Chai Coffee is a delightful fusion that brings together the robust flavor of coffee with the warm, aromatic embrace of traditional Indian chai spices and creamy, frothy milk. This easy-to-follow recipe is designed for everyone, from coffee connoisseurs to those simply seeking a comforting beverage. Dive in and discover why this simple blend is capturing hearts and taste buds everywhere!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Homemade Chai Coffee Recipe
The irresistible marriage of rich, dark coffee, fragrant chai spices, and luscious, frothy milk creates a symphony of flavors that is simply divine. Once you experience the magic of homemade chai coffee, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Here are just a few reasons why this spiced coffee will become your new favorite obsession:
- Tailor-Made Spiciness: One of the greatest advantages of making chai coffee at home is the complete control you have over the spice profile. Whether you prefer a bold, invigorating kick or a subtly warm embrace, you can easily adjust the quantities of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom to match your mood and palate perfectly. Experiment to find your ideal blend!
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Tired of overly sweet coffee shop concoctions? With this DIY chai coffee recipe, you dictate the sweetness. Use as much or as little sugar as you like, or explore alternative sweeteners for a different flavor dimension. It’s your cup, your rules!
- The Quintessential Cozy Drink: Imagine curling up on a chilly afternoon with a good book and a steaming mug of this wonderfully aromatic chai coffee. Its warming spices, gentle sweetness, and creamy texture create an unparalleled sense of comfort and relaxation, making it the ultimate treat for any cozy moment.
- Versatile for Any Season: This recipe is incredibly adaptable, tasting equally magnificent whether served piping hot on a cold morning or refreshingly iced during warmer months. It also forms an excellent base for more elaborate chai lattes, allowing for endless variations to suit your cravings.
- Effortlessly Simple & Accessible: Forget complicated barista skills or specialized equipment! This chai coffee recipe uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, making it incredibly simple for anyone to whip up a gourmet-quality drink right in their kitchen.
Chai Latte Vs. Chai Coffee: Unveiling the Delicious Distinction
While both chai latte and chai coffee are beloved spiced beverages found in coffee shops and homes worldwide, they have distinct foundations that give them unique characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you appreciate each drink for its individual charm.
A Chai Latte is fundamentally a spiced tea drink. It typically begins with a base of brewed chai tea concentrate or strong black tea steeped with traditional chai spices. This spiced tea is then combined with steamed milk, often topped with foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The primary flavor profile is centered around the robust notes of black tea, beautifully enhanced by the aromatic spices. It’s a comforting blend that highlights the tea’s earthy and sometimes malty qualities.
Chai Coffee, on the other hand, pivots from tea to coffee as its core. It expertly blends freshly brewed coffee or espresso with the very same warm chai spices and milk. This creates a drink where the rich, bold flavors of coffee take center stage, complemented and elevated by the intricate spice blend. Instead of a tea base, you get the familiar kick and depth of your favorite coffee, infused with an exotic warmth.
The key differentiator lies in the primary caffeinated component. While a chai latte celebrates the intricate nuances of traditional chai tea, a chai coffee offers a dynamic marriage of coffee’s bold richness with the comforting warmth and complexity of Indian chai spices. Both are wonderfully aromatic and satisfying, but cater to different preferences for their foundational taste.
Related: For those who love the traditional tea-based beverage, here’s my authentic Indian Masala Chai Tea recipe.
Gather Your Essentials: Ingredients and Tools for the Perfect Chai Coffee
Crafting this exquisite chai coffee requires just a few readily available ingredients and basic kitchen tools. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Let’s round up everything you’ll need:
Key Ingredients for Your Spiced Coffee Creation
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable, encouraging you to adjust based on taste. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
Aromatic Chai Spices
These spices are the heart and soul of your chai coffee, imparting their signature warmth and complexity. Using fresh, high-quality spices will make a significant difference in the final flavor.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides a sweet, woody warmth that is instantly recognizable and comforting. It’s a cornerstone of chai. For an even more intense and authentic flavor, consider using a cinnamon stick (or a piece of cassia bark) during the milk infusion, which will release its oils slowly for a deeper aroma than ground cinnamon.
- Ginger: Ground ginger offers a lively, spicy kick that awakens the palate. Freshly grated ginger, with its vibrant, pungent notes, delivers a more potent and aromatic experience compared to its dried counterpart. If using fresh ginger, a small amount goes a long way.
- Ground Cloves: Cloves contribute a rich, warm, and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. They are potent, so use them judiciously. A tiny pinch of ground cloves or one or two whole cloves can provide a beautiful depth without overpowering the other spices. Whole cloves will offer a more intense, fragrant infusion that is later strained out.
- Cardamom: Often considered the “Queen of Spices” in Indian cuisine, ground cardamom imparts a unique floral, citrusy, and subtly sweet flavor. For the most aromatic result, lightly crushing whole green cardamom pods before infusing them in the milk will release their potent aromatic oils, creating a more pronounced and authentic chai essence.
Your Coffee Base
The type of coffee you choose will significantly impact the overall flavor and strength of your chai coffee. Select based on your preferred intensity and available equipment.
-
Espresso, Instant Coffee, or Strong Brewed Coffee: The foundation of this drink is a robust coffee.
- Espresso shots provide a concentrated, intense coffee flavor that stands up well to the spices.
- Instant coffee is a convenient option for quick preparation, offering a decent coffee kick.
- Brewed coffee at 4x strength (meaning using four times the normal amount of coffee grounds for the same volume of water) is an excellent way to create a strong, flavorful base without specialized equipment. This ensures the coffee’s presence isn’t lost amidst the spices and milk.
- Sweetener: Classic white granulated sugar is a popular choice for its clean sweetness. However, feel free to experiment with alternatives like honey for a floral note, maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness, or agave nectar for a more neutral flavor profile. Adjust the quantity to your personal taste.
Creamy Milk Component
The milk adds a crucial creamy texture and mellows the intensity of both coffee and spices.
- Milk of Your Choice: This recipe is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with both dairy and non-dairy milks. Cow’s milk provides a classic richness, while almond milk offers a slightly nutty undertone, oat milk delivers a wonderfully creamy texture, and coconut milk (especially homemade coconut milk for a fresh flavor) lends an exotic, slightly tropical creaminess. Choose what best suits your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Creative Twists: Substitutions and Variations to Explore
This chai coffee recipe is an excellent canvas for culinary experimentation. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with these exciting twists and turns:
- Spice Adventures: If you find yourself without one of the listed spices, fear not! You can easily adjust by increasing the quantity of the others to maintain a balanced flavor. For instance, if cloves are missing, a little extra cinnamon or cardamom can beautifully compensate. For those who enjoy an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the infusion for a truly spicy and invigorating chai coffee.
- Coffee Base Innovations: Craving the flavor without the caffeine? Opt for decaffeinated coffee or chicory root coffee for a caffeine-free experience. For a smoother, less acidic profile, especially when preparing an iced version, cold brew coffee is an excellent choice. Its inherent sweetness and low acidity enhance the chai spices beautifully.
- Sweetener Spectrum: Beyond white sugar, a world of sweeteners awaits. Stevia offers a sugar-free alternative, agave syrup provides a mild sweetness, and date syrup can introduce a rich, caramel-like depth. Even a touch of sweetened condensed milk can add a luxurious creaminess and sweetness.
- Spirited Chai Coffee (Adult Version): For a delightful evening indulgence, transform your chai coffee into a sophisticated adult beverage. A shot of dark rum, a splash of whiskey, or a measure of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Baileys can add a wonderful warmth and complexity, perfect for unwinding.
- Elegant Garnishes: Elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of aroma with simple garnishes. A classic cinnamon stick serves as a beautiful stirrer and infuses more cinnamon flavor as you sip. A twist of orange peel can provide a bright, zesty contrast to the warm spices. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few shaved almonds also make lovely additions.
- Invigorating Iced Chai Coffee: To create a refreshing iced version, simply allow the prepared chai coffee mixture to cool completely. Then, pour it generously over ice cubes in a tall glass. Top with chilled milk of your choice and adjust sweetness to taste. It’s the perfect cool-down for warm weather!
Essential Tools for Preparation
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items to bring this delicious chai coffee to life:
- Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is ideal for infusing the milk with the aromatic chai spices, allowing them to gently simmer and release their full flavor.
- Fine Mesh Sieve (Strainer): This is crucial for straining out the ground spices or whole pieces after infusion, ensuring a smooth, delightful drinking experience. A piece of clean cheesecloth can also serve this purpose effectively.
- Mug or Glass: Choose your favorite comfortable mug for a hot chai coffee, or a sturdy mason jar or tall glass for an iced version. The vessel adds to the enjoyment!
Crafting Your Chai Coffee: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this incredibly flavorful chai coffee at home is a straightforward process, broken down into four easy steps. You’ll be enjoying a perfectly spiced, frothy mug in no time!
Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Spices
Begin by pouring your chosen milk into a medium-sized saucepan. Add all your preferred chai spices – cinnamon (ground or stick), ginger (ground or grated fresh), a pinch of ground cloves (or a couple of whole cloves), and ground cardamom (or crushed pods). Place the saucepan on a medium-low heat setting. Gently stir the mixture occasionally to help the spices meld with the milk. Slowly bring the milk to a light simmer, being careful not to let it come to a rolling boil, as this can scorch the milk and alter its flavor. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the milk and spices to gently infuse for approximately 5 minutes. This steeping time is crucial for extracting the deep, complex flavors from the spices.
Step 2: Brew Your Coffee Base
While your milk is busy infusing on the stovetop, it’s time to prepare your coffee. Depending on your equipment and preference, brew your strong coffee base. This could be:
- Two shots of rich espresso.
- A double-strong drip coffee (using twice the usual amount of grounds for your desired volume).
- Instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of boiling water to create a concentrated brew.
Ensure your coffee is brewed strong enough to hold its own against the vibrant chai spices.
Step 3: Strain the Spiced Milk
Once the milk has had ample time to infuse and absorb the wonderful flavors of the spices, carefully remove it from the heat. Pour the spiced milk through a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth into another clean vessel. This step is essential to remove any lingering ground spice particles or whole pieces, ensuring a smooth and pleasant drinking experience without any gritty texture.
Step 4: Combine and Sweeten to Perfection
Now for the grand finale! Pour your freshly brewed strong coffee into your favorite large mug. Gradually add the strained, warm spiced milk to the coffee. Stir gently to combine the two elements. Finally, sweeten the mixture with sugar, honey, or your preferred sweetener, adjusting the amount to your exact taste. Give it another quick stir, and your homemade chai coffee is ready to be enjoyed!
Achieving Velvety Frothy Milk for Your Chai Coffee
A beautifully frothy top can transform a good chai coffee into an extraordinary one. The airy, creamy foam adds a luxurious texture and visual appeal. Here are several methods to achieve that coveted frothy milk, catering to different tools and preferences:
- Barista-Style with a Steaming Wand: If you own an espresso machine with a milk steaming wand, or a standalone milk steamer, this is arguably the best way to get professional-grade froth. Simply heat your milk and spices in the steaming pitcher while simultaneously frothing the milk to your desired consistency. The steam wand incorporates air and heats the milk evenly, creating microfoam that is both velvety and stable.
- Budget-Friendly Handheld Frother: For a quick and inexpensive solution, a battery-operated handheld milk frother is a game-changer. Heat your spiced milk in a saucepan as per the recipe, then transfer it to a mug or a taller container. Submerge the frother’s whisk end and switch it on, moving it up and down until you achieve a rich, airy foam. These can be found in most kitchenware stores or even dollar stores.
- Blender Power: A standard kitchen blender can also create impressive froth. After heating and straining your spiced milk, carefully pour it into the blender. Blend on high speed for about 30-60 seconds, or until a thick foam forms. Exercise caution when blending hot liquids, ensuring the lid is securely on and perhaps venting slightly if your blender allows, to prevent pressure buildup.
- Traditional Indian Chai Method: Embrace an authentic technique by pouring your hot chai coffee from a height, or by pouring it back and forth between two mugs. This aeration method, common in India, creates a lovely natural froth and helps to cool the drink slightly, resulting in a wonderfully frothy and smooth texture. The higher the pour, the more air is incorporated.
- The Whipped Cream Shortcut: If all else fails, or if you’re simply in the mood for an indulgent treat, forgo the traditional froth altogether. Instead, dollop a generous spoonful of freshly whipped cream on top of your chai coffee. It’s a decadent, effortless way to add creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel that truly elevates the drink!
Plan Ahead: Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Chai Coffee
Preparing elements of your chai coffee in advance can save you time, especially on busy mornings, and ensure you always have the components for a delicious cup ready to go. Here’s how to efficiently prepare and store this delightful beverage:
Smart Make-Ahead Strategies
Maximize convenience by prepping key ingredients ahead of time:
Chai Spice Blend:
To streamline your morning routine, prepare a batch of your custom chai spice mixture in advance. Combine your desired proportions of ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom in a small, airtight container. Store this fragrant blend in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and it will remain potent for several weeks. If you opt for fresh ginger, you can peel and grate it ahead of time, storing it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, your spices are always measured and ready.
Strong Brewed Coffee:
If you prefer using a strong brewed coffee as your base, you can prepare a larger batch (at 4x strength) and store it. Allow the coffee to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or pitcher. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining its robust flavor. This concentrate is perfect for both hot and iced chai coffee.
Concentrated Chai Coffee Mixture:
For ultimate convenience, consider preparing a concentrated chai coffee mixture. Combine your strong brewed coffee or espresso with the chai spices and your desired sweetener in a saucepan. Gently simmer this mixture over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to deeply meld and intensify. Once simmered, let the concentrate cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This flavorful concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply heat a portion and add fresh milk.
Optimal Storage for Leftovers
Should you have any delicious chai coffee leftover, proper storage ensures it remains enjoyable for later:
Storing Brewed Chai Coffee:
Any leftover prepared chai coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to transfer it to a sealed container or a mason jar to preserve its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge. Before reheating, give the mixture a good stir to thoroughly redistribute the spices and flavors that may have settled at the bottom.
Individual Servings for On-the-Go:
If you’ve made a larger batch of chai coffee, portioning it into individual servings is a fantastic idea for grab-and-go convenience. Use small airtight containers or individual mason jars. This makes it incredibly easy to pull out a single serving from the refrigerator, reheat, and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Delightful Ways to Serve Your Chai Coffee
Your freshly made chai coffee is delicious on its own, but with a few simple additions and pairings, you can transform it into an even more memorable experience. Here are some fun and flavorful ways to serve this aromatic beverage:
- Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Elevate the sensory experience by using a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. As you stir your chai coffee, the stick will slowly infuse additional cinnamon aroma and a subtle woody flavor, enhancing the overall spice profile. It also adds an elegant touch!
- Whipped Cream Wonderland: Indulge yourself by topping your warm chai coffee with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra flourish, sprinkle a dusting of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or elegant chocolate shavings over the cream. This creates a decadent treat that feels like a dessert in a cup.
- Perfect Pastry Pairings: Chai coffee makes an exquisite companion for a variety of sweet treats. Pair it with a side of crunchy biscotti, your favorite soft cookies (ginger snaps or shortbread work wonderfully), or a slice of rich, moist chocolate cake. The spices in the coffee beautifully complement baked goods.
- Breakfast or Dessert Companion: Enjoy your chai coffee as a comforting accompaniment to a hearty breakfast spread, such as pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Alternatively, serve it as a sophisticated dessert drink after a meal, perhaps alongside a light pudding or a fruit tart. Its versatility makes it suitable for any part of your day.
- Over Ice with a Citrus Twist: For an iced chai coffee, serve it in a tall glass filled with ice. A slice of orange or a lemon wedge can add a refreshing citrusy note that surprisingly complements the warm spices, making it particularly invigorating on a hot day.
Expert Tips for Consistently Delicious Chai Coffee
To ensure every mug of your homemade chai coffee is nothing short of perfection, keep these expert tips and tricks in mind. Mastering these details will elevate your chai coffee from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Precision Temperature Control: Pay meticulous attention to the temperature when heating your milk and brewing your coffee. Overheating the milk can cause it to scorch, leading to an unpleasant altered flavor and a thin, watery texture. Similarly, brewing coffee at excessively high temperatures can extract bitter compounds, resulting in an acrid taste that clashes with the delicate spices. Aim for a gentle simmer for the milk and optimal brewing temperatures for your coffee method.
- Optimal Steeping Time for Spices: The steeping time for your chai spices is paramount for extracting their full flavor potential. Rushing this step will result in a weak, underdeveloped spice profile. Allow the spices to gently simmer with the milk for the recommended 5 minutes, or even a little longer if you prefer an intensified flavor. This slow infusion process ensures that all the aromatic oils are released, creating a truly rich and fragrant chai base for your coffee. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the steeping time based on your desired strength.
- Quality of Ingredients Matters: While this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference. Use fresh, aromatic whole spices if possible, grinding them just before use for maximum potency. Select good quality coffee beans or grounds. Fresh, good-quality milk (dairy or non-dairy) will also contribute to a superior creamy texture and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chai Coffee Recipe
Have more questions about perfecting your homemade chai coffee? Here are some common queries and their detailed answers to guide you:
Can I use a chai tea bag instead of individual chai spices?
Yes, absolutely! While using individual spices allows for greater customization and fresh flavor, a chai tea bag is a convenient substitute. To use, steep one or two chai tea bags in a small amount of hot water to create a concentrated chai tea. Then, combine this tea concentrate with your brewed coffee or espresso before adding the milk, effectively creating a hybrid chai coffee. Adjust the number of tea bags based on your desired chai intensity.
Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy milk?
Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with a variety of non-dairy milk alternatives. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are all excellent choices. Each will lend a slightly different flavor and creaminess profile to your chai coffee, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite dairy-free option.
How can I achieve a stronger chai flavor in my coffee?
To intensify the chai flavor, you have a couple of options. First, you can increase the quantity of the chai spices used in the recipe. Second, allow the spices to steep or simmer with the milk for a longer duration than the recommended 5 minutes. This extended infusion time will extract more of their aromatic oils, resulting in a more pronounced and robust chai essence in your final drink.
Can I make chai coffee without using sugar?
Yes, you certainly can! The sweetness level is entirely adjustable to your preference. You can omit the sugar entirely if you prefer an unsweetened drink, or you can use alternative sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or stevia. Add these sweeteners gradually and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Is it necessary to strain the chai coffee mixture?
Straining the chai coffee mixture after the milk infusion is highly recommended. This step helps to remove any solid particles from the ground spices or whole spice pieces, resulting in a much smoother, more refined texture and a more enjoyable drinking experience. While not strictly “necessary” if you don’t mind a little texture, it significantly improves the drink’s quality.
Can I prepare chai coffee in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can prepare the chai coffee (or at least the spiced milk and coffee concentrate) in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the chai coffee gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir well before serving to recombine flavors.
Can I adjust the spice levels in the recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of making chai coffee at home is the complete freedom to customize. Feel free to adjust the quantity of each individual spice (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom) according to your personal taste preferences. Start with the suggested amounts and then add more or less of a particular spice in future batches until you discover your perfect blend.
Can I make iced chai coffee with this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfectly suited for making iced chai coffee! Simply follow the steps to prepare the spiced milk and strong coffee. Allow the brewed chai coffee mixture to cool completely to room temperature. Then, pour it over a generous amount of ice cubes in a tall glass and add chilled milk to taste. A refreshing and flavorful treat for warmer days!
Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use decaffeinated coffee as the base for your chai coffee if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake or prefer a caffeine-free beverage. Simply follow the recipe instructions, substituting your preferred decaffeinated coffee for regular coffee or espresso. The robust flavor of the chai spices will still shine through beautifully.
Can I add additional flavors or toppings to the chai coffee?
Absolutely! Get creative and experiment with additional flavors to enhance your chai coffee. A splash of vanilla extract or almond extract can add a delightful undertone. Flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or pumpkin spice also pair wonderfully. For toppings, beyond whipped cream, consider a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a pinch of edible glitter for a festive touch.
More Yummy Chai Recipes to Explore:
- Karak Chai
- Authentic Masala Chai
Other Irresistible Indian Recipes You’ll Love:
Inspired by the flavors of India? Check out some of my husband Adarsh’s favorite Indian dishes – guaranteed to become new staples in your kitchen!
- The Chicken Korma that he claims will truly change your culinary life.
- Our Best-Ever Creamy Butter Chicken, consistently one of the most popular recipes on the Foodess website!
- An Easy Homemade Butter Paneer for a delightful vegetarian alternative.
- Flavorful Palak Paneer – the most delicious way to enjoy a substantial serving of spinach.
- Flaky Homemade Potato Samosas, savory Chicken Samosas, and our unique Samosa Pie – it’s clear we have a deep affection for samosas!
- The incredible Paratha and Butter Naan Recipes that have taken the internet by storm.
- Creamy Madras Lentils, the ultimate vegetarian comfort food.
- Rich Malai Kofta (paneer and potato balls in a luxurious creamy tomato sauce). It’s my absolute favorite dish to order at an Indian restaurant, and even more satisfying when made at home.
Chai Coffee Recipe (Frothy, Delicious + Works with ANY Coffee!)
Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
1
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (your choice, dairy or non-dairy)
For Spices
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp grated fresh ginger)
- pinch ground cloves (or 2 whole cloves*)
- ⅛ tsp ground cardamom (or 4 cardamom pods)
For Coffee
- ¼ – ½ cup strong coffee (see notes below*)
- 2 tsp sugar (or to taste)
Instructions
Infuse the Milk:
-
Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. Heat the mixture on a medium heat setting, stirring occasionally. Bring it to a slight simmer, then turn the heat down and let it infuse for about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling the milk.
Brew the Coffee:
-
While the milk is infusing, make your coffee in your coffee maker (espresso shots, double-strong drip coffee, or instant coffee).
Strain the Milk:
-
After the milk has been infused with the spices, strain it to remove the ground spices. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Combine and Sweeten:
-
Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug. Add the strained, spiced milk to the coffee. Sweeten with sugar according to your taste.
Notes
- 2 shots espresso (2 fluid oz or 60 mL)
- 2-3 tsp instant coffee dissolved in ¼ cup boiling water
- ½ cup coffee brewed at 4x strength (so use the normal amount of beans you’d typically use, but with ¼ the quantity of water)
To make frothy chai coffee:
You have a few options, from fancy to super simple:
- Use an espresso machine’s milk steaming wand or a standalone milk steamer instead of a saucepan to heat the milk.
- Use an inexpensive hand-held milk frother to foam it up after heating it.
- You can also do the authentic Indian chai method of pouring the coffee into your cup from a height (even pouring back and forth between two cups) to make it frothy and delicious.
Finally, you can skip the frothy milk and top the coffee with whipped cream for a delicious alternative.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 8g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 30mg |
Sodium: 96mg |
Potassium: 415mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 22g |
Vitamin A: 404IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 317mg |
Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment!