Why You’ll Love this Chai Latte Mix
If you’re tired of spending too much at coffee shops for your chai fix, this homemade mix will become your new best friend. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless morning experiments, and now I can enjoy a creamy, spice-infused chai latte anytime without breaking the bank.
What makes this mix special? The perfect balance of warming spices—cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—that create that authentic chai flavor. Plus, it stores beautifully for months in your pantry. Make it in under 10 minutes, then enjoy instant satisfaction whenever a chai craving strikes. Just add hot water, or milk for extra richness. Your mornings just got notably better.
What Ingredients are in Chai Latte Mix?
The beauty of homemade chai latte mix lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create that signature warm, spicy flavor we all crave. This recipe combines the creamy base components with fragrant spices that give chai its distinctive character. No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find items—just everyday ingredients that transform into something special.
- 1 cup powdered milk
- ½ cup non-dairy creamer
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant tea (black or decaf)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or black pepper for extra warmth
What I love about this ingredient list is how customizable it can be to suit your taste preferences. Don’t like things too sweet? Cut back on the sugar. Want a stronger tea flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of instant tea. The spice blend is really the heart of this mix, and you can adjust the ratios to highlight your favorite notes. For those who avoid dairy, you could even experiment with different non-dairy powdered milk alternatives, though you might need to adjust quantities to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
How to Make this Chai Latte Mix
Making this chai latte mix couldn’t be simpler—it’s basically just combining ingredients until they’re well blended. Start by gathering all your components: 1 cup powdered milk, ½ cup non-dairy creamer, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon instant tea, and your spices (1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, plus any optional extras).
I find it easiest to measure everything directly into a large mixing bowl, though you could certainly use a food processor if you want an extra-fine texture.
Once all ingredients are in your bowl, the real work begins—mixing until everything is completely uniform. This step matters more than you might think; nobody wants a spoonful of pure cardamom in their morning chai! You want the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ginger, and other spices to be perfectly distributed throughout the powdered milk base.
After thorough mixing, transfer your chai blend to an airtight container—a mason jar works wonderfully here—and don’t forget to label it with serving instructions. When you’re bleary-eyed in the morning, you’ll thank yourself for that little reminder that it’s 2 tablespoons per cup of hot liquid.
To serve this lovely concoction, simply stir 2 tablespoons of your mix into 8 ounces of hot water until smooth. Want something richer and more indulgent? Use hot milk instead of water, or go half-and-half for a perfect middle ground.
And let’s not forget about iced chai for those warmer days—just dissolve your mix in a small amount of hot water (about 2-3 tablespoons), add cold milk, and pour over ice. The mix keeps beautifully in your pantry for months, ready whenever that chai craving strikes.
Chai Latte Mix Substitutions and Variations
While your pantry mightn’t always stock every ingredient in this recipe, don’t worry—this chai mix welcomes substitutions with open arms.
Can’t find cardamom? Try allspice or extra cinnamon. I’ve swapped regular sugar for coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener when I’m watching my sugar intake, with lovely results.
For creamier chai, replace some powdered milk with powdered coconut milk.
My sister insists on adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate-chai fusion that’s surprisingly delicious.
And those optional spices aren’t just for show—a pinch of black pepper adds a warmth that reminds me of authentic Indian chai.
What to Serve with Chai Latte Mix
Three perfect pairings turn your homemade chai latte from a simple drink into a memorable experience.
I love serving buttery shortbread cookies alongside my chai—the crisp, delicate texture complements the spicy warmth beautifully. For something more substantial, try a slice of pumpkin bread or banana walnut loaf, where the earthy spices echo those in your chai.
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll arrange some fresh berries on a plate. The tart sweetness cuts through the creamy richness of the latte, especially if you’ve made yours with milk instead of water.
Trust me, these pairings elevate your chai moment from everyday to exceptional.
Final Thoughts
Your homemade chai latte mix transforms ordinary mornings into something special.
I find myself reaching for this aromatic blend whenever I need a moment of comfort without the coffee shop price tag.
The beauty lies in its versatility—adjust the spices to your preference, make it stronger on tough days, or lighter when you’re in the mood for something subtle.
What I love most? Giving these as gifts.
A small jar, a pretty label, and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite friend.
Trust me, there’s something deeply satisfying about sipping a drink you’ve crafted from scratch.
Pure comfort in a cup.
