If you’re craving something warm and cozy that blends the spicy warmth of chai with the sweet tang of apple cider, you’re in for a treat. I’m excited to share my favorite Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe with you—it’s a simple, comforting drink that feels like autumn in a cup. Whether you’re winding down after a hectic day or just need a little pick-me-up, this latte never disappoints. Keep reading, because I’ll also share insider tips that make it extra special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Fall Flavors: You get the perfect balance of spicy chai and apple cider sweetness in every sip.
- Quick & Easy: Takes just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients — perfect for busy mornings or relaxing evenings.
- Customizable Comfort: Use your favorite milk or adjust sweetness/spice levels exactly how you like.
- Coffee Shop Quality at Home: With a little frothing magic, you’ll impress yourself (and guests!) with this latte.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe is in how these ingredients blend so seamlessly. The chai concentrate delivers that signature spice mix, while apple cider brings a cozy tartness. And picking the right milk makes all the difference in creaminess and foam—I’ll share my favorite choices below.
- Chai tea concentrate: I like making my own chai concentrate at home for a richer spice flavor, but store-bought works great too.
- Apple cider or apple juice: Fresh cider adds a lovely depth, but pure apple juice is a nice standby if cider’s unavailable.
- Whole milk or plant-based milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest froth, but oat milk froths beautifully and is my go-to dairy-free choice.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream and caramel sauce are the ultimate indulgence and make this latte a special treat.
Variations
I love how versatile this recipe is! Feel free to make it your own by tweaking the sweetness, milk type, or even adding a little espresso if you want some caffeine kick. I’ve tried several variations, and each one brings a fun twist to the classic.
- Dirty Apple Cider Chai Latte: Adding a shot or two of espresso turns this into a delightful café-style pick-me-up; my friends rave about this version during chilly mornings.
- Dairy-Free Options: Oat, almond, or soy milk each lend unique creaminess and froth well—try whichever you love or have on hand.
- Extra Spice Boost: Sprinkle in a little extra cinnamon, ginger, or even a pinch of clove for a more intense chai flavor that’s perfect for spice lovers.
- Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer it less sweet, use unsweetened apple cider and skip any extra sweeteners, or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
How to Make Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Chai and Apple Cider Mix
Grab a medium saucepan and pour in your chai tea concentrate and apple cider (or apple juice). Heat it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot — but don’t let it boil. This step is crucial to bring out the spices without overpowering the delicate apple notes. I learned the hard way that boiling can make it taste bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Step 2: Froth and Warm Your Milk
While your chai and cider heat up, warm your milk in a separate container. If you have a milk frother, this is the perfect time to steam and froth it until it’s delightfully foamy. No frother? No problem — I often heat the milk gently on the stove and then whisk it vigorously or shake it in a mason jar with the lid on until foamy. This little foam makes your latte look and feel like a coffee shop masterpiece!
Step 3: Combine and Enjoy
Pour the hot chai and apple cider mix into your favorite mug, then gently spoon or pour the frothy milk on top. If you want, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the foam for an extra touch of aroma and flavor. For special occasions or an indulgent treat, add a swirl of whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce over the top — my family absolutely goes crazy for this fancy finish!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe
- Perfect Heat: I always heat the chai and cider slowly — too hot or boiling can dull the spices; patience pays off here.
- Froth Like a Barista: Using a milk frother is a game-changer; if you don’t have one, warming and whisking milk vigorously still does the trick.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Don’t hesitate to add more cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to suit your taste; I often add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Avoid Over-Sweetening: Apple cider and chai concentrate are often sweetened; taste your mix before adding any extra sugar or syrups.
How to Serve Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dusting of nutmeg on the frothed milk. But for a cozy indulgence, whipped cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce never fails to impress friends and family. A cinnamon stick makes a cute, edible stirrer and amps up the seasonal vibes.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this chai latte than buttery pumpkin muffins or warm cinnamon rolls. For a lighter option, I often grab a slice of spiced apple bread or even a handful of roasted nuts to complement the spices and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this latte in clear glass mugs so the layers of foam and apple chai are visible. Add a little star anise or a thin apple slice on the rim for a festive, charming look. If you’re serving a crowd, a big glass pitcher with a ladle and small ramekins of whipped cream and caramel let everyone customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover chai concentrate and apple cider mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve done this, reheating gently on the stove helps preserve the spices without losing flavor.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen the combined latte because milk texture can change, but freezing extra chai concentrate alone works well. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat gently before mixing with fresh warmed milk.
Reheating
When reheating leftover latte mix, avoid the microwave if possible as it can alter texture; gently heat on the stove over low heat and stir often. For milk, I always froth fresh to keep the drink light and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use tea bags instead of chai concentrate for the Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have chai concentrate, strong brewed chai tea bags work as a substitute. Just brew double strength tea and reduce the apple cider slightly to maintain the right flavor balance.
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What’s the best milk to use in this Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe?
Whole milk produces a wonderfully creamy latte and froths well, but oat milk is my favorite dairy-free alternative—it froths beautifully and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the chai spices perfectly.
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How do I make a dairy-free or vegan version of this latte?
Simply swap the whole milk for any plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy. Just make sure to warm and froth the milk gently to achieve that lovely foam.
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Can I prepare this latte ahead of time for a crowd?
You can prepare the chai concentrate and apple cider mixture ahead and keep it warm in a thermos or slow cooker for a couple of hours. Froth the milk fresh just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
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Is this latte sweet enough, or should I add sugar?
Most chai concentrates and apple cider provide enough sweetness, but taste before deciding. If you prefer sweeter, add a little honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener to suit your palate.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe fills my kitchen with the scent of fall spices and fresh apples. It’s one of those recipes that’s so quick yet feels like a little daily luxury. When I first tried it, I knew it was a keeper — it’s my go-to whenever I want something warm, comforting, and just a bit fancy without fuss. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do and maybe share it with friends over a cozy chat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new fall favorite!
Print
Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 beverage
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte is a cozy, spiced beverage combining warm chai tea concentrate, fresh apple cider, and creamy steamed milk. Perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting drink with a hint of sweetness and spice, this latte can be customized with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Tea and Apple Cider Mixture
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
Milk
- 1/3 cup whole milk or plant-based milk of your choice
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Heat the chai concentrate and apple cider mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chai tea concentrate and apple cider or apple juice. Warm them together until hot, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors evenly.
- Warm and froth the milk: While the tea mixture heats, warm your choice of milk using a milk frother or by heating gently on the stovetop. Froth the milk using a handheld frother or a steam wand to create a creamy foam.
- Combine and serve: Pour the hot chai and apple cider mixture into a mug, then gently add the frothed milk on top to create a layered latte effect.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the milk foam for a simple finish, or elevate the latte by topping it with whipped cream and drizzling caramel sauce for a special occasion or indulgence.
Notes
- You can use homemade chai concentrate or store-bought for convenience. Adjust sweetness and spice level to your preference.
- If you don’t have a milk frother, warm the milk in a saucepan and whisk vigorously or shake in a sealed mason jar to create foam.
- For a caffeinated twist, add one or two shots of espresso to make a Dirty Apple Cider Chai Latte.
- Apple cider and chai concentrates vary in spice intensity and sweetness, so taste and adjust accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beverage
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 34 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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