Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe: Complete Guide

If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ iconic Chai Tea Latte, you’re not alone! This warm, spiced beverage has become a favorite comfort drink for many, with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.

Whether you’re trying to recreate this Starbucks staple at home or looking to navigate your next Starbucks order like a pro, this guide will cover everything you need to know. From a copycat recipe to tips on ordering, we’ve got you covered!

Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Copycat Recipe

Creating a Starbucks-style Chai Tea Latte at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple recipe that closely mimics the flavors you love, with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

Chai Concentrate: You can either buy a pre-made chai concentrate (like Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate, which Starbucks uses) or make your own chai concentrate from scratch (recipe below).
Milk: Choose your preferred milk—whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or whatever you like best. For a creamier taste, opt for whole milk.
Sweetener: Typically, Starbucks uses liquid cane sugar in their chai lattes, but you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or any sweetener you prefer.
Ice (optional): If you prefer an iced chai latte, simply add ice to your cup after making the drink.

Instructions:

Prepare the Chai Concentrate: If you’re using a store-bought concentrate, skip to step 2. If you’re making your own chai concentrate:
- Boil 1 cup of water and steep 4-5 chai tea bags in the hot water for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice) until dissolved. Allow this to cool before using it.
Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of your chosen milk over medium heat until it’s warm, but not boiling. Stir occasionally.
Combine the Chai and Milk: In a mug, combine 1/2 cup of your chai concentrate with 1/2 cup of steamed milk. If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, you can adjust the ratio to taste.
Sweeten: Add your sweetener to taste. If you’re using liquid cane sugar, 2-3 pumps are typically sufficient for a balanced sweetness.
Froth the Milk (Optional but recommended): For a frothy texture like Starbucks, use a milk frother to froth your milk before adding it to the chai concentrate. If you don’t have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously in the pan or use a blender to achieve a similar effect.
Serve: Pour the mixture into your favorite mug, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor, and enjoy!

How to Order a Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks

Ordering at Starbucks can be a little intimidating, but once you know the lingo, it’s easy! Here’s how to order a Chai Tea Latte like a pro:

Basic Order:
“I’ll have a Hot Chai Tea Latte, please.”
“Can I get an Iced Chai Tea Latte, please?”

You can always customize the order based on your preferences. Here are some common modifications:

Adjust the sweetness:
- Less sweet: Ask for fewer pumps of chai concentrate or sweetener (e.g., “Can I get it with half the sweetener?”)
- More sweet: Ask for extra pumps of liquid cane sugar or your sweetener of choice.
Milk options:
- You can choose from a variety of milk options, such as whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and more. For a creamier texture, opt for whole milk or oat milk.
Temperature:
- Hot or iced: Simply specify whether you’d like it hot or iced. Hot drinks are generally served at 150-160°F, but you can request a custom temperature. For example: “Can I get my chai latte at 130°F?”
Spice it up:
- If you like your chai with an extra punch of spice, you can ask for more cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top. You can also ask for an extra pump of chai concentrate for a more intense flavor.

Helpful Tips for Chai Tea Latte Lovers

Vegan and Dairy-Free Options: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, Starbucks offers several plant-based milk choices such as oat, almond, and coconut milk. Just remember that certain milk options may alter the flavor slightly. Oat milk is often the best choice for a creamy, rich texture.
Decaf Chai: If you prefer a caffeine-free option, you can ask for decaf chai concentrate, and your Chai Tea Latte will be just as delicious without the caffeine.
Hot vs. Iced: The difference between a hot and iced Chai Tea Latte is mainly the temperature of the milk, with iced versions using cold milk and ice cubes. If you’re enjoying your drink in the warmer months, the iced version can be a refreshing choice, but if you’re craving comfort in winter, the hot version is perfect.
Chai Tea Latte vs. Dirty Chai Latte: If you’re a fan of espresso, you can opt for a Dirty Chai Latte by adding a shot (or two) of espresso to your Chai Tea Latte. This adds a strong coffee flavor that blends wonderfully with the spices of the chai.
How to Store Leftover Chai Concentrate: If you’ve made your own chai concentrate, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply reheat and add milk when you’re ready for your next Chai Tea Latte.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to enjoy your Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks or make it yourself at home, knowing the ins and outs of this beloved drink can help you get the perfect cup every time.

With just a few simple ingredients and some customization options, you can easily recreate this Starbucks classic in your own kitchen. Plus, knowing how to order at Starbucks will make your next visit a breeze. Cheers to your perfect cup of chai!