How to Make Instant Chai Latte

There’s something extra cozy about curling up with a blanket and a mug of chai. This homemade instant chai latte mix is the perfect combination of sweetness and warming flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, all spice, ginger and black pepper. By making an instant chai mix, you can enjoy a cozy spiced tea anywhere you go! This ready to make mix is perfect for traveling, camping or as a shelf stable option in your pantry!

The Tea In Homemade Instant Chai Latte Mix

Chai is traditionally made with a black tea. To make this an instant chai latte, this recipe uses instant black tea. Using instant black tea still provides the delicious, classic flavor with the benefit of not needing to steep a bag of tea!

The easiest place to find instant black tea powder is on Amazon. Although , you may be able to find it at a local specialty store or specific tea stores online. When purchasing instant tea powder, be sure the only ingredient is black tea!

The Spices In Instant Chai Latte

Although the spices of chai are not one set of ingredients, the spices of this instant chai tea latte include ground spices of cinnamon ginger, all spice, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. If you’re looking to purchase spices in bulk, Azure Standard is a great place to look!

Although chai is normally made with whole spices steeped in water, that doesn’t lend well to making an instant cup of tea! So, instead of whole spices, this recipe calls for using all ground spices. This helps each scoop have as equal of flavor as possible!

Why Make Instant Chai Latte Mix?

If you like to enjoy a chai latte on a regular basis or seasonally, you will quickly realize the cost to purchase the concentrate can add up. 

Making an instant chai tea mixture at home is a great option to get a similar drink without spending a fortune! When you make this drink mix from scratch, you can also control the flavor and ingredients used. If you find you really don’t like the addition of cardamom, or any of the other ingredients, you can always reduce or eliminate that ingredient. You are also able to change how sweet your chai is! If you prefer a spicier chai over sweet, you can reduce the sweetener used to your preference.  

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? You might be interested in making Vanilla Bean Paste or Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Chai vs Chai Tea

In India where chai originates, chai is the Hindu word for tea. So, if you call this drink a “chai tea” the translation would mean you’ve said “tea tea”. While it’s common in the United States to call this drink a chai tea, that’s technically not correct. 

Ingredients for Instant Chai Powder

2 Tbsp Black Tea Powder

2 Tbsp ground cinnamon 

1 ½ Tbsp ground ginger

2 ¼ tsp ground cardamom

¼  tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

¼ tsp all spice 

⅛ tsp fine black pepper

1 pinch ground clove

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp milk powder (whole milk powder or coconut milk powder)

¾ cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp Arrowroot powder

Directions 

In a medium bowl, add all ingredients and whisk together until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Once all ingredients are well combined, transfer to a pint sized canning jar and secure with an air tight lid.

Using Your Instant Chai Latte Mix

To make an 8 oz iced chai latte, add 2-3 tablespoons of your latte mix to a cup with 4 ounces of hot water and mix vigorously with a whisk or fork. Add remaining 4 ounces of water or milk and mix well. When the mixture is well incorporated add ice and enjoy! 

To make a hot chai latte, add 2-3 tablespoons of your latte mix to an 8 oz cup of hot water or milk and mix vigorously with a whisk or fork. When the mixture is well incorporated, your latte is ready to enjoy!

Tip: For an extra creamy chai latte, replace half of the water with your choice of milk or cream!

Homemade Instant Chai Latte Mix FAQ:

What Tea Does This Instant Chai Latte Use? 

To make this an instant chai latte, this recipe uses instant black tea. Using instant black tea still provides the delicious, classic flavor with the benefit of not needing to steep a bag of tea!

What’s the difference between Chai and Chai Tea?

In India where chai originates, chai is the Hindu word for tea. So, if you call this drink a “chai tea” the translation would mean you’ve said “tea tea”. While it’s common in the United States to call this drink a chai tea, that’s technically not correct. 

What Spices Are In Instant Chai Tea Latte Mix?

Although the spices of chai are not one set of ingredients, the spices of this instant chai tea latte include ground spices of cinnamon ginger, all spice, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper.

How Can I Make This Chai Latte More Creamy?

If you want to make a creamier chai latte, I suggest using whole milk in place of half or three quarters of the water suggested in the recipe. For each 8 oz cup, that would be 4-6 oz of milk and 2-4 oz of water.

If you like an extra creamy chai latte, use a few splashes of heavy cream too!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to know! Tag @MissysHomestead on Instagram or comment below