How to Use Chai Concentrate: Step-by-Step Recipes for Hot and Iced Lattes

Quick Answer

To make a chai latte with chai concentrate, mix equal parts concentrate and milk, then heat or pour over ice. For a hot latte, steam the milk and combine; for an iced version, shake with ice and pour over fresh ice. Use Minor Figures Chai Concentrate for a balanced, consistent base.

Chai concentrate is the shortcut to a café-style chai latte at home without brewing tea from scratch. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, the key is getting the ratio right and using a milk that complements the spices without overpowering them.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for both hot and iced chai lattes, covering the right proportions, temperature tips, and common mistakes to avoid. We’ll also show how Minor Figures Chai Concentrate pairs with their oat milks for a smooth, dairy-free finish.

Understanding Chai Concentrate: What It Is and How It Works

Chai concentrate is a strong, spiced tea base that you dilute with milk or water. It’s typically made by brewing black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, then sweetening it. The concentrate is designed to be mixed, not drunk straight, so the flavor is intense and meant to be balanced with milk.

The standard ratio is 1:1 concentrate to milk, but you can adjust based on your taste. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, use more concentrate; if you want a creamier drink, add extra milk. For a dairy-free chai latte, oat milk is a popular choice because its natural sweetness and creamy texture complement the spices without curdling.

• Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust to your preference.
• Oat milk adds a creamy body that pairs well with chai spices.

Hot Chai Latte: Step-by-Step

To make a hot chai latte, start by heating your milk. If you have an espresso machine, steam the oat milk until it’s silky and has a slight microfoam. If not, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling—boiling can scorch the milk and alter the flavor.

While the milk heats, pour the chai concentrate into your mug. For a standard 12-ounce drink, use 6 ounces of concentrate and 6 ounces of milk. Once the milk is hot, pour it over the concentrate and stir gently. If you like it sweeter, add a touch of honey or maple syrup, but the concentrate is already sweetened, so taste first.

• Heat milk to about 150°F (65°C) for best texture.
• Don’t boil the milk—it can curdle and lose sweetness.

Iced Chai Latte: Step-by-Step

For an iced chai latte, the process is quicker. Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in the chai concentrate. Add cold milk and stir well. To get a well-chilled drink without diluting it too fast, consider shaking the concentrate and milk with ice in a cocktail shaker for a few seconds, then straining into a fresh glass with new ice.

The 1:1 ratio works here too, but you might want to use slightly more concentrate because the ice will melt and dilute the drink. A good starting point is 6 ounces of concentrate, 5 ounces of milk, and a cup of ice. Taste and adjust—if it’s too strong, add a splash more milk.

• Shake with ice to chill without over-diluting.
• Use fresh ice in the serving glass to keep it cold longer.

Choosing the Right Oat Milk for Your Chai Latte

The milk you choose affects the mouthfeel and flavor of your chai latte. Minor Figures offers two main oat milks: Barista Oat and Everyday Oat. Barista Oat is designed for coffee and steaming, with a smooth, balanced texture that also works well in chai. Everyday Oat is more versatile for cereals and tea, but it can still be used in chai if you prefer a lighter body.

Barista Oat is gluten-free and formulated to complement strong flavors without curdling. It’s a reliable choice for both hot and iced chai lattes. If you’re looking for an organic option, Barista Oat (Regenerative) is also available and steams smoothly, though it’s not necessary for a great chai.

• Barista Oat is the best match for hot chai lattes due to its steaming performance.
• Everyday Oat works for iced chai if you want a lighter drink.

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Chai Latte with Concentrate

1. Measure the concentrate: Pour 6 ounces of chai concentrate into your mug or glass. Adjust to taste, but start with a 1:1 ratio with milk. Checkpoint: The concentrate is strong, so don’t skip measuring.
2. Heat or chill the milk: For hot chai, steam or heat 6 ounces of Barista Oat until steaming. For iced chai, use cold milk straight from the fridge. Common mistake: Boiling milk can scorch it—heat gently.
3. Combine and stir: Pour the milk over the concentrate and stir well. For iced chai, add ice and shake if desired. Checkpoint: Taste and adjust sweetness or strength before serving.

Products We Recommend

• Chai Concentrate 3 months pre-paid: This multipack includes six 1-liter bottles, perfect for keeping your pantry stocked. If you drink chai regularly, a pre-paid supply ensures you never run out and saves you from repeated purchases.
• BARISTA OAT: Designed to complement coffee with a smooth, balanced texture. Gluten free formulation. Its smooth texture and gluten-free formulation make it a reliable base for hot chai lattes without curdling.

With these step-by-step methods, you can make a delicious hot or iced chai latte at home using chai concentrate and oat milk. Remember to start with a 1:1 ratio, choose the right milk for your texture preference, and avoid overheating. Experiment with the ratios to find your perfect cup.