Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! The crisp air, the changing leaves, and, of course, all the delicious fall flavors. As much as I love my morning coffee, I sometimes crave something a little different, a little cozier. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte.
It combines the warmth of chai spices with the sweetness of apple cider for a comforting drink that’s perfect for those chilly autumn days. And the best part? It takes only about 30 minutes to make!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte
I truly believe that homemade is best, and this Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte is no exception. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Freshness: When you make it from scratch, you control the ingredients. This guarantees a fresher, more vibrant flavor than anything you can buy in a store.
- Customization: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and type of milk to suit your taste.
- Cost Savings: Making your own latte at home is much cheaper than buying one from a coffee shop every day.
- Health Benefits: You can use healthier ingredients like plant-based milk and natural sweeteners. Plus, you avoid all the artificial additives that are often found in store-bought versions.
Is Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Good For Me?
Like any treat, my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte has both potential benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, the spices in chai, such as cinnamon and ginger, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Apples are also a great source of fiber and vitamins.
On the other hand, it can be high in sugar, depending on the sweetener you use. Some commercially available apple cider chai drinks contain significant carbohydrates; one bottle of apple cider chai has 45 calories, according to eatthismuch.com.
To make it healthier, I recommend using a natural sweetener like Agave and opting for plant-based milk like almond milk, which is lower in calories and fat than dairy milk. You can also reduce the amount of sweetener you use or skip it altogether, if you prefer. Remember, moderation is key!
If you are looking for another healthy treat, consider this recipe for Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe, which is also healthy and guilt-free.
Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte: Homemade vs. Starbucks
I’ve tried similar drinks at Starbucks and other coffee chains, and honestly, nothing compares to the homemade version. The taste is so much fresher and more flavorful. The store-bought versions often taste artificial and overly sweet. Plus, the cost of making it at home is significantly lower. A Starbucks chai latte can easily cost $5 or more, while you can make a whole batch of my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte for just a few dollars.
You just can’t beat the quality and value of making it yourself! You can easily add this drink to a brunch board with these Banana Oat Breakfast Bars to impress your friends!
Equipment You’ll Need
To make my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment:
- Medium Saucepan: This is for simmering the apples and spices to make the apple cider. If you don’t have a saucepan, a large pot will also work.
- Strainer: You’ll use this to strain the apple cider and remove the solids. A fine-mesh sieve or even a cheesecloth-lined colander will do the trick.
- Large Bowl: This is to collect the strained apple cider. Any large bowl will work.
- Another Medium Saucepan: This is for heating the milk and steeping the tea bags. Again, any medium-sized pot will work.
- Whisk: This is for mixing the chai spice mix, apple cider, vanilla, and Agave into the milk. A fork will also work in a pinch.
- Mugs: For serving your delicious latte!
Ingredients for the Best Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte
Here’s what you’ll need to make my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte:
- 4 organic Gala apples, peeled + sliced
- 4 cups fresh water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground all spice
- 2 cups Almond milk ((I use Califia Farms; You can use your own fave plant-based milk!))
- 2-3 black tea bags
- 2 Tbsps Agave ((See Notes!))
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 2 Tbsps ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
I always recommend using high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Look for organic apples and fresh spices for the best flavor. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store.
As for the chai concentrate, I prefer making my own using the spices listed above, but you can also use a store-bought version if you’re short on time. Some recipes for chai-spiced apple cider incorporate spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, which offer a unique flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte
- Add the apples, cinnamon sticks, all spice, and cloves to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cover with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top so that it doesn’t boil over. Let it simmer until the apples have softened entirely and everything becomes fragrant, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once done, remove from heat and carefully scoop spoonfuls (using a large cooking spoon) of the mixture and place it into a strainer over a large bowl, squeezing the apples to remove the excess juice. Continue this until all of apple cider is strained into the bowl. Discard the apples, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the milk and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove the milk from heat and add tea bags and let them steep for 5-6 minutes.
- Once fully steeped, remove tea bags and whisk in 1 Tbsp chai tea spice mix, 1/2 cup apple cider, vanilla, and Agave until well combined.
- To serve, pour apple-chai mixture in prepared mugs and top with CocoWhip, if preferred and sprinkle with additional chai spice mix.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips for Customizing Your Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte
| Customization | Options | Impact on Flavor/Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Milk | Dairy, Almond, Oat, Soy, Coconut | Creaminess, sweetness, nuttiness |
| Sweetener | Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave, Sugar, Stevia | Intensity and type of sweetness |
| Spice Variations | Ginger, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Allspice | Adds warmth, depth, and complexity to the flavor |
| Toppings | Whipped Cream, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Caramel Drizzle | Adds visual appeal and enhances the overall experience |
| Strength of Chai | Brew longer for stronger chai flavor | Adjust spiciness to preference |
| Apple Cider Variation | Use spiced apple cider for increased warm spices | Add depth and complexity to the apple cider flavor |
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte
I love serving my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte in a large mug with a dollop of CocoWhip and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle a little caramel sauce on top. It pairs perfectly with a warm scone or a slice of apple pie.
You could even serve it with a cheese and charcuterie board. The warm spices and sweet apple cider complement the savory flavors beautifully.
If you’re looking for another great beverage, check out this Korean Lemon Balm Tea Recipe for a calming drink.
Scaling the Recipe
If you’re making this for a party, it’s easy to scale up the recipe. For a larger batch, simply multiply all the ingredients by the number of servings you need. For example, if you want to make enough for 8 servings, you’ll need 32 organic Gala apples, 32 cups of water, 16 cinnamon sticks, and so on. When scaling, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and add more spices or sweetener to taste.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chai concentrate or apple cider, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chai concentrate will keep for up to a week, while the apple cider will last for about 3-4 days. To maintain freshness, make sure to cool them down completely before storing.
Other Uses for Chai Concentrate and Apple Cider
Don’t let your chai concentrate and apple cider go to waste! You can use them in so many other ways. Try adding a splash of chai concentrate to your morning oatmeal or using apple cider as a base for a fall-inspired cocktail. You can even use them in baked goods, like muffins or cakes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in the kitchen. If your apple cider is too tart, add a little more sweetener. If it’s not spicy enough, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom. If your milk curdles when you add the chai concentrate, make sure the milk isn’t too hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made apple cider instead of making my own?
Yes, you can! Just skip the first two steps and use 1 cup of pre-made apple cider instead.
Can I make this latte without a milk frother?
Absolutely! You can simply heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave until it’s warm. It won’t be quite as frothy, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener like Agave or maple syrup.
Can I use a different type of tea?
Of course! I prefer black tea for its bold flavor, but you can use any type of tea you like. Green tea or rooibos would also be delicious.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy my Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte as much as I do! It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and enjoy the flavors of fall. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy sipping!
Best Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the apples, cinnamon sticks, all spice, and cloves to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cover with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top so that it doesn’t boil over. Let it simmer until the apples have softened entirely and everything becomes fragrant, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once done, remove from heat and carefully scoop spoonfuls (using a large cooking spoon) of the mixture and place it into a strainer over a large bowl, squeezing the apples to remove the excess juice. Continue this until all of apple cider is strained into the bowl. Discard the apples, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the milk and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove the milk from heat and add tea bags and let them steep for 5-6 minutes.
- Once fully steeped, remove tea bags and whisk in 1 Tbsp chai tea spice mix, 1/2 cup apple cider, vanilla, and Agave until well combined.
- To serve, pour apple-chai mixture in prepared mugs and top with CocoWhip, if preferred and sprinkle with additional chai spice mix.
- Sip and enjoy!
