Because of my gut sensitivity, I can’t have too much coffee. I am a chai lover and I love it.
I made a christmas chai latte here that was a huge hit so I thought I’d tweak it a bit to create this cozy maple chai.
This maple chai latte is warm, gently spiced, lightly sweet, and incredibly comforting, the kind of drink you make when the weather turns cozy or when you want your kitchen to smell amazing for a few quiet minutes.
I love making this at home because it feels indulgent but still simple, and honestly, it tastes better when you make it slowly and exactly the way you like.
I’m adding variations and substitutes at the bottom of the recipe.
Tips to Make It Even More Delicious
- For a super silky texture, I use this milk frother, this causes the milk to become nice and foamy like the one you get in a cafe.
- Use fresh spices instead of powders for the best fragrance.
- Add 1 tsp brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- Using real maple syrup makes a big difference here, as it adds depth instead of just sweetness, and a pure maple syrup with a darker grade gives the best flavor.
- Gently simmering the spices instead of rushing them allows the chai flavor to develop fully, and a small heavy-bottom saucepan helps prevent scorching.
- If you love strong chai, add a second tea bag or steep the tea an extra minute before adding the milk. I use loose tea leaves.
Maple Chai Latte
Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 cup milk of choice
½ cup water
1 black tea bag or loose-leaf chai tea
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
Pinch of ground ginger
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of black pepper
Optional toppings: whipped cream or frothed milk, extra maple syrup, chopped pistachios
Directions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle simmer, then add the tea bag or loose tea along with the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, letting it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the spices fully infuse the water.
- Lower the heat and add the milk, warming it slowly without boiling, then stir in the maple syrup and let everything heat together for another 3–4 minutes until steaming and fragrant.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the tea if needed, then pour the latte into your favorite mug, topping it with whipped cream or frothed milk if you like, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of nuts or spices.
Notes
- This is one of my favorite beverages to make during the week.
Variations and Substitutes
- This latte can be made caffeine-free by using rooibos or decaf black tea.
- Oat milk makes it extra cozy and thick, while almond milk gives a lighter, nutty flavor.
- Vanilla extract can be added for a maple-vanilla chai twist.
- For an iced version, brew the chai strong, let it cool, then pour over ice with cold milk and maple syrup.
Conclusion
It’s the perfect drink for reading, enjoying on the balcony, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself. I hope this recipe becomes one of your cozy routines.
