Tea lattes are a delicious twist on traditional tea.
They combine the rich flavors of tea with the creamy texture of milk, creating a comforting and versatile drink.
Whether you prefer them hot or iced, tea lattes are perfect for any season.
They’re a popular choice in cafes, but you can easily make them at home with a few simple ingredients.
From classic chai to modern matcha, there’s a tea latte for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite tea latte recipes to make at home!
15 Best Tea Lattes: At A Glance
- Simple Tea Latte
- Matcha Latte
- Chai Latte
- London Fog (Earl Grey Latte)
- Rooibos Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
- Peppermint Matcha Latte
- Apple Chai Latte
- Gingerbread Latte
- Chamomile Latte
- Hibiscus Latte
- Hojicha Latte (Roasted Green Tea)
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Iced Chai Latte
- Iced Lavender Earl Grey Latte
What You Need to Make a Tea Latte
Making a tea latte at home is simple when you have the right ingredients and tools.
Here’s everything you need to get started.
Essential Ingredients
Types of Tea
The base of any tea latte is, of course, the tea.
You can use a variety of teas depending on the flavor you want:
- Black tea: Bold and robust, perfect for classic lattes like chai or Earl Grey.
- Green tea: Light and refreshing, with matcha being the most popular choice.
- Herbal teas: Caffeine-free options like chamomile or peppermint offer soothing alternatives.
- Rooibos: A naturally sweet, caffeine-free red tea that pairs well with milk.
Milk Options
Choosing the right milk is important for the texture of your latte.
Both dairy and plant-based milks work well:
- Dairy milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but 2% or skim milk also froth well.
- Plant-based milks: Almond, oat, coconut, and soy are popular alternatives. Oat milk is particularly creamy and froths nicely.
Sweeteners
You can customize the sweetness of your tea latte based on personal preference.
Some common sweeteners include:
- Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that works especially well with herbal teas.
- Maple syrup: Adds a rich, warm flavor.
- Simple syrup: A liquid sugar solution that blends easily into hot or cold drinks.
Tools
Milk Frother
A milk frother is key to achieving that silky, foamy texture.
You have a few options:
- Electric milk frother: The easiest and most efficient option for perfectly frothed milk.
- Handheld frother: A budget-friendly tool that works well but requires a bit more effort.
- Alternatives: If you don’t have a frother, you can use a whisk or shake hot milk in a jar to create foam.
Tea Infusers or Tea Bags
If you’re using loose leaf tea, a tea infuser will help you steep the tea without any mess.
If you prefer tea bags, you can steep them directly in your cup.
Steaming Equipment for Milk
While many frothers heat the milk, you can also steam milk on the stovetop or microwave it.
Just be careful not to overheat, as it can burn easily.
Tips on Preparing Tea Concentrate
For a strong, flavorful tea latte, it’s best to use a tea concentrate.
To make this, simply double the amount of tea or tea bags you would typically use, while using the same amount of water.
This ensures that the tea’s flavor doesn’t get lost when you add the milk.
1. Basic Steps to Make a Perfect Tea Latte
Making a tea latte at home is a simple process if you follow these steps.
Here’s how to brew your tea, froth your milk, and assemble the perfect cup.
Step 1: Brewing Tea and Preparing the Concentrate
To start, brew your tea using either loose leaf or tea bags.
For a strong, flavorful base, you’ll want to create a tea concentrate.
This is done by doubling the amount of tea you normally use while keeping the same amount of water.
For example, if you’d usually use 1 teaspoon of tea per cup of water, use 2 teaspoons instead.
Steep the tea for the recommended time based on the type of tea:
- Black tea: Steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Green tea: Steep for 1-3 minutes.
- Herbal teas: Steep for 5-7 minutes.
The goal is to make the tea strong enough that it doesn’t lose its flavor when you add the milk.
Step 2: Frothing the Milk
Frothing the milk is essential to creating that creamy, smooth texture in your latte.
Here are a few easy ways to froth milk:
- Electric Milk Frother: This is the easiest method. Simply pour the heated milk into the frother, and it will do all the work.
- Handheld Frother: A more affordable option, but it requires a bit of manual effort. Heat your milk, then froth it using the handheld tool until it reaches a foamy texture.
- Whisk or Jar Method: If you don’t have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously by hand or pour it into a mason jar, seal the lid, and shake until frothy. This method takes more effort but works in a pinch.
Remember to heat the milk to around 150°F (65°C) before frothing for the best results.
Step 3: Assembling the Latte: Combining Tea, Milk, and Sweetener
Once your tea concentrate is ready and your milk is frothed, it’s time to assemble the latte.
Start by pouring the tea concentrate into your cup, filling it about halfway.
Next, add the frothed milk, letting it mix with the tea.
Finally, sweeten your latte to taste.
Popular sweeteners include sugar, honey, or simple syrup.
Stir everything together gently.
For Hot Tea Lattes: Step-by-Step
To make a hot tea latte, follow these detailed steps:
- Brew your tea concentrate.
- Heat and froth your milk.
- Pour the tea concentrate into your cup.
- Add the frothed milk, spooning the foam on top.
- Sweeten to taste, and garnish with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or any toppings you like.
For Iced Tea Lattes: How to Adapt the Recipe
Iced tea lattes are just as easy to make.
Here’s how to adapt the recipe:
- Brew a tea concentrate, just as you would for a hot latte, but let it cool to room temperature.
- Add your sweetener while the tea is still warm to help it dissolve.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the cooled tea concentrate over the ice.
- Add cold frothed milk or regular cold milk for a smooth, creamy finish.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
For an even simpler option, you can cold brew your tea overnight and use it as the base for your iced latte.
This method produces a smooth, less bitter tea.
Classic Tea Lattes
2. Matcha Latte
A matcha latte combines earthy, vibrant green tea powder with creamy milk.
The tea is whisked into a frothy mixture and topped with steamed milk for a smooth, lightly sweetened drink.
3. Chai Latte
A chai latte blends black tea with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
Add frothy milk to create a rich, spicy latte perfect for cozy moments.
4. London Fog (Earl Grey Latte)
This classic features Earl Grey tea, steeped with a hint of vanilla, and paired with steamed milk.
Its subtle citrus flavor from the bergamot in Earl Grey makes it a refreshing yet comforting choice.
5. Rooibos Latte
Naturally caffeine-free, rooibos tea is a great alternative to black or green tea.
Its sweet and nutty flavor pairs beautifully with milk, making it ideal for an evening latte.
Unique and Seasonal Recipes
6. Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
For a fall-inspired treat, the pumpkin spice chai latte mixes chai tea with a dash of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The result is a rich, comforting drink with all the cozy flavors of autumn.
7. Peppermint Matcha Latte
This holiday twist on the classic matcha latte adds a refreshing hint of peppermint to balance the earthy tones of the green tea.
It’s perfect for winter mornings when you need something both energizing and soothing.
8. Apple Chai Latte
The apple chai latte brings together spiced chai tea and warm apple cider.
The combination creates a naturally sweet and spicy drink that’s perfect for cooler weather.
9. Gingerbread Latte
Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, the gingerbread latte is a festive drink ideal for winter months.
It’s warm, sweet, and reminiscent of a holiday cookie.
Caffeine-Free Options
10. Chamomile Latte
A chamomile latte is the perfect evening drink.
Chamomile’s floral and calming notes combine with steamed milk to create a soothing, caffeine-free beverage.
11. Hibiscus Latte
With its tart, fruity flavor, hibiscus tea makes a unique base for a tea latte.
Paired with sweetened milk, it becomes a vibrant, refreshing drink that’s both caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants.
12. Hojicha Latte (Roasted Green Tea)
Hojicha, a Japanese roasted green tea, has a nutty, toasty flavor that’s rich but not overpowering.
When combined with milk, it creates a warming and subtly sweet drink, perfect for any time of day.
Iced Tea Lattes
13. Iced Matcha Latte
This iced version of the matcha latte is refreshing and energizing.
Simply whisk the matcha with cold water, add ice, and top with cold-frothed milk for a light and creamy beverage.
14. Iced Chai Latte
For a cool, spicy drink, the iced chai latte offers the same bold flavors of a hot chai but in a refreshing iced form.
Brew a strong chai concentrate, pour it over ice, and finish with cold milk.
15. Iced Lavender Earl Grey Latte
This iced latte combines Earl Grey tea with a hint of lavender, giving it a floral twist.
The cold milk and ice make it an elegant, refreshing drink for warmer days.
How to Customize Your Tea Lattes
One of the best things about tea lattes is how easy they are to personalize.
You can adjust flavors, toppings, and sweetness to create a drink that matches your taste perfectly.
Here are some simple ways to customize your tea lattes.
Adding Flavors
To enhance the flavor of your tea latte, try adding some of these ingredients:
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup adds a rich, sweet note that pairs well with almost any tea.
- Caramel: For a deeper, more indulgent flavor, mix in a bit of caramel sauce or syrup. This works especially well in black tea lattes.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and even cardamom can give your latte a warm, spicy kick. These are great additions for chai or rooibos lattes. You can sprinkle them directly into the drink or on top of the froth.
Toppings
Adding toppings can make your tea latte even more special:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes any latte feel more indulgent. It adds a light, airy texture and extra creaminess.
- Froth Designs: If you’re feeling artistic, use a toothpick or latte art pen to create simple designs on top of the froth.
- Chocolate Shavings: For a sweet finish, grate some chocolate on top of your tea latte. Dark or milk chocolate both work well, especially in richer lattes like chai or rooibos.
- Rose Petals: Edible rose petals add an elegant touch. They’re a great complement to floral teas like chamomile or Earl Grey.
Sweetness Levels
You can control the sweetness of your tea latte to suit your preferences:
- Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar is the simplest way to sweeten your latte. Stir it into the tea while it’s still hot so it dissolves easily.
- Syrups: Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut are a quick way to add sweetness and flavor at the same time. You can also use simple syrup, which blends smoothly into both hot and iced lattes.
- Zero-Calorie Alternatives: For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These provide sweetness without adding calories, making them ideal for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Variations
Creating a dairy-free or vegan tea latte is simple with the right non-dairy milks and sweeteners.
Popular plant-based milks like oat, almond, and coconut work beautifully in tea lattes.
Oat milk is especially creamy and froths well, making it a great substitute for dairy.
Almond milk offers a lighter texture, while coconut milk brings a rich, tropical flavor.
When it comes to frothing, oat and soy milk tend to produce the best foam, similar to dairy milk.
For sweetness, natural options like maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar work perfectly in vegan recipes.
These sweeteners blend smoothly into both hot and iced lattes, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking without using animal products.
Health Benefits of Tea Lattes
Tea lattes offer more than just a delicious treat; they can also provide a variety of health benefits depending on the type of tea used.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which help combat free radicals and support overall health.
Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, is particularly potent and can boost energy without the jitters associated with coffee.
Chai tea, made from a blend of black tea and spices such as cinnamon and ginger, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.
As mentioned earlier, to make your tea latte healthier, consider reducing the amount of sugar or sweetener you use.
Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which add flavor with fewer refined sugars.
Using unsweetened plant-based milks, such as almond or oat, can also cut down on unnecessary sugars and calories, while still providing a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Making tea lattes at home is simple and versatile.
With just a few ingredients, you can create endless combinations of flavors to suit any mood or occasion.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different teas, sweeteners, and toppings to make your perfect cup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a tea latte without a frother?
Yes, you can make a tea latte without a frother.
You can use simple alternatives like a whisk, an immersion blender, or even shake the heated milk in a mason jar until it becomes frothy.
While these methods may take a little more effort, they can still produce a good foam for your tea latte.
What’s the best milk for frothing?
Whole milk froths best due to its higher fat content, which creates a rich, creamy foam.
If you’re using plant-based milk, oat milk is often considered the best option for frothing as it produces a smooth and thick texture.
Almond and soy milk can also froth well but may not be as creamy as oat milk.
How do you make a tea latte without dairy?
To make a dairy-free tea latte, simply use plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Oat milk is a popular choice for its creamy texture and frothing ability, while almond milk is lighter and slightly nutty. Sweeten your latte with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan-friendly drink.
