What is the process for making a chai latte?

The process for making a chai latte involves brewing chai tea and then incorporating steamed milk to achieve a creamy texture and balanced flavor. In this preparation, the brewed chai tea serves as the base, providing the aromatic spices and tea flavor. Steaming the milk not only enhances its texture, making it smooth and velvety, but also warms it to the optimal temperature for mixing without compromising the flavor profile. Combining these two components in equal parts allows for a harmonious blend of the spiced tea and the creamy milk, which is essential for a traditional chai latte experience.

Other options introduce variations that do not align with the classic method; for example, adding cold milk rather than steaming it results in a vastly different taste and texture. Blending chai tea with ice creates more of a chilled beverage rather than the warm, comforting drink that a chai latte is meant to be. Lastly, combining chai syrup with espresso focuses more on a different style of drink, diverging from the traditional chai latte's essence.