This easy Chai Eggnog Latte combines chai tea and creamy eggnog, for the coziest sip of the season. If you love the rich spice of chai tea, then you will love it paired with the subtle hints of nutmeg and vanilla from the popular holiday drink. Made with just a few store-bought ingredients, it is sure to become your new favorite coffee shop dupe.
If you know me at all, you know that I love chai tea. It's my go-to coffee shop favorite all year round. I'm always looking for new ways to use chai in my kitchen -chai pancakes anyone? And this Starbucks copycat is my newest obsession.
Starbucks does offer up this creamy chai eggnog latte around the holidays, but it's not always on the menu. It will vary by region and availability. So why take a chance, when you can easily whip up this bad boy at home?
I hate to call this a Starbucks copycat because frankly, I do not have access to the magical wizardry that is in Starbucks' drinks. I will, however, settle for a few chai tea bags, and the eggnog of my choosing. Plus, with my way, you can adorn it with fresh spices, because- you fancy!
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Why you will love this recipe
- Uses store bought chai tea bags (or concentrate) and store bought eggnog
- Can be made dairy free
- You can customize the flavors
- Sweetness can easily be adjusted
- Can be served hot or iced
- Perfect to serve at a holiday brunch (Christmas, New Year's Day)
Ingredient notes
Here is what you will need to make this chai eggnog latte.
- Chai tea- You can use either chai tea bags or chai tea concentrate. I keep store-bought concentrate in the fridge for on-the-fly lattes and even cocktails! If buying store-bought concentrate, note that each brand is very different in taste and sweetener content. My go-to brand is Tazo. Taste your concentrate first before adding additional sweeteners. You can also choose caffeine or decaffeinated, depending on your preference.
- Eggnog- Store-bought or homemade. Commercially prepared eggnog is available around the holidays, starting late October through December and January. Look for natural varieties without too many additives, and skip any eggnog with alcohol in it. Dairy-free versions are available where most eggnog is sold. Use leftovers to make these eggnog waffles or eggnog ice cream!
- Sugar- You can use any sweetener of your choice. I use turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw). Brown sugar, white sugar, or natural sweetener will work.
- Milk- I use 2% and find that it froths up nicely with the eggnog. You can substitute full or low-fat varieties. You can also substitute dairy-free or plant-based milk of your choice.
- Whole or ground spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or star anise- These are optional but make a great topping or serving suggestion.
- Whipped cream- Optional, but indulgent. It's the holidays after all!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
Grab your favorite coffee mug and frother. If you own an espresso machine, then it should be equipped with a steamer/frother wand. Otherwise, this handheld milk frother is well worth buying.
Chai eggnog latte step by step (2 ways)
Here are 2 options for making a chai eggnog latte. The first one uses chai tea bags, and the other option uses store-bought chai tea concentrate. Either version is delicious. Your choice will depend on what ingredients you have on hand- or you can try both and see which one you like better!
☕To make your latte, combine equal parts of chai concentrate and eggnog/milk mixture. Example: ½ cup chai concentrate + ¼ cup milk/1/4 cup eggnog mixture.
Chai eggnog latte with chai tea bags (option 1)
Gather your ingredients- chai tea bags, sugar, hot water, eggnog, and milk.
Place tea bags in a mug. Pour hot water over it to brew the tea.
Pour milk and eggnog into a heat proof glass and heat until hot. Using a frother, froth until double in volume and foamy.
Pour eggnog mixture into hot tea mixture. Stir to combine. Garnish with spices, and whipped cream, if using.
Chai eggnog latte with chai concentrate (option 2)
Gather your ingredients- chai concentrate, eggnog and milk.
Pour the desired amount into a mug and heat.
Pour milk and eggnog into a heat proof glass and heat until hot. Using a frother, froth until double in volume and foamy.
Pour eggnog mixture into tea mixture. Stir to combine. Garnish with spices, and whipped cream, if using.
To make an Iced Chai Eggnog Latte: Skip all the heating and add ice to a large mug. Pour in the chai and then eggnog/milk mixture. Stir and enjoy!
📝Recipe notes
- Not all chai concentrates are created equal. I have tried five of the most popular brands (Tazo, Oregon Chai, Trader Joe's, Rishi, Chai Box), and each varies in spice and sweetness. Although Tazo tea is sold at Starbucks, the chai tea concentrate the store uses in their popular lattes is not sold commercially (bummer). My advice is to taste your concentrate first to determine if you will need more or less.
- Not all prepared eggnog is created equal. Some are heavy on nutmeg and cinnamon, while other are more "eggy". Again, taste your eggnog first to determine if you will need more or less, depending on your preferences.
- If you don't have a machine or handheld frother try this. You can use a Mason jar! Just pour your eggnog and milk into a mason jar about halfway. Screw the lid on and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy and doubled in volume. Next, unscrew the lid, and place the jar in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can now pour or spoon your foam into your drink.
Substitutions and variations
- Milk: You can swap whole milk for dairy-free or plant-based milk.
- Eggnog: If you need a dairy-free version, you can swap out the eggnog for a plant-based variety.
- Make it dirty: Add a shot of espresso to the chai tea to transform this into a dirty chai eggnog latte.
- Make it iced: Skip the heat and add ice to your mug before adding your ingredients. To make it foamy, pour contents into a tight-fitting mason jar with ice and shake vigorously until foamy. Serve immediately.
How to serve this eggnog chai tea latte
Whether you're preparing your chai eggnog latte hot or cold, try some of these serving suggestions to make it a little fancy.
- Spices: A dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice to the top right before serving will really drive home the flavors.
- For an elegant look, serve with whole spices, like a cinnamon stick or star anise.
- Whipped cream: To make this extra indulgent, top with whipped cream.
Storage and make ahead tips
This drink is best prepared fresh. Store your eggnog and chai concentrate according to the packaging directions.
Looking for other holiday recipes?
Try some of my favorites. These are perfect for Christmas!
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Chai Eggnog Latte
Equipment
- 1 10-12 ounce coffee/tea mug
- 1 milk frother or mason jar
Ingredients
Chai Eggnog Latte (Tea Bag Option)
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 cup (8 ounces) hot water
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup eggnog
Chai Eggnog Latte (Chai Concentrate Option)
- ½ cup chai concentrate See recipe notes
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup eggnog
Instructions
Chai Eggnog Latte (Tea Bag Option)
- In a 10-12 ounce mug, place the tea bags then add the hot water. Steep the tea for 10 minutes. Discard the tea bags. Reserve ½ cup of the homemade concentrate.2 chai tea bags, 1 cup (8 ounces) hot water, 2 teaspoon sugar
- In a separate heatproof glass, add the milk and the eggnog. Heat until very hot, but not boiling (I use the microwave). Using a handheld frother, froth the eggnog mixture until doubled in volume and foamy. Alternately you can use a mason jar with a lid. (If using a mason jar, do not heat the mixture first, heat it after).¼ cup milk, ¼ cup eggnog
- Pour the eggnog foam into the tea, and mix to combine. Garnish with spices such as cinnamon and whipped cream if using.
Chai Eggnog Latte (Chai Tea Concentrate Option)
- In a 10-12 ounce mug, place the chai concentrate and heat until hot (I use a microwave).½ cup chai concentrate
- In a separate heatproof glass, add the milk and the eggnog. Heat until very hot, but not boiling (I use the microwave). Using a handheld frother, froth the eggnog mixture until doubled in volume and foamy. Alternately you can use a mason jar with a lid. (If using a mason jar, do not heat the mixture first, heat it after).¼ cup milk, ¼ cup eggnog
- Pour the eggnog foam into the tea, and mix to combine. Garnish with spices such as cinnamon and whipped cream if using.
Notes
-
- Not all chai concentrates are created equal. I have tried five of the most popular brands (Tazo, Oregon Chai, Trader Joe's, Rishi, Chai Box), and each varies in spice and sweetness. Although Tazo tea is sold at Starbucks, the chai tea concentrate the store uses in their popular lattes is not sold commercially (bummer). My advice is to taste your concentrate first to determine if you will need more or less. For the Chai Box concentrate featured in this recipe, I used ¼ cup.
-
- Not all prepared eggnog is created equal. Some are heavy on nutmeg and cinnamon, while others are more "eggy". Again, taste your eggnog first to determine if you will need more or less, depending on your preferences.
-
- If you don't have a machine or handheld frother try this. You can use a Mason jar! Just pour your eggnog and milk into a mason jar about halfway. Screw the lid on and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy and doubled in volume. Next, unscrew the lid, and place the jar in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can now pour or spoon your foam into your drink.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Gary Nolan says
In your ingredient list, you list "tea bag option" twice.
Jennifer says
Good eye Gary! I just corrected it.