Apple Chai Latte

Save this recipe on:

Cozy, creamy, and kissed with the warmth of fall spices, the Apple Chai Latte is the ultimate seasonal sip. It blends the bold spices of chai with sweet apple cider, creamy milk, and a dollop of frothy whipped cream—topped with thin apple slices and a dusting of cinnamon. It feels like wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a crisp morning, comfort in every sip.

Whether you’re curling up with a book, hosting brunch, or just need a little afternoon pick-me-up, this Apple Chai Latte delivers a comforting balance of spice and sweetness. It’s a barista-style drink you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients and zero stress. Let’s bring the café magic to your kitchen!

---

What Kind of Chai Should I Use?

For the best flavor, use a strong chai tea base—either a quality loose-leaf blend or your favorite chai tea bags. If you have chai concentrate (like the ones from Tazo or Oregon Chai), that works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or lightly sweetened so the apple cider doesn’t make the drink overly sugary.

---

Ingredients for the Apple Chai Latte

Chai Tea or Chai Concentrate
The spiced backbone of the drink—choose a bold, aromatic blend with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.

Apple Cider
This adds fruity warmth and natural sweetness. Go for unfiltered apple cider if possible, for a deeper apple flavor.

Milk
For creaminess and balance. Whole milk froths beautifully, but almond, oat, or soy milk all work well for dairy-free options.

Maple Syrup (Optional)
For extra sweetness and a rich, earthy twist. Especially lovely if your chai or cider is unsweetened.

Vanilla Extract
A tiny splash deepens the flavor and rounds out the spices.

Whipped Cream + Apple Slices + Cinnamon (Topping)
Optional, but highly recommended! These toppings add a cozy, café-worthy finish.

---

How To Make the Apple Chai Latte

Step 1: Brew the Chai Base

Steep your chai tea bags (or loose-leaf chai) in hot water for 5–7 minutes. If using a concentrate, skip this step and move to the next. You want a strong chai flavor to shine through the apple and milk.

Step 2: Heat the Apple Cider and Milk

In a small saucepan, combine equal parts apple cider and milk. Heat gently over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract at this stage if using.

Step 3: Combine the Chai and Apple Milk Mixture

Pour the brewed chai into a mug until it’s about halfway full. Top it off with the warm apple cider-milk mixture. Give it a gentle stir to marry all the flavors.

Step 4: Froth It Up (Optional)

If you have a milk frother or handheld whisk, froth the milk before pouring for a luxurious, foamy top. It makes it feel extra special!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with whipped cream, a few thin apple slices, and a dusting of cinnamon. This final touch adds a gorgeous, cozy finish and a little bite of texture. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

---

How to Serve and Store Your Apple Chai Latte

The Apple Chai Latte is best served fresh and hot, ideally in a clear mug so you can admire those dreamy layers and toppings. It pairs beautifully with a slice of spiced cake, shortbread, or a cozy breakfast like cinnamon oatmeal or pumpkin pancakes.

If you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the chai concentrate and the apple cider-milk mixture separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just heat both together on the stove or in the microwave, froth if desired, and garnish before serving.

Avoid storing a fully assembled latte with whipped cream and apple slices, as those toppings won’t hold well over time.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk work beautifully in place of dairy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened if you’re also using cider and maple syrup.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or cozy. Cider has a deeper apple taste and often includes spices, which complements the chai better.

Is this drink caffeinated?

Yes, if you’re using black tea-based chai, it will have caffeine. If you’re sensitive, try using a decaf chai or rooibos-based chai.

Can I make a big batch for guests?

Totally! Just scale the ingredients and combine everything in a large pot on the stove. Let guests garnish their mugs individually with whipped cream and cinnamon.

What kind of apples are best for topping?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady hold their shape and flavor well, adding a nice bite without browning too quickly.

Do I need a frother?

Not at all! A handheld whisk, blender, or even shaking warm milk in a tightly sealed jar can create enough foam for that frothy finish.

---

Want More Drink Ideas with a Cozy Twist?

If this Apple Chai Latte warms your soul, here are more sippable favorites you might enjoy:

• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a dessert-meets-drink treat.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup if you’re craving something warming and savory with bold spice.
• Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie to pair alongside for a creamy, nostalgic bite.
• Amish Applesauce Cake for a spiced cake companion.
• Winter Brittle to snack on while you sip something warm.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this Apple Chai Latte recipe to your Pinterest drinks or fall favorites board so it’s just a click away when the craving hits.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Did you add extra spice? Try a different milk? Snap a pic and let us know in the comments.

Looking for even more cozy drinks and seasonal recipes? Come hang out with me on Pinterest at Life with Jam and find a new favorite to try next!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: