^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Over the years we have seen tea have its standout moments, most notably, Matcha stealing the scene, but Boba had its few minutes of fame, and then came Chai lattes, becoming a leading contender on the market of barista-approved concoctions. That being said, with much respect, tea has indeed proven that it can hold its own in the coffee scene.

We have extensively covered some of our favorite coffee and tea house beverages. I've explored the world of matcha and how its versatility makes it a standing ingredient for not just teas but ice cream, cookies, candy, and even cake.

From pearl tea to Dalgona, we love testing the trends at our little virtual coffeehouse here at LTG. With all that said, today on the site we will be taking a closer look at tea lattes, particularly one that has caught our attention recently- Chai Tea Latte.

This delightfully aromatic drink is surprisingly easy to make with only a handful of ingredients that you most likely have on hand, not to mention it makes for a beautiful display for your Mother's Day bruncheons or any upcoming gatherings!

The Benefits of Chai

Let's first begin with the benefits of chai and what it is exactly if you're new to this blend.

Chai originated in India and derives from Hindi meaning 'tea'. (Yes, that is correct, in Western culture, we are saying, 'tea tea'). Chai consists of black tea and a blend of spices. You'll find its warming scent carries distinct notes of cinnamon and cardamom.

Today's Oriental Chai from Mark T. Wendell's new line of Hampstead Organic Teabags features a special fusion of cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, lemongrass, liquorice, and cloves. Slightly different from its Masala Chai counterpart, it's just as soothing and comforting but with many added benefits; and did we mention it is also caffeine-free?

Improved digestion: In traditional medicine, spices such as ginger and liquorice have been shown to increase digestive enzymes which can aid in bloating and other digestive problems.
Healthy Immune System: Furthermore ginger and cinnamon have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy immune system.
Heart health: Naturally, all of these benefits tie into each other. Black tea also contains antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals which in turn promotes not only a healthy immune system but also a healthy heart.
Clear skin: Chai can also improve circulation which leads to healthier skin, and the properties of ginger help to combat inflammation in the skin as well.
Increased metabolism: Cinnamon naturally boosts the metabolism by increasing the activity of certain enzymes that are involved in the chemical reactions in the body's cells.

There is no denying that tea in general is an incredibly powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle. There are some blends and ingredients that aid in many ways from a calm mind to a healthy gut and immunity. This is why we love our tea as much as our coffee.

To feel these benefits for yourself, be sure to browse the extensive and delicious selection from Mark T. Wendell that includes bagged tea and loof leaf tea. As an added bonus remember to use code LivingtheGourmet at checkout for 15% off your order of $50 or more.

The Rise in Tea Lattes

When you hear the word 'latte' you immediately think of coffee, but who said you can't do the same with tea?

Tea latte consists of three components- brewed tea, steamed coffee, and sweetener. You can use any tea you fancy. Black tea, Matcha, and Chai are the most popular choices, but again, whatever you enjoy can be used as a base.

I do enjoy a Matcha latte in the mornings especially when I'm having gut flareups. It's a nice break from the acidity of coffee and surprisingly satisfying too. I admit though, up until recently, I wasn't aware that Chai Lattes were also beneficial for my gut and just as easy to make, arguably easier since I don't have to whisk Chai like I do with Matcha powder, plus with Hampstead tea bags I can make it in mere minutes.

Tea lattes are lighter in my opinion than traditional coffee lattes. Since I grew up on tea with milk and sugar, this is a bit of an upgrade on that classic order.

After steaming the milk, I froth it which gives a whipped cream equivalent to my drink. Needless to say, it is a harmonious balance of texture and flavor and one that is sure to delight the senses.

RECIPE NOTES & INGREDIENTS

Naturally, I'm sure there are some curiosities regarding milk variations and sweeteners, so let's break it down so you can tailor today's recipe to your content.

Milk & dairy alternatives: Whole milk is the most common, but the reality is any milk will serve its purpose here. Milk and all its alternatives will froth beautifully. If you're opting for a dairy-free option, I think almond or oat would be quite delicious with Chai as they're more neutral in flavor. However, coconut milk pairs very nicely with the spices of Chai if you want added depth of flavor. A drop of vanilla extract in your hot milk also elevates the flavor profile.
Sweetener: For today's recipe, I used honey. You can use pure maple and if you want a low-carb option thrown in, I prefer monk fruit syrup. Of course, you could use granulated sugar or raw sugar, both of which will work just fine.
Hot or Cold: Why not both? You can certainly elevate this latte to be your go-to summer refreshment. Brew the tea and let steep as you normally would and let it cool slightly until warm or room temp. Serve over ice and then top with your frother milk. It's a delicious and refreshing blend that hits the spot.

There you have our quick recipe suggestions! If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment below. We'd love to hear from you and we are happy to answer any questions you may have!

Chai Tea Latte

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Living the Gourmet
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x

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Description

Indulge in the aromatic blend of spices with our Chai Tea Latte recipe! Perfect for cozy moments or as a caffeine-free alternative, discover the warmth of traditional chai infused with creamy milk.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 bag of Hampstead Organic Oriental Chai
2 tablespoons honey, divided (or sweetener of choice)
1/2 cup milk (your choice), frothed
Ground cinnamon, for garnish
Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Star Anise, for garnish

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Instructions

In your desired mug or tea cup, pour 8 ounces of hot water and 1 tablespoon of honey over the Chai teabag. Leave the tea to infuse for 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
Meanwhile, heat milk with 1 tablespoon of honey, until hot to the touch. Be careful not to let the milk scald! Using a milk frother, froth the hot milk until creamy and light.
Top the tea with the frothed milk, then garnish with an additional drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

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Surprise mom with our Chai Tea Latte made with love and gratitude this Mother's Day. Cheers to all the moms and mother-figures who fill our lives with warmth and joy each day! Thank you for all your love, sacrifice, and hard work. 💕☕

Chai Tea Latte

The Benefits of Chai

The Rise in Tea Lattes

RECIPE NOTES & INGREDIENTS