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The Recipe · No.282 · Chai Latte

Chai Latte, and where to source it

Chai Latte — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Chai Latte Indian 5best2buy.com

Real masala chai comes from simmering whole spices and black tea in water first, then adding milk, not from a syrup. Crush the whole spices and simmer them hard so they actually give up their oils before the tea steeps.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook15 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineIndian
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Black tea
A strong loose Assam or CTC stands up to milk and spice; bags go bitter if oversteeped.
2 tsprecommended
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Whole spices
Cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and peppercorn crushed fresh are the soul of chai; pre-ground goes flat.
2 tbsp mixedrecommended
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Whole milk
Full-fat milk simmered in gives the creamy body; low-fat tastes thin.
1 1/2 cupsrecommended
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Raw honey
Sweeten off heat to taste; chai should be assertive, not candy-sweet.
2 tbspto taste
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Fresh ginger
A smashed knob of ginger adds the heat that ground can't.
1 inchrecommended
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Bloom the spicesCrush the whole spices and ginger, add to 1 1/2 cups water, and boil hard 5 min to pull out the oils.
  2. Steep the teaAdd the black tea and simmer 3-4 min; longer makes it bitter, shorter makes it weak.
  3. Add milkPour in the milk and bring back to a simmer for 3-4 min, then strain and sweeten with honey.
The Toolkit

Small saucepan · Fine strainer · Mortar and pestle · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Chai Latte ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Chai Latte gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chai Latte vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and honey. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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