Mocha Chai Latte

By /

Servings: 2 mugs | Total Time: 10 minutes

Let’s Talk About This Cozy Drink ☕

Okay, if you’ve ever had trouble choosing between a spicy chai or a rich mocha—this is your dream come true. A Mocha Chai Latte is like a hug in a mug.

It’s warm, creamy, chocolatey, and spiced just right. It’s my favorite way to turn a regular morning into a cozy, café-style moment—without leaving the house.

Mocha Chai Latte

Why I Love This Recipe

Mocha Chai Latte

I started making this mocha chai latte during a cold stretch last winter. I had some leftover chai concentrate and thought, “What if I add chocolate?” That little experiment turned into something I now make all the time.

Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

  • It’s super fast—done in 10 minutes
  • The chai spices and cocoa together taste like dessert and coffee in one
  • No fancy equipment needed
  • You can use regular milk, oat milk, almond—whatever you’ve got
  • Way cheaper than going to the coffee shop every day

What You’ll Need

  • 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • ½ cup strong brewed chai tea (or chai concentrate)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1–2 shots of espresso or ¼ cup strong coffee
  • Pinch of cinnamon (for garnish)
Mocha Chai Latte

Pro Tips

  1. Brew your chai strong so the spices don’t get lost in the chocolate.
  2. Use a milk frother or a whisk to get that creamy café-style finish.
  3. If you’re short on time, use a good chai concentrate like Tazo or Oregon Chai.
  4. Want it iced? Just skip the stove and shake it all up with cold milk and ice.
  5. Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for extra cozy spice.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Milk frother (optional)
  • Mug

Substitutions & Variations

  • No maple syrup? Use honey or brown sugar
  • Dairy-free? Use oat, almond, or soy milk
  • Want less caffeine? Skip the coffee/espresso
  • Extra spicy? Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove

Make Ahead Tips

You can mix the milk, cocoa, sweetener, and chai ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat and froth when ready.

Instructions

Step 1: Brew Chai & (Optional) Coffee

Brew ½ cup of strong chai tea (or heat your concentrate). Brew espresso or strong coffee if using.

Mocha Chai Latte

Step 2: Heat Milk, Cocoa, and Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 ½ cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp maple syrup over medium heat until smooth and steaming—not boiling.

Mocha Chai Latte

Step 3: Stir in Vanilla, Chai, and Coffee

Whisk in ½ tsp vanilla, the brewed chai, and the optional espresso. Stir until it’s all combined and steamy.

Step 4: Froth & Pour

Froth using a frother or whisk. Pour into mugs. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top.

Mocha Chai Latte

Leftovers & Storage

This mocha chai latte is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and froth again.

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

  • Cocoa powder dissolves best when heated with fat (like milk) and sugar
  • Chai spices enhance the chocolate with their warm flavors—like cinnamon, cardamom, and clove
  • Adding coffee boosts the bitterness of cocoa, making the drink feel richer and deeper

Macros (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 17g

(Based on 2% milk and maple syrup; will vary with substitutions.)

Meal Plan Ideas

  • Breakfast Pairing: Toast with almond butter and banana
  • Afternoon Treat: With a cookie or biscotti
  • Weekend Brunch: With scrambled eggs and toast

Common Mistakes

  • Overheating the milk – makes it taste scorched
  • Not whisking cocoa well – leads to clumps
  • Too much chai – overpowers the chocolate
  • Skipping the sweetener – makes it bitter

What to Serve With

  • A slice of banana bread
  • Warm muffins
  • Cinnamon toast
  • A savory breakfast wrap for balance

FAQ

Can I make it iced?
Yes! Let everything cool, then shake with ice or pour over ice.

Can I use chai concentrate instead of tea?
Absolutely! Just use ½ cup.

Can I make it without coffee?
Yep. It’s still delicious without it.

Is this sweet?
It’s gently sweet. You can adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Let’s Make It!

This mocha chai latte is such a mood—cozy, comforting, and way too easy not to try. Give it a go, and come back to let me know how it turned out! Got a question or a twist of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Want a spicier version or a decaf one? I got ideas! Just ask.

Related Posts