Homemade Spiced Chai Latte Mix Recipe

Name: Homemade Spiced Chai Latte Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 cup powdered milk (120 grams); 1/2 cup powdered creamer (60 grams); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams); 1/2 cup loose black tea leaves (30 grams, or 6 to 8 crushed black tea bags); 10 whole cardamom pods (seeds removed and lightly ground, or 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom); 1 1/2 tablespoons ground Ceylon cinnamon (10 grams); 1 teaspoon ground ginger (2 grams); 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (1 gram); 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1 gram); 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (1 gram); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (0.5 grams, optional); 2 pinches salt (approximately 0.5 grams)

This homemade spiced chai latte mix recipe combines loose black tea with whole cardamom, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper for a warm, deeply fragrant drink you can make at home in minutes. Powdered milk and creamer give each cup a smooth, creamy finish, while freshly ground spices create a richer flavor than ordinary store-bought chai latte powder.

Everything comes together in one mixing bowl before being transferred to an airtight jar, making this homemade chai latte mix easy to keep on hand for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Use two to three tablespoons of this homemade chai latte mix with hot milk or water for a cozy latte, or simmer it with a small amount of water to create a chai concentrate for an easy homemade iced chai.

If you love making cozy drinks from scratch, pair this chai with Honey Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe and Gingerbread Hot Chocolate for a warm homemade drink rotation. For more cottage tea recipes, try Cherry Tea Blend and Homemade Strawberry Tea.

Two mugs of homemade spiced chai latte mix with warm spices and star anise on cozy kitchen table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Real spices, real tea – Loose black tea, whole cardamom pods, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and other warming spices create a homemade chai latte mix with rich, authentic flavor that’s closer to traditional masala chai than commercial chai latte powders. Every scoop is filled with freshly ground spices for a cozy café-style drink at home.
One bowl, one jar – the entire batch comes together by stirring dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then transferring to a mason jar. An optional pass through a blender creates a finer powder for a smoother cup.
Stores for up to 6 months – the dry mix keeps in a cool, dry place in an airtight jar for up to 6 months, so one batch covers the full season of morning lattes and afternoon cups.
A gift worth giving – layered in a mason jar with a few decorative whole spices and a handwritten card, this chai latte mix is one of the most requested cottage kitchen gifts from our shelf every winter.

Ingredients

Powdered milk – the dry dairy base that makes each cup creamy without needing fresh milk. Use full-fat powdered milk for the richest result, or coconut milk powder for a dairy-free version that still gives the latte its body.
Powdered creamer – adds a layer of creaminess and rounds out the spice blend. Use a plain or French vanilla non-dairy creamer, depending on how much sweetness you want built into the base mix.
Granulated sugar – sweetens the mix so each cup is ready to go with just hot liquid. Use coconut sugar for a less refined option with a slightly deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Loose black tea leaves – the earthy, bold base that every good chai latte is built on. Use 1/2 cup of loose black tea or crush 6 to 8 black tea bags and add the loose leaves directly to the mix. Ceylon, Assam, or Darjeeling all work well here.
Cardamom pods – Remove the seeds from the pods and discard the hulls before lightly grinding the seeds. Cardamom is the signature spice in authentic masala chai, giving this chai spice mix its bright floral aroma and subtle citrus notes. Freshly ground cardamom creates a noticeably brighter flavor than pre-ground cardamom and is one of the biggest differences between homemade and store-bought chai mixes. Use 1½ teaspoons of ground cardamom if whole pods aren’t available.
Ground Ceylon cinnamon – Ceylon cinnamon is milder and more floral than cassia cinnamon, which makes it the better choice here. It gives the mix warmth without the harsh bite that can overpower the cardamom and ginger.
Ground ginger – adds a clean, sharp warmth that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and creamer. Good quality ground ginger from a fresh jar works well here.
Ground cloves – a small amount goes a long way. Cloves add depth and a faint warmth that anchors the spice blend without dominating it.
Ground nutmeg – freshly grated nutmeg is noticeably more aromatic than pre-ground. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity that disappears quickly from older pre-ground jars.
Ground allspice – ties the spice blend together with a flavor that deepens the overall warmth of the finished mix.
Ground black pepper, optional – Black pepper is a traditional ingredient in authentic masala chai. It doesn’t make the finished drink spicy. Instead, it adds gentle warmth that balances the sweetness while bringing out the flavor of the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom for a more authentic homemade chai latte.
Salt – two small pinches sharpen the spice blend and balance the sweetness of the sugar throughout the mix.

Chai latte powder mix in glass mugs with warm milk topped with star anise on lace tablecloth

Variations & Add-Ins

Vanilla chai mix – Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla powder or the seeds from 3 vanilla beans to the finished mix for a smooth vanilla chai that’s perfect for cozy mornings.
Dirty chai – Stir a shot of espresso into a prepared chai latte for a rich coffeehouse-style drink that combines bold espresso with warm chai spices.
Dairy-free version – Replace the powdered milk and powdered creamer with 1½ cups of coconut milk powder for a creamy dairy-free option that still blends beautifully into hot or iced chai lattes.
Extra cozy spice – If you enjoy warm fall spices, try adding a small pinch of Easy Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice for an extra layer of seasonal flavor. It pairs especially well with homemade chai during the fall and holiday season.
Serve it iced – This mix isn’t just for hot drinks. Prepare a chai concentrate, pour it over ice, and enjoy a refreshing homemade iced chai latte on warm afternoons.

Recipe Tips

Grind the cardamom fresh – Remove the seeds from the pods and lightly grind them just before mixing. Freshly ground cardamom has a brighter, more fragrant flavor than pre-ground and gives this chai mix its signature aroma.

Use freshly grated nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg adds noticeably more warmth and depth than older pre-ground nutmeg, making every cup more flavorful.

Blend for a finer texture – Pulse the finished mix in a high-speed blender or food processor for a few seconds if you prefer a smoother chai latte powder. This simple step creates a finer homemade chai latte powder that dissolves more evenly for a creamier cup.

Strain before serving – Even after blending, a fine mesh strainer removes the tea leaves and spice particles for a smooth homemade chai latte with every cup.

Simmer gently – Heat the milk or water until steaming, then let the chai mix gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the tea and spices to fully infuse without becoming bitter.

Label gift jars – If you’re sharing this mix with friends or family, include simple serving directions on the jar so they can easily make both hot and iced chai lattes at home.

Dry ingredients for homemade chai latte mix in bowl with cinnamon sticks and ground spices

Instructions

Combine the dry base – in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered milk, powdered creamer, and granulated sugar until fully combined with no visible clumps.
Add the tea and spices – add the loose black tea leaves, the lightly ground seeds from the cardamom pods (or ground cardamom), ground Ceylon cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground black pepper if using, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the tea and spices are evenly distributed through the base with no visible streaks of spice.
Blend for a finer texture, optional – transfer the combined mix to a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse several times until the mix reaches a fine, even powder. This step produces a smoother cup but is not required for a flavorful result.
Transfer and store – pour the finished mix into an airtight mason jar or container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Label with the date and serving instructions.
To make a hot chai latte – heat 1 cup of milk, water, or a combination of both in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chai mix and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the spices are fully infused and the liquid is fragrant and deeply colored. Strain through a fine mesh strainer directly into a mug and serve immediately. Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a star anise pod if desired.
To make an iced chai latte – combine 2 to 3 tablespoons of chai mix with 1/2 cup of hot water in a small saucepan, stir well, and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Strain into a heat-safe glass and let cool to room temperature. Fill a glass with ice, pour the cooled chai concentrate over the ice, and add cold milk or milk of choice. Stir well and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom before serving.

Gifting & Sharing

Layer in a mason jar – spoon the finished chai latte mix into a clean wide-mouth mason jar and tuck a few whole spices like a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod on top before sealing for a visual presentation that makes the gift feel intentional and from-scratch.
Add a recipe card – tie a small card to the jar with the recipe and serving instructions: 2 to 3 tablespoons per cup of hot milk or water, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, strain before serving. Include the iced latte method on the back for a two-in-one gift.
Build a cottage drink basket – pair a jar of chai latte mix with a jar of Homemade Strawberry Tea or Cherry Tea Blend and a handwritten note for a cottage kitchen drink gift that covers both a warm spiced latte and a fruit tea for quieter mornings.
Make multiple jars from one batch – the full recipe fills approximately two standard mason jars, which makes it one of the most efficient gifts to batch in the cottage kitchen. Double the recipe and you have four jars ready to give with minimal extra effort.

Creamy homemade chai latte spice mix using spice chai latte powder in clear glass mugs with star anise garnish and cinnamon sticks

Freezing and Storage

Room temperature – Store the finished chai latte mix in an airtight mason jar or container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For the best flavor, enjoy it within 3 months, although it will stay fresh for up to 6 months when stored properly.
Prepared chai latte – A prepared chai latte is best enjoyed immediately after straining. As the tea and spices continue to steep, the flavor can become stronger and slightly bitter if it sits too long.
Gifting tip – If you’re giving this mix as a homemade gift, include the storage and serving instructions on the jar so it’s easy to prepare. Pair it with Honey Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe or Cherry Tea Blend for a thoughtful cottage-inspired tea gift.

FAQ

Homemade chai latte mix is made by combining loose black tea, warming spices, powdered milk, powdered creamer, and sugar into one dry mix. Simply stir 2 to 3 tablespoons into hot milk or water, simmer for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy.

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade chai latte mix stays fresh for up to 6 months. For the brightest spice flavor, it’s best enjoyed within the first 3 months.

Yes, replace the powdered milk and powdered creamer with coconut milk powder for a creamy dairy-free version that blends beautifully into both hot and iced chai lattes.

Traditional chai spices include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper blended with black tea. This recipe also includes allspice for an extra layer of warm, cozy flavor.

Absolutely. Simmer the chai mix with a small amount of hot water, strain it, let it cool, then pour it over ice and add your favorite milk for an easy homemade iced chai latte.

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Emily Rider

Home miller since 1999 with fresh-milled flour & sourdough experience. Sharing from-scratch recipes and traditional kitchen skills, rooted in the seasons and inspired by everyday cottage living and seasonal rhythms.

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