Dairy-Free Recipe: How to Make the Best Chai Latte

When chai meets coconut milk, the result is luxe, cozy, and unexpectedly smooth — exactly how a perfect dairy-free chai latte should taste. On this episode of Prep School, Megan Mitchell makes the best chai latte by combining spicy chai concentrate with creamy coconut milk and a touch of sweetener to create something both comforting and bold. No dairy, no fuss — just warm, fragrant layers that feel indulgent without heaviness.

Beyond flavor, this recipe leans into modern wellness trends by featuring adaptogenic herbs and plant-based boosters that enhance—not overpower—the chai experience. Rather than masking spices, it amplifies them, letting cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and clove shine through. The result is a latte that’s not just a drink, but a sensory ritual.

Because it’s built without dairy and with clean ingredients, this latte is inherently gluten-free (with no hidden gluten-based additives), making it a reliable choice for those with dietary sensitivities. Serve it warm or iced — it holds beautifully in both forms — and let it become your signature seasonal or everyday chai.

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The Best Chai Latte Recipe

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 latte
Active time: 5 minutes

Chai Latte Ingredients

For the Chai Tea Latte Concentrate (Yields 10 servings):

• 6 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 2-inch knob fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 5 pieces
• 5 cups water
• ½ cup toasted coconut chips
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 10 black tea bags
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the final latte (Per 1 serving):

• ½ cup chai concentrate (from above recipe)
• 1 packet Prima Brain Fuel CBD Botanical Elixir
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup, plus more to taste
• Coconut milk
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

How to Make the Best Chai Latte

1. Make Chai Tea Latte Concentrate: Slowly bring cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger, water, coconut chips, peppercorns, allspice, cardamom, and nutmeg to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
2. Once simmering, add maple syrup and tea bags. Off heat, steep 3 to 4 minutes; remove tea bags.
3. Let cool, then push mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Add vanilla and stir. Pour concentrate into a bottle or jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
4. Make an iced latte: Pour ½ cup of concentrate, 1 Prima Brain Fuel packet, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup into a jar with a lid. Tightly screw on lid and vigorously shake for 30 seconds, or until powder has dissolved.
5. Pour over a glass filled with ice; top with a splash of coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Make a hot latte: Warm ½ cup coconut milk in a small saucepan.
7. While coconut milk heats, pour ½ cup concentrate, 1 brain fuel packet, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup into a mug. Top with hot coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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Chai Latte Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 1 latte). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 latte
Calories	≈ 170 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 20 g
Sugar	≈ 18 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 9 g

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Chai Latte Variations & Tips

• Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or monk fruit syrup based on your taste or dietary goals.
• Milk alternatives: Try oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk (barista-style) as an alternative to coconut milk for different texture and flavor.
• Spice boost: Increase cardamom, ginger, or add a pinch of black pepper to intensify warmth.
• Make a concentrate batch: Double or triple the chai concentrate and refrigerate — you’ll be able to whip up lattes in seconds later.
• Serve hot or iced: Prepare the concentrate cold, then add ice and a splash of milk; for steaming, gently heat the milk without boiling.
• Garnish flair: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a small dash of ground clove on top for aroma and visual appeal.
• Adjust strength: Use more or less concentrate depending on how bold you like your chai flavor.

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Best Chai Latte Pairings

• Almond biscotti or gluten-free cookies: Crunchy bites that pair wonderfully with creamy chai.
• Date or fig bars: Naturally sweet bars echo chai spices without overpowering.
• Banana bread or nut loaf: A slice warmed next to the latte feels like pure comfort.
• Fruit salad with tropical notes: Pineapple, mango, or berries lend brightness and contrast.
• Oatmeal or chia pudding: Use the chai latte as the “milk” for breakfast bowls to tie flavors together.

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When to Make Chai Tea Latte

• Cozy winter mornings: Make a hot chai latte to start the day warmly.
• Fall and holiday menus: A seasonal drink that pairs well with desserts and sweet treats.
• Brunch gatherings: Offer it alongside coffee, smoothies, and baked goods for guests who prefer a spiced drink.
• Tea parties or wellness events: Use it as a showpiece chai option that’s dairy-free and elegant.

\item>Afternoon pick-me-up: A lightly spiced latte to refresh you mid-day without being heavy.

• Cold weather gatherings: Serve as a warm, comforting beverage option for guests on chilly nights.

Recipes by Megan Mitchell