Healthy and Balanced Latte Recipes for Chai Tea and Matcha Green Tea Lattes

Introduction

I fell in love with Starbucks drinks a few years ago, but the cost and distance made it impractical to enjoy them regularly. The nearest Starbucks is 1.5 hours away, so I indulge in a few lattes when I travel. When I return home, I recreate my own healthier versions!

Making Healthier Lattes at Home

You can easily make your own healthy lattes by substituting nutritious ingredients for the less healthy ones. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Chai Tea Latte

Nothing tastes better on a cold winter day than a hot cup of chai tea. Originating in India, chai tea is made from a blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, boiled with tea and milk.

Hot Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 regular tea bags (black tea, orange pekoe, etc.)
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and cardamom
• 1 whole clove
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup date or coconut sugar, or honey to taste
• 2 1/2 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Add water, spices, and tea bags to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add the sugar or honey. Gradually reduce the amount of sweetener over time to adjust to a less-sweet taste.
3. Add the milk and bring just to a boil. Be careful not to let it boil over.
4. Strain the chai tea into your cup and enjoy!

Tip: To prevent the chai from boiling over, run a stick of butter around the rim of the pot when it's hot.

Easy Iced Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 chai tea bags (various brands available)
• 1 cup raw milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
• 1 cup hot water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Place the 2 tea bags in a cup and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let steep, then remove the tea bags and gently squeeze out all the liquid.
2. Stir in the milk and serve over ice.

Chai Green Tea Latte

For a variation, add 2 green tea bags to the above recipe to enjoy the health benefits of green tea.

Matcha Green Tea Latte

Japanese Matcha green tea powder is renowned for its excellent taste, health benefits, and energizing properties.

Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
• 1 cup ice
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1-2 drops vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Matcha powdered green tea
• *Optional: Light rum (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Make a paste with the Matcha green tea powder, honey, and warm water. Place the powder and honey into a small bowl, add the warm water, and use a small whisk or spoon to mix into a smooth paste.
2. Place the Matcha paste and the rest of the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth for about 1 minute. If the Matcha paste sticks to the side of the blender, stop and scrape it down into the milk, then continue blending.
3. Serve over ice.

Interesting Stats

• Chai Tea: Chai tea has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation due to its blend of spices. Source: Healthline
• Matcha Green Tea: Matcha contains up to 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea. Source: Time

Conclusion

By making these delicious and healthy lattes at home, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without the high cost or unhealthy ingredients. Experiment with these recipes and adjust them to your taste. Enjoy the benefits of chai tea and matcha green tea while savoring every sip!

Note: Always check the latest research and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.