Introduction
If you’ve ever fallen in love with the cosy, spiced flavour of a Starbucks Chai Latte, you’re not alone! This drink recipe has become one of the most popular tea-based lattes on the Starbucks menu, and now you can recreate it at home with this easy recipe.
» As a chef, I love taking coffee shop favourites and making them in my kitchen—not only does it save money, but it also gives me control over sweetness, spice, and creaminess. Trust me, this version will rival your favourite barista-made cup!
» Did you know chai tea is consumed by over 900 million people globally each day? But heading to Starbucks every time can get pricey.
That’s why I’m sharing the Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe, you can recreate at home — creamy, aromatic, and just as comforting (if not better!). Whether you like it iced or hot, dairy or dairy-free.
So let’s dive in!
👉 What is a Starbucks Chai Latte?
» A Starbucks Chai Latte is a modern twist on masala chai, a traditional Indian spiced tea. Starbucks adapted the bold black tea and spice blend, pairing it with steamed milk and a sweetener for a creamy, café-style beverage.
» Bold black tea forms the base.
» Chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, pepper) create warmth and depth.
» Frothy milk gives it that classic latte texture.
» Sweetener balances everything into a smooth, comforting cup.
It’s the ultimate “hug in a mug” drink—soothing in winter, refreshing iced in summer, and perfect any time of year.
👉 Why I Love Making Starbucks Chai Lattes at Home
» As someone who used to line up at Starbucks just for their chai latte, I eventually realised how quickly those $5 drinks add up. I’m all about indulging in cosy drinks, but not at the cost of my grocery budget! That’s when I started experimenting with homemade chai, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer.
» Chai tea lattes are more than just delicious. They’re a hug in a mug. The warming spices, creamy milk, and subtle sweetness make it the perfect drink for relaxing, working, or even powering through errands.
» Let’s dive into how to make your Starbucks-inspired version in 2026!
👉 Are Chai Lattes Full of Sugar?
» Yes, especially at Starbucks. A grande chai latte contains about 42g of sugar. Homemade versions can be made lower in sugar by adjusting sweetener levels or using unsweetened milk.
👉 Kitchen Equipment Required For Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe
To make your Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe smooth and mess-free, gather these basic kitchen tools:
♥ Small saucepan – for brewing tea or simmering spices
♥ Tea strainer or mesh sieve – to strain whole spices if making a concentrate from scratch
♥ Milk frother – handheld, electric, or steam wand (optional, but highly recommended)
♥ Mug or heatproof glass – for serving
♥ Measuring spoons and cups – to keep flavour ratios consistent
♥ Whisk or spoon – for stirring the sweetener and milk
♥ Mason jar with lid (optional) – to froth milk manually if you don’t have a frother
♥ Stovetop or electric kettle
Optional equipment:
♥ Blender – for extra-frothy milk
♥ Espresso machine or Moka pot – if you’re making a dirty chai version
♥ Fine microplane – to freshly grate nutmeg or cinnamon on top
Ingredients Needed for Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe
♥ To recreate the rich, spiced flavour of a Starbucks Chai Latte at home, you’ll need a blend of quality tea, spices, milk, and a sweetener.
♥ Below are two ingredient options: one for the quick version using chai tea bags or concentrate, and one for making your spiced chai concentrate from scratch.
👉 Quick Version (Using Tea Bags)
♥ Chai tea bags (Tazo brand closely mimics Starbucks)
♥ 1 cup water
♥ 1 cup milk (2% for Starbucks-style or oat/almond for dairy-free)
♥ 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (white sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
♥ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavour
♥ Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional topping)
👉 Homemade Chai Spice Concentrate
Use this version if you want to skip tea bags and build your spice base:
♥ 2 black tea bags
♥ 1 cup water
♥ 1 cinnamon stick
♥ 4–5 green cardamom pods (slightly crushed)
♥ 4 whole cloves
♥ 4–5 black peppercorns
♥ 1 sliced ginger or ground ginger
♥ 2–3 teaspoons of brown sugar or maple syrup
♥ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
👉 Milk Options (Your Preference)
♥ 2% milk (what Starbucks typically uses)
♥ Oat milk (for a creamy, dairy-free option)
♥ Almond milk (light and nutty)
♥ Coconut milk (adds a subtle tropical note)
♥ Soy milk (rich and frothy)
🔄 All milk types can be frothed using a frother, blender, or mason jar method.
How to Make a Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe at Home
This method helps you recreate the iconic Starbucks chai latte recipe experience right in your kitchen—creamy, spiced, sweet, and fully customizable.
Let’s break it down:
👉 Step 1: Brew Your Chai Base
Option A – Using Chai Tea Bags (Tazo-style):
♥ Boil 1 cup (240ml) of water in a saucepan or kettle.
♥ Add 2 chai tea bags (Tazo Classic Chai or similar) and steep for 5–7 minutes for a stronger, bolder brew.
♥ Remove the tea bags and sweeten while still hot with 1–2 teaspoons of sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Option B – Homemade Chai Concentrate (with whole spices):
In a small saucepan, combine:
♥ 1 cup water
♥ 1 cinnamon stick
♥ 4–5 cardamom pods (crushed)
♥ 4 cloves
♥ 4–5 black peppercorns
♥ 1 ginger or ground ginger
♥ 1–2 black tea bags
♥ Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then strain using a mesh sieve.
♥ Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of sweetener and ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional).
💡 Pro Tip:
Make a double or triple batch and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
👉 Step 2: Froth and Heat the Milk
♥ Now take a separate small pan and on the medium flame heat 1 cup (240ml) of milk or milk alternative, but make sure not to boil.
♥ Use a handheld frother, electric milk frother, or blender to froth the milk until it becomes creamy and bubbly.
♥ No frother? Pour the heated milk into a mason jar, close the lid, and shake for 30 seconds. Then microwave it for 30 more seconds to stabilise the froth.
🥛 Milk Tip:
Barista oat milk or whole milk froths the best due to higher fat content.
👉 Step 3: Combine and Mix
In a large mug or heat-safe glass, pour in:
- ½ cup chai concentrate
- ½ cup steamed milk
- Gently stir to combine.
Now you need to adjust the taste you like by adding extra milk or extra spice.
👉 Step 4: Garnish, Serve & Enjoy!
♥ Top with a dusting of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a swirl of vanilla syrup for extra café flair.
♥ Serve immediately while hot, or let cool and pour over ice for an iced version.
📝 Optional Customisations
- Dirty Chai Latte: Add 1 shot of espresso for a bold twist.
- Sugar-Free: Sweeten with stevia, monk fruit, or leave unsweetened.
- More spice: You can add extra ginger or cayenne.
Pro tip:
Make a larger batch of chai concentrate and store it in the fridge for quick lattes all week long!
Ingredients Substitutes for Starbucks Chai Latte
🔄 Quick Ingredient Substitutes
| Ingredient | Best Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Black Tea | Darjeeling, Earl Grey, or decaf black tea 🍵 |
| Milk | Almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk 🥥 |
| Sweetener | Honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia 🍯 |
| Chai Spices | Pre-mixed chai spice blend 🌿 |
» Missing something? No worries—there’s always a swap:
♥ No chai tea bags? You can use black tea & tea spices
♥ No dairy? Use oat, almond, or coconut milk
♥ No sugar? Try monk fruit, stevia, or agave syrup
♥ No frother? You can shake the milk by using a blender or a jar
Starbucks Chai Latte vs Homemade Chai Latte
Let’s compare your kitchen creation to the real deal:
| Feature | Starbucks | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$5 | ~$0.75 |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Ingredients | Preservatives often | Whole ingredients |
| Milk options | Limited | Any milk, any brand |
| Sweetness | Pre-sweetened | You decide! |
You get more flavour, control, and value when you make it at home.
Tips for the Perfect Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe
» Freshly Ground Spices: Always use fresh cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or ginger for the richest flavour.
» Milk Choices: Oat milk froths beautifully and makes a creamy dairy-free latte. 🥛
» Adjust Sweetness: Starbucks lattes are sweet, but you can reduce sugar for a lighter sip.
» Batch Brew: Make chai concentrate and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days—just add milk when ready.
» Use filtered water for a cleaner chai flavour
» Barista blend oat milk froths beautifully
» You can also add a pinch of salt to boost the taste
» For best flavours, store in the fridge up to 5 days
» Make a strong tea for at least 5–7 minutes for extra boldness
👉 Chai Latte Variations You Can Try!
» Iced Chai Latte: Pour chilled concentrate over ice with cold milk.
» Dirty Chai Latte: Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick.
» Pumpkin Chai Latte: Stir in pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
» Skinny Chai Latte: Use unsweetened almond milk with stevia or monk fruit for fewer calories.
👉 Storage Suggestions & Tips
» Refrigerate Concentrate: Keep homemade chai concentrate in the fridge for up to 5 days.
» Reheat Easily: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, then add freshly frothed milk.
» Iced Latte Ready: Store chilled concentrate and simply pour over ice for quick iced chai lattes.
👉 Iced Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe Variation
Want that cool, refreshing twist?
- Brew extra-strong chai and chill it
- Pour over ice in a tall glass
- Add cold milk (or froth it cold!)
- Sweeten to taste and stir well
You can also try it with vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top—just like Starbucks!
» Can I make this iced?
Absolutely! Brew strong chai, let it cool, pour over ice, and top with cold milk. Add vanilla syrup or cold foam for extra flavor.
What to Serve With a Starbucks Chai Latte
- Pair your chai with treats for the ultimate cosy moment:
- Cinnamon rolls
- Pumpkin or banana bread
- Ginger snaps or oatmeal cookies
- Almond biscotti
- Mini scones
Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe Nutrition Facts
Here’s a concise and informative section on the Nutrition Facts for the Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe, with a comparison between the store version and the homemade version. This is perfect for health-conscious readers or those watching their intake.
👉 Grande Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 42g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Caffeine | ~95mg |
🔎 Note:
Most of the sugar comes from the pre-sweetened chai concentrate used by Starbucks.
👉 Homemade Chai Latte
Nutrient Approximate Amount
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 42g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Caffeine | ~95mg |
✅ Homemade versions are lower in sugar and calories, and easily customizable to fit keto, dairy-free, or sugar-free diets.
Best Alternate Chai Latte Recipes You Can Try!
» If you love the cosy vibes of a chai latte, here are some equally comforting, flavorful alternatives that you can try next. Each one brings its twist to your warm beverage lineup (or dessert board!):
♥ Honey Vanilla Rooibos Latte – Caffeine-free, sweet, and soothing.
♥ Starbucks Hot Chocolate – Rich, creamy, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
♥ London Fog Latte – Earl Grey tea with vanilla for a floral, cosy drink.
♥ Coconut Matcha Latte – Earthy matcha meets tropical coconut.
♥ Golden Turmeric Latte – Anti-inflammatory and caffeine-free with a spicy kick.
♥ Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe
♥ Dunkin’ Cookie Cold Brew Recipe
♥ Starbucks Strawberry Cold Brew
These drink recipes are not just flavorful—they’re relaxing, energising, and just as easy to make at home as the Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe. Bookmark this list and enjoy your little café lineup at home!
Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Make Tea: Add tea bags or home made alternate and steep for at least 5–7 minutes.
- Sweeten: Stir in sweetener and optional vanilla extract.
- Heat Milk: In another pan, heat 1 cup of milk (do not boil).
- Froth Milk: Froth with a frother, blender, or mason jar method.
- Combine: Mix equal parts chai tea and milk in your mug.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Stronger Chai? Use 3 tea bags or simmer longer.
- Make Ahead: Brew and store chai concentrate in the fridge for 5 days.
- Iced Version: Chill tea and mix with cold milk + ice.
- Vegan Option: Use oat or almond milk + maple syrup.
- Low-Sugar: Use stevia or monk fruit as a sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Starbucks chai tea lattes healthy?
Starbucks chai lattes are tasty but high in sugar and calories, especially in larger sizes. For a healthier option, request less chai syrup or make it at home with low sugar and milk of your choice.
Is a chai tea latte healthier than coffee?
Chai lattes have less caffeine and offer antioxidants from spices and tea, but they often contain more sugar than coffee. It depends on your preparation and what you add.
Can I use store-bought chai concentrate?
Yes! Brands like Tazo and Oregon Chai are great shortcuts.
Can I make it sugar-free or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Use stevia, monk fruit, or skip the sweetener entirely.
What size chai latte does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields one 12–16 oz latte (Tall or Grande size). You can scale it up to make multiple servings or batch prepare the concentrate.
Does Starbucks use Tazo for chai tea latte?
Starbucks previously used Tazo Chai Concentrate, but now uses a custom in-house chai concentrate. Tazo is still a great option for replicating the flavour at home.
What milk does Starbucks use for chai lattes?
Typically 2% milk unless you request otherwise.
My Final Conclusion
Making a Starbucks Chai Latte Recipe 2026 at home is easier than you think—and once you try it, you may never go back to the coffee shop line. The bold spices, creamy froth, and customizable sweetness give you the best of both worlds: authentic chai flavour with that signature Starbucks twist.
» As a chef, I love the creativity this recipe brings—you can keep it classic, make it dirty with espresso, or add pumpkin for a seasonal treat. So grab your saucepan, froth up some milk, and enjoy the cosy magic of a Starbucks Chai Latte right from your own kitchen.
So, go ahead and treat yourself!
And if you loved this DIY version, don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below! – I’d love to hear from you! Till then,
Happy Cooking!
