This chocolate chai latte combines the warm, spicy notes of chai tea with the creamy richness of hot chocolate. It combines the best of both worlds when it comes to cozy hot drinks!
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I've been a chai tea latte fan long before I ever became a coffee drinker (three kids ago, to be exact). There's something about that blend of warm spices that's so comforting.
At home, I usually grab a bottle of chai concentrate and mix it with milk for a quick caffeine boost. For this recipe I wanted to switch things up and create the perfect balance of bold chai spice and smooth, chocolatey sweetness.
The result? A homemade chocolate chai that's warm, creamy, and easy to make.
True chocolate lovers, try this Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate recipe!
What is Chai?
The word chai simply means "tea." When most people say chai tea, they're really referring to masala chai which is a blend of black tea steeped with spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
When paired with chocolate, those same warm spices bring a depth of flavor that makes this drink feel extra special and cozy.
Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make this cozy chai hot chocolate. Find full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Chai Tea Bags: Use your favorite brand. Most are made with black tea blended with classic chai spices.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but 2% or non-dairy options will work too.
- Chai Spice Mix: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves doubles down on the yummy chai flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Works with the warmth of the spices to complement both the tea and chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa or Dutch-process for a rich chocolate taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings the whole drink together with a smooth, sweet finish.
How to Make Chocolate Chai
Step 1: First step is to make a strong brew of the tea that will stand up to the richness of the chocolate.
Bring ½ cup of water to a boil, turn off the heat, add the tea bag and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the tea bag from the saucepan and put the pan back over medium heat. Whisk in brown sugar, cocoa and spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer to heat everything through again. You don't want to boil the mixture as it could cause the milk to curdle.
Step 4: Remove the chocolate chai from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Divide the latte between two mugs and top with desired toppings (ideas below).
Topping Ideas
Dress it up or keep it simple. Here are a few ways to make your chocolate chai extra special:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Cinnamon stick (also doubles as a stir stick!)
- Star anise - it looks gorgeous and adds a touch of licorice flavor
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Extra chai spice or cinnamon sprinkled on top
Serve with sweet treats like Molasses Ginger Cookies, Butterscotch Pretzel Rice Krispies or a serving of Easy Apple Cobbler.
Recipe Swaps & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Oat milk gives the best creamy texture.
- Stronger Tea Flavor: Try English Breakfast, Assam, or Darjeeling tea.
- Iced Chocolate Chai: Let the mixture cool completely, then store in a jar for up to 4 days. Shake or stir before serving and pour over ice.
- Dirty Chocolate Chai: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick.
Storage Tips
Make Ahead: Scale the recipe and make a bigger batch of the tea concentrate. The chai tea base can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking in between.
Cold Version: Chill completely and serve over ice.
More Drink Recipes You'll Love
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Chocolate Chai Latte
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan bring water to a simmer. Turn off the heat, add the tea bag, and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.½ cup water, 1 chai tea bag
- While the tea is steeping combine cocoa powder, brown sugar and spices in a small bowl.½ tsp. ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp. ground ginger, ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp. ground cardamom, ⅛ tsp. ground cloves, 2 tbsp. cocoa powder, 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- After 5 minutes, remove tea bag from the water and place saucepan back over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa/sugar/spice mixture. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add milk and heat through to a gentle simmer. Turn off the heat and add vanilla.1-½ cups milk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon or chai spice.
Notes
- Dairy-free milks such as oat, almond or coconut milk along with dairy-free chocolate could be used.
- Need more caffeine? Add a shot of espresso at the end for a "dirty chai" chocolate latte.
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