There’s nothing quite like a chai latte—the cozy warmth of black tea blended with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, all softened with milk.
At Starbucks, the Chai Tea Latte has become a fan-favorite, whether enjoyed hot on a chilly morning or iced for a refreshing pick-me-up. The good news? You don’t need a barista to enjoy one. With this Starbucks chai tea latte recipe, you can recreate it at home in just minutes using simple, readily available ingredients.
I’ve always loved how versatile chai can be. On hectic mornings with my twins, I’ll sometimes make the iced version for a quick boost, and on calmer evenings, I love sipping the hot version while winding down. It feels like a hug in a mug, and it’s surprisingly easy to adapt to whatever mood or season you’re in. For me, it’s one of those rituals that brings a little joy into everyday life—something warm and grounding, yet refreshing when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe
- Better than takeout – Save money and trips to Starbucks without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and easy – Ready in 5 minutes or less, perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or milk type to your liking.
- Hot or iced – One recipe, two delicious ways to enjoy it.
- Kid-friendly twist available – Make a caffeine-free version for little ones using rooibos chai.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for the iced version (and notes for hot, too):
- Chai concentrate (⅓ cup) – You can buy pre-made chai concentrate (like Tazo or Oregon Chai) or make your own by steeping strong chai tea bags with sugar and spices. If you prefer less sweetness, choose an unsweetened version.
- Milk (1 cup) – Dairy, oat, almond, or coconut milk all work well. Oat milk is extra creamy, almond milk adds a nutty note, and coconut milk gives a tropical twist.
- Ice (1 cup) – For iced lattes only. If you want to avoid watered-down chai, try making “chai ice cubes” by freezing leftover concentrate.
Optional add-ins:
- A shot of espresso for a dirty chai latte
- Pumpkin spice or nutmeg sprinkled on top
- Vanilla syrup or honey for added sweetness
- Whipped cream for a coffeehouse treat
Tips for Making This Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe
- Don’t dilute the chai – Always pour concentrate first, then add ice, then milk. This way, the flavor stays strong.
- Froth your milk – Especially for the hot latte. Frothed milk makes the drink feel more indulgent and café-like.
- Control the sweetness – Store-bought chai concentrates vary in sweetness. Taste before adding any extra sweetener.
- Make a big batch – Homemade chai concentrate lasts up to a week in the fridge. You can prep once and enjoy lattes all week long.
- Play with spices – Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to boost flavor.
FAQs About the Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Can I make my own chai concentrate?
Yes! Steep 4–5 black tea bags with cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, and ginger. Add sugar or honey to taste. Strain and refrigerate. This way, you can control the sweetness and spice level.
Is the Starbucks chai latte caffeinated?
Yes. Since it’s made with black tea, it does contain caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try rooibos chai for a naturally caffeine-free option.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely! Look for unsweetened chai concentrate, or make your own at home and sweeten with stevia, monk fruit, or a touch of maple syrup.
What’s the difference between chai tea and a chai latte?
Chai tea is simply black tea brewed with spices, while a chai latte includes milk and often a sweeter flavor profile.
How do I make it stronger?
Use a 1:1 ratio of chai concentrate to milk instead of the standard ⅓ concentrate to 1 cup milk. For an even bolder version, steep extra tea bags when making homemade concentrate.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the chai concentrate and milk together and store in the fridge. For iced versions, just add ice when serving.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Dirty Chai Latte – Add one or two shots of espresso for extra caffeine.
- Iced Vanilla Chai Latte – Stir in a splash of vanilla syrup for smooth sweetness.
- Pumpkin Chai Latte – Mix pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice into your milk before pouring.
- Coconut Chai Latte – Use coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Holiday Chai Latte – Drizzle with caramel or sprinkle with nutmeg for festive vibes.
Pair your chai latte with a cheese Danish, scone, or banana bread for a complete coffee shop experience at home.
Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Instructions (Iced Chai Tea Latte):
- Pour chai concentrate into a tall glass.
- Add a full cup of ice.
- Slowly pour milk over the ice and chai, watching the swirls blend.
- Serve immediately without stirring for that layered look.
- Instructions (Hot Chai Tea Latte):
- Heat chai concentrate in a small saucepan or microwave until warm.
- Warm milk separately and froth using a whisk, frother, or blender.
- Pour warm chai into a mug, then top with frothed milk.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Notes
- Store-bought chai concentrate is quick and easy, but homemade gives you full control over sweetness and spice.
- For toddlers: Traditional chai has caffeine and bold spices, so it’s not ideal for little ones. You can, however, make a caffeine-free rooibos chai latte with lighter spices for them to enjoy alongside you.
- Adjust ratios to taste: Starbucks often uses a 1:1 concentrate-to-milk ratio for a bolder flavor.
- Double or triple the recipe if making for a group.
If you try this Starbucks chai tea latte recipe, let me know in the comments! Do you love it iced, hot, or with a creative twist? Your feedback helps other chai lovers discover this recipe and inspires me to keep sharing cozy, café-style favorites you can make at home.
More Starbucks Drinks to Try
- Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Dunkin Strawberry Dragon fruit Refresher (Copycat Recipe)
- Summer Berry Refresher Starbucks (Copycat Recipe)
- Starbucks Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher (Copycat Recipe)
- Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink