¼ cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream alternative)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
Optional: A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Brew the Chai: In a saucepan, combine the water, chai tea bags (or loose leaf tea), cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you used loose leaf tea, strain the mixture to remove the solids.
Warm the Milk and Cream: In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Be careful not to scald the milk.
Sweeten and Spice: Stir in the honey or maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Whisk well to combine. If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
Combine and Froth: Pour the brewed chai into a mug. Add the warm milk and cream mixture. For a café-style experience, use a milk frother to create a foamy top. If you don’t have a frother, you can whisk vigorously until the mixture is slightly frothy.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of your latte. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma, and then savor every sip of your homemade Creamy Cinnamon Chai Latte.