was wreaking havoc on my budget. At nearly $5 per cup, my daily chai latte was becoming an expensive indulgence. Out of necessity, I began experimenting at home, determined to recreate that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. After several attempts (and a few disappointing cups), I finally created a version that not only matched Starbucks’ signature drink but also allowed me to customize it exactly to my taste preferences. Best of all, it costs a fraction of the price!
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What Makes This Chai Tea Latte Special
Unlike many copycat recipes that rely on pre-made chai concentrates, this recipe starts with actual tea bags, giving you complete control over the strength and flavor profile. The addition of vanilla syrup—just like Starbucks uses—creates that distinctive smooth sweetness that perfectly complements the complex spice blend.
Customization is truly special when making chai tea lattes at home. Want it spicier? Add more ginger or black pepper. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the vanilla syrup. This recipe empowers you to create your perfect cup while capturing that authentic Starbucks experience.
Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Ingredients
For a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks, you’ll need:
- Water – Creates the base for brewing the tea, allowing the extraction of flavors from the tea leaves and spices
- Chai tea bags – provide the essential spiced black tea flavor profile that forms the foundation of the drink; Tazo or Teavana brands are recommended for authenticity
- 2% milk – Adds creaminess and body while being less heavy than whole milk; creates the perfect balance of richness and drinkability
- Vanilla syrup – Contributes sweetness and a subtle vanilla flavor that rounds out the spicy notes; this is Starbucks’ signature addition that differentiates their chai latte from traditional versions
The key to this recipe is using a chai tea that you love. You can certainly use Tazo chai concentrate to make things a bit easier, but you can also use chai tea in a bag or even a loose-leaf traditional chai blend.
How to make chai tea latte like Starbucks
To make this Chai Tea Latte beverage:
- To make chai tea from scratch, boil water and brew for four to five minutes using two tea bags or double the amount of chai tea blend as usual. If you are using chai tea concentrate, skip this step.
- While the tea is brewing, froth the milk. Use the steam wand on an espresso machine or an electric frother that heats the milk if you own one. Otherwise, heat the milk in the microwave on HIGH for 40 seconds and use a wand frother or shake the heated milk in a sealed jar until frothy.
- Transfer the brewed chai tea or chai tea concentrate into the serving cup and stir in the vanilla syrup.
- Pour the hot milk into the serving cup and use a spoon to top the chai tea with any remaining milk foam.
What to serve with a chai tea latte
Since a Chai Latte is bursting with flavor, it is perhaps best to pair it with something a bit bland. Pound cake or butter cookies would make ideal snacks.
Does chai tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Black tea is one of the ingredients in chai. According to Starbucks, the chain’s 16 oz Chai Tea Latte contains 95 mg of caffeine. A homemade Chai Latte may have more or less caffeine, depending on how you make it.Â
Starbucks Chai Tea Latte (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 Chai tea bags
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 ounce vanilla syrup
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil. When the water is boiling, pour it into a large mug.
- Add the tea bags and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- When the milk is hot, froth it using a milk frother or by shaking the milk in a jar with a lid until it has doubled in size. If you use a jar to shake the milk, be sure to fasten the lid well and shake for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the vanilla syrup into the tea and stir.
- Pour the frothed milk into the tea and spoon any remaining milk froth on top.
Video
Notes
Pro tips for success
- Make ahead: Brew a stronger chai concentrate (using 4 tea bags and the same amount of water) and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Dilute with hot water and add frothed milk when ready to serve.
- Batch preparation: For entertaining, multiply the recipe and keep the chai base warm in a slow cooker. Let guests add their own frothed milk.
- Serving temperature: Chai lattes are best enjoyed immediately while hot. The ideal temperature is around 160°F (71°C).
- Presentation: Serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the layers of chai and milk. Add garnishes like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a light dusting of nutmeg for visual appeal.
Nutrition
Favorite Starbucks Recipes
- Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
- Caramel Latte
- Honey Almond Milk Flat White
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea
- London Fog Tea Latte
- Strawberry Frappuccino
- Starbucks Hot Chocolate
- White Mocha
- Very Berry Hibiscus Tea Refresher
- Violet Drink
Popular Fast Food Drinks
Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes on CopyKat!
Customization Options
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk alternatives: Substitute 2% milk with oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Oat milk creates the creamiest non-dairy version.
- Sweetener options: Replace vanilla syrup with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar plus a few drops of vanilla extract.
- Tea selection: While Tazo and Teavana chai tea bags provide the most authentic Starbucks flavor, any quality chai tea blend will work. Loose leaf chai allows for even more customization.
- Spice adjustments: Enhance your brew with additional fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, or star anise during steeping for a more pronounced spice profile.
Dietary Modifications
- Lower calorie version: Use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup to reduce calories.
- Vegan option: Use any plant-based milk and ensure your vanilla syrup is vegan (most commercial brands are).
- Caffeine-free alternative: Look for decaffeinated chai tea bags or make your own spice blend without the black tea.
Flavor Variations
- Dirty Chai: Add a shot of espresso for a coffee-chai fusion with extra caffeine.
- Spiced Vanilla Chai: Add an extra dash of cinnamon and ginger to the milk before frothing.
- Iced Chai Latte: Use the same recipe but cool the brewed tea, then pour over ice and top with cold frothed milk.
- Pumpkin Chai Latte: Add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice to the milk before heating.
- Chocolate Chai: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the milk before heating and frothing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Starbucks Chai Tea Lattes at home isn’t just about saving money (though you’ll save plenty)—it’s about crafting a perfectly tailored drink to your preferences. Controlling the ingredients allows you to adjust the sweetness, spice level, and creaminess to create your ideal chai experience.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about mastering a cafe-quality drink in your kitchen. The aromatic process of brewing chai fills your home with the warming scents of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond the drink itself.
So the next time a craving strikes or you need something comforting on a chilly day, skip the drive-thru line and treat yourself to this homemade version. Your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you!
Great recipe and very easy to make. Tastes just like the bigbucks version.