the turmeric chai latte could be for you if you’re trying to find a drink that’s soothing, creamy and healthy! and no, it’s not some trendy health drink that influencers are busy making reels about.
this outstanding drink has a long history in southeast asia, especially india, where turmeric has been used in milk and tea for its potential health benefits. but it’s not just about those benefits – the earthy notes and colour of turmeric make this chai latte truly unforgettable.
if this sounds like it could be a new favourite in your kitchen, go ahead, check out this guide and learn how to make turmeric chai latte at home.
what is a turmeric chai latte?
turmeric chai latte is made with turmeric, black tea, spices and foamed milk. the spices infuse it with warmth and make it totally comforting while turmeric provides its health benefits and a tempting yellow colour.
wondering what turmeric is? well, it’s a bright yellow spice that’s often used as a powder in indian cuisine. it adds a lovely colour and an earthy flavour to whatever it’s added to. but that was not the reason its consumption started thousands of years ago in ancient india – it was mostly for medical reasons. interestingly, those reasons are still accepted – such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a healthy addition to many foods and beverages.
and the turmeric chai latte – also known as the golden chai latte because of the colour derived from turmeric – comes with those benefits. tempting, right? no worries, we’ll share all the details on how to make turmeric chai latte.
how to make turmeric chai latte
now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s learn how to make turmeric chai latte using our simplified recipe that doesn’t need any machines for café-quality tea. our recipe helps you get a delicious and healing drink perfect for whenever you need a bit of comfort.
since we all love good flavours and healthy ingredients, we'll be using ingredients that reflect those values – so, let’s begin with first understanding the main ingredients you need for this drink.
- milk: we’ve used full-fat milk, but you can use the non-dairy milk of your choice. just a heads up – the taste and texture will change accordingly.
- black tea bags: there’s a great choice of black tea bags or loose leaves, so take your pick. we’ve made ours using teapigs everyday brew (black tea bags).
- turmeric and ginger: using crushed fresh turmeric and ginger roots makes a lot of difference to the flavour; however, you can use their powdered forms for convenience.
- other spices: each spice adds to the flavour and aroma of the tea. the saffron threads go a step further and enhance the colour also.
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
186 calories, 8g fat, 21g carbs, 8g protein
Recipe Category:-
drink
Cuisine:-
indian
equipment
- pans
- fine mesh strainer
- mortar & pestle
- milk frother
ingredients
- 1-inch fresh turmeric root (or 1 tsp turmeric powder)
- 1-inch fresh ginger root (or 1tsp ginger powder)
- 2 tsp honey (or any other sweetener of choice)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric (for colour)
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 2-inch cinnamon stick
- saffron strands
- 2-3 cloves
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups full cream milk
- 4 teapigs black tea bags
instructions
prepare the spices: start by crushing fresh turmeric and ginger in a mortar and pestle. you can opt for powdered versions but the flavour enhancement and benefits from fresh roots are much more. add the turmeric and ginger to the pan with water. bring it to a boil for 5-6 minutes until the water is yellowish.
infuse the tea: steep black tea bags in the water infused with ginger, along with cardamom, cloves and a cinnamon stick. boil for another 4 minutes. for extra flavour, gently crush the cardamom pods and other spices, before adding them. season the mixture with sugar or any other sweetener that you like, stirring well.
add the creaminess: add a cup of milk and the reserved crushed or ground turmeric. heat the mixture until it begins to steam. this is the step that infuses the tea with richness and depth.
strain and froth: when you notice the steaming of tea, quickly remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh strainer into your cups. now, it’s time to steam the remaining milk – so do that in another pan. then whiz it up a bit using a frother for that luxuriously creamy finish.
finish with flair: top your chai with the frothy steamed milk and sprinkle a few saffron strands for a touch of richness. serve piping hot with your favourite snacks for the ultimate indulgence.
tips for the perfect turmeric chai latte
- flavour of spices: the more turmeric and ginger you infuse in water, the richer the flavour becomes in your tea. be sure to crush them to get all the juices from them into the tea.
- spice mix: you can prepare a spice mix for this tea and make the chai latte whenever you like. just add turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper to a mixer’s bowl and grind them to get a spice mix powder. store it in a glass container and mix some of it in tea whenever you make this one.
- tea strength: the more you boil the tea, the stronger its flavour will be. so, start with the time we have mentioned and then you can boil more if you like. just remember that it can become bitter from prolonged boiling. we've found that 3-4 minutes works best.
- milk choice: choose a creamy non-dairy milk to make your chai latte as creamy as it should be. for us, almond milk works fine, but oat milk works best, followed by coconut milk.
popular variations of turmeric chai latte
now that you know how to make turmeric chai latte, it’s time to go further and explore some of the popular variations of this amazing drink.
matcha chai latte with turmeric: combining the earthy flavours of matcha with the slightly peppery and warm turmeric (and other spices), gives you a unique drink with a distinctive flavour and a vibrant green appearance. simply whisk matcha powder, turmeric and other spices, and add the preparation to your brewed tea for a beautifully balanced drink with a refreshing taste.
pumpkin puree chai latte: treat yourself to the pumpkin puree variation! it’s a creamy blend made with smooth pumpkin puree, warm spices and effective turmeric. if you ask us, it’s perfect for when you need a creamy treat that stands out.
chocolate chai latte: when you’re craving a chocolatey drink that’s not totally chocolatey…go for a chocolate chai latte with turmeric! by mixing some cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate and other spices with your chai latte, you get a drink that’s loaded with complementing flavours.
iced chai latte: when it’s a scorcher, let yourself cool down with an iced version of the classic chai latte. the knowledge you gained while learning how to make turmeric chai latte will come in handy now. follow those steps but before you add foamed milk, let the tea cool down. once it’s refreshingly cold, pour it over ice and then add your choice of foamed milk.
subtle variations: well, even subtle adjustments can create varieties that match your taste and mood. not much needs to be changed. just substitute some ingredients and you get a variety of delicious flavours and still have all the goodness of your favourite chai latte. for example, replacing honey with maple syrup, agave nectar or stevia can change the taste in a subtle yet noticeable way.
conclusion
swapping out your daily dose of high caffeine from regular coffee is now doable with an equally satisfying golden chai latte! this absolute ripper of a drink blends the rich, soul-warming essence of spiced tea (or chai tea) with the powerhouse benefits of turmeric.
all it takes is a bit of mixing, whisking and heating, and voila! you've got yourself a tempting tea that’s utterly delicious with far less caffeine than coffee. just follow our guide, learn how to make turmeric chai latte and enjoy a healthier drink.
faqs on turmeric chai latte
q. how does turmeric enhance the flavour of chai lattes?
a. turmeric improves the flavour of chai lattes with its earthy notes. it adds a subtle spice and a golden colour to the drink, enhancing the overall experience. the aromatic and slightly bitter undertone of turmeric complements the spices in the tea and foamed milk, creating a soothing blend.
q. are there any alternatives to dairy for a vegan turmeric chai latte?
a. yes, there are plenty of non-dairy options that can help you make a vegan golden chai latte. some of those options are almond, coconut, soy, oat and cashew milk. all of them are good in adding creaminess that balances the spices in the latte, providing a satisfying vegan experience.
q. can i use ground turmeric instead of fresh turmeric root?
a. yes, ground turmeric can be used instead of fresh turmeric root to make turmeric chai latte. however, some differences in flavour may be noticeable as fresh turmeric gives a stronger taste compared to ground turmeric. on the other hand, ground turmeric makes it very convenient – just adjust its amount to your liking.
q. what are the potential health benefits of turmeric chai lattes?
a. chai lattes with turmeric offer many potential health benefits. since turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, consuming this tea can address those issues.
