If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy beverage that wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe. It marries the comforting spices of chai with the natural sweetness of apple cider, making it the perfect festive treat to sip anytime you need a little seasonal cheer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: This recipe relies on easy-to-find pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
Seasonal Flavors: The blend of warm chai spices and fresh apple cider perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
Customizable Sweetness: You control the level of sweetness with honey or maple syrup, making it just how you like it.
Versatile and Cozy: Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based milk, this latte adjusts beautifully to your taste.

A dark gray mug filled with a frothy, light beige drink sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the foam, thin slices of apple are arranged in a slight curve, and there is a dusting of ground cinnamon spread evenly over the foam and apple slices. Around the mug, whole red and yellow apples and apple halves with visible seeds are scattered, along with two cinnamon sticks lying beside the mug. The photo looks warm and cozy with soft natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this delightful drink. Each component adds a distinctive flavor or texture—from the fruity tang of apple cider to the soothing warmth of chai spices.

Apple cider: Choose a fresh, good-quality cider to bring that vibrant apple flavor to life.
Water: Balances the cider’s sweetness and helps extract the chai tea’s rich flavors.
Chai tea bags or loose chai tea: The star of this drink, delivering a robust, aromatic spice blend.
Milk (dairy or plant-based): Adds creaminess and softens the spices for a luscious finish.
Honey or maple syrup (optional): Sweeten naturally to suit your palate without overpowering the spices.
Ground cinnamon (optional): A pinch on top brings an inviting aroma and a warm touch of flavor.
Cinnamon stick or apple slice (optional): Beautiful for garnishing and adds visual holiday charm.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak it to match your ingredients on hand, dietary needs, or flavor cravings—it’s surprisingly easy to make your own version!

Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or star anise for a more complex chai profile.
Make it vegan: Use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of dairy to keep it dairy-free and just as creamy.
Extra sweet: Swap honey for brown sugar or agave syrup to experiment with different sweetness nuances.
Chilled latte: Let the mixture cool, then serve over ice for a refreshing autumn iced latte.

How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Apple Cider and Water

Start by combining the apple cider and water in a small pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to warm up those beautifully sweet apple flavors while preparing the base for our tea infusion.

Step 2: Steep the Chai Tea

Once your cider mixture is simmering, add the chai tea bags or loose tea. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes to extract those rich, spicy notes—careful not to over-steep, as that can make the tea bitter.

Step 3: Add Milk and Sweetener

Next, pour in the milk of your choice and stir in the honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness. Heat gently until warm, but avoid boiling so your milk stays velvety and smooth.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Pour your comforting apple chai latte into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or a fresh apple slice for that extra holiday magic. Sip and savor the cozy flavors!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe

Choose Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider has a brightness that makes all the difference in flavor depth.
Don’t Overboil Milk: Warming milk gently prevents a scalded taste and keeps your latte silky smooth.
Steep Just Right: Steeping chai for 3-5 minutes brings out spices perfectly without bitterness.
Garnish Creatively: Use cinnamon sticks or apple slices not only for flavor but also to add charming holiday flair.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe

A tall black mug filled with a creamy, light brown drink topped with frothy foam dusted with fine brown cinnamon powder, decorated in the center with several thin, curved slices of pale yellow apple arranged neatly; the mug sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by two whole red and yellow apples in the blurred background, a few apple slices to the side, and two cinnamon sticks lying on the surface nearby, creating a cozy, warm scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

Garnishing is a simple way to elevate your drink’s presentation and aroma. I love adding a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick—I find it enhances both the flavor and the festive feel. A thin apple slice perched on the rim also adds a fresh, inviting touch.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced scones, or warm cinnamon rolls. The spicy-sweet notes of these baked goods complement the chai spices and apple cider, making your snack time feel indulgently seasonal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your latte in clear glass mugs to show off the warm amber hue, and wrap a rustic twine bow around the handle with a cinnamon stick tucked in for a charming touch. Or layer whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a café-style finish that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover latte, store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any settled spices or ingredients.

Freezing

While you can freeze the apple chai latte base (before adding milk), it’s best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture. If freezing, freeze only the cider and tea concentrate in an airtight container, then thaw and add warm milk when ready to drink.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the milk from curdling or the spices from becoming too strong. Warm it just until it’s hot and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use loose chai tea instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! Using loose chai tea works just as well—just use about 2 teaspoons and strain it after steeping to remove the leaves before adding milk.
Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Yes! Simply swap the dairy milk for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to make it lactose-free without compromising the creamy texture.
How sweet should I make the latte?

The sweetness is totally up to you. Start with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and adjust from there to balance the spicy chai and tart apple flavors perfectly.
Can I make this latte ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the cider and chai concentrate ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, warm it up and add milk just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe is truly my go-to for those moments when I crave something comforting but not complicated. It’s quick, flavorful, and beautifully festive—perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging on a quiet night in. Give it a try and let its cozy warmth brighten your season!

Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe for the Holidays Recipe

Print Recipe

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This Easy Homemade Apple Chai Latte Recipe is a cozy and flavorful drink perfect for the holidays. Combining fragrant chai spices with warm apple cider and creamy milk, it’s a comforting beverage that can be made quickly on the stovetop. Sweetened lightly with honey or maple syrup and garnished with cinnamon or apple slices, this latte is ideal for chilly days and festive moments.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Liquids

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup water
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Tea and Sweetener

2 chai tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose chai tea
1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

Spices and Garnish

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Cinnamon stick or apple slice (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Simmer Apple Cider and Water: In a small pot, combine the apple cider and water. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Steep Chai Tea: Once simmering, add the chai tea bags or loose chai tea to the pot. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse. Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves.
Add Milk and Sweetener: Pour in the milk of your choice and stir in honey or maple syrup if desired for sweetness. Warm the mixture gently, taking care not to let it boil to preserve the delicate flavors.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the finished Apple Chai Latte into mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or an apple slice for an extra festive touch. Enjoy while warm!

Notes

You can use any type of milk including dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk based on preference or dietary needs.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste.
Steeping time can be adjusted slightly for stronger or milder chai flavor.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
This recipe serves 2 but can be easily scaled up for more servings.
Do not boil the milk mixture to prevent curdling and maintain flavor balance.