The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg always takes me back to Christmas mornings. The twinkling lights, the excitement in the air, and that first sip of something warm and comforting. This year, I’ve captured that magic in a mug with my homemade Christmas Chai Latte, a delicious twist on the popular Dutch Bros Christmas Morning Chai. And the best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to make!
This recipe gives you a “Christmas Chai Latte”, also known as a “Christmas Morning Chai Breve”, right in your own kitchen.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Chai Latte (It’s Better Than Dutch Bros!)
Making your own Christmas Chai Latte isn’t just easy; it’s also a smart choice. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
- Save money: Skip the coffee shop line and save around $3-$5 per drink.
- Control the sweetness: Adjust the white chocolate sauce to your perfect level of sweetness.
- Ready in minutes: A cozy, barista-quality treat in under 10 minutes.
- Impress your loved ones: Spoil your friends and family with a coffee-shop-quality beverage.
What is a Christmas Chai Latte?
A Christmas Chai Latte is a festive holiday beverage that puts a cheerful twist on the classic chai latte. At its heart, it’s a variation of a regular chai latte, but with the addition of white chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of nutmeg. It’s often made “breve” style, which means it uses half-and-half instead of milk, making it extra creamy and rich.
Speaking of “breve,” that simply means the drink is made with half-and-half, which is a mixture of equal parts milk and cream. I love using half-and-half because it gives the latte a velvety texture and a luxurious mouthfeel that’s just perfect for the holiday season. The Dutch Bros version definitely popularized this drink, but my homemade version captures all the magic with even more flavor.
The Key to Christmas Chai: Choosing Your Chai Concentrate
The secret to a truly amazing Christmas Chai Latte lies in the chai concentrate you choose. There are so many options, but my two favorites are Oregon Chai concentrate and instant chai powder.
Oregon Chai concentrate offers a rich, authentic chai flavor that I absolutely adore. It’s incredibly convenient, and I find the flavor to be perfectly balanced. On the other hand, instant chai powder is even more convenient and often more budget-friendly, but the flavor can sometimes be a bit artificial or overly sweet. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but I almost always reach for my Oregon Chai concentrate. The taste is superior in my opinion.
Christmas Chai Latte Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful drink:
- 3/4 cup Chai Tea Concentrate (I used Oregon Chai, may also use instant chai packets or your favorite brand)
- ⅓- ½ cup half and half
- 1-2 tablespoons white chocolate sauce (Swirl some in the mug/glass and stir some in too.)
- whipped cream (to top the drink)
- nutmeg (fresh grated is best)
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few substitutions you can make based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand:
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chai Concentrate | Homemade Chai Syrup, Other Brands of Chai Concentrate | Adjust sweetness to taste. Homemade syrup allows for more control over spice levels. |
| Half-and-Half | Whole Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk | Affects the richness and creaminess of the latte. Almond and Oat milk are great dairy-free options. |
| White Chocolate Sauce | White Chocolate Syrup, White Chocolate Shavings, Regular Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce | Adjust amount to taste. Shavings add texture. |
| Whipped Cream | Coconut Whipped Cream | A good dairy-free alternative. |
| Nutmeg | Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves | For a Spiced Chai Latte variation. |
How to Make a Christmas Chai Latte: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started! Here’s how to make your own Christmas Chai Latte:
- On the stovetop in a small saucepan, heat desired number of servings of chai concentrate until simmering and hot. Or place in mug and heat in microwave. If using instant, heat 6 ounces of water until boiling, mix with instant chai until dissolved.
- Meanwhile, in a frother or on the stovetop, heat half and half until hot, but not boiling. See notes for how to froth if you don’t have a frother.
- Squirt white chocolate sauce into mug, lining the sides if desired. Pour in hot chai, stir in white chocolate sauce if desired.
- Add heated half and half and place foam on the top. Top with whipped cream, grated nutmeg and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.
- Using a cold foam frother if available, foam your half and half. See notes for how to froth cold foam if you don’t have a frother.
- Drizzle white chocolate sauce on the sides of the glass, then fill with ice cubes.
- Pour chai concentrate over ice cubes. Drizzle in white chocolate sauce (if using a bit more), slowly pour in frothed half and half, top with whipped cream, nutmeg and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce.
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spiced Chai Latte: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to your chai concentrate while heating for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peppermint Mocha Chai Latte: Add a pump of peppermint syrup and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to your latte for a festive twist.
- Sugar-Free Christmas Chai Latte: Use sugar-free chai concentrate and sugar-free white chocolate syrup for a guilt-free treat.
- Iced Christmas Chai Latte: Follow the instructions for the iced version, and top with a generous dollop of cold foam for a refreshing drink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Christmas Chai Latte
Even though this recipe is super simple, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overheating the milk: Heating the half-and-half too much can cause it to scald, which ruins the flavor and prevents it from frothing properly. Heat it gently until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Not frothing the milk properly: A flat latte is a sad latte! Make sure to froth your half-and-half until it’s light and airy.
- Using the wrong type of chai concentrate: As I mentioned earlier, the type of chai concentrate you use can greatly impact the flavor of your latte. Choose one that you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients.
- Adding too much white chocolate sauce: White chocolate sauce is delicious, but too much can make your latte overly sweet. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
The History of Chai and Christmas Chai
Chai, meaning “tea” in Hindi, has its roots in India, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. It traditionally involves a blend of black tea, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, brewed with milk and a sweetener. The popularity of Christmas Chai, however, is a more modern phenomenon, closely linked to coffee chains offering seasonal, festive drinks. While Dutch Bros may be well-known for their version, the idea of a Christmas-themed chai latte has been embraced by coffee lovers worldwide, with variations popping up in cafes and home kitchens alike.
How to Store Leftover Christmas Chai Latte Ingredients
To keep your ingredients fresh for your next latte:
- Chai Concentrate: Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Half-and-Half: Keep refrigerated and use within 5-7 days.
- Whipped Cream: Best used immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Amazing Christmas Chai Latte: Easy 10-Min Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- On the stovetop in a small saucepan, heat desired number of servings of chai concentrate until simmering and hot. Or place in mug and heat in microwave. If using instant, heat 6 ounces of water until boiling, mix with instant chai until dissolved.
- Meanwhile, in a frother or on the stovetop, heat half and half until hot, but not boiling. See notes for how to froth if you don’t have a frother.
- Squirt white chocolate sauce into mug, lining the sides if desired. Pour in hot chai, stir in white chocolate sauce if desired.
- Add heated half and half and place foam on the top. Top with whipped cream, grated nutmeg and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.
- Using a cold foam frother if available, foam your half and half. See notes for how to froth cold foam if you don’t have a frother.
- Drizzle white chocolate sauce on the sides of the glass, then fill with ice cubes.
- Pour chai concentrate over ice cubes. Drizzle in white chocolate sauce (if using a bit more), slowly pour in frothed half and half, top with whipped cream, nutmeg and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Christmas Morning Chai?
The calorie content can vary depending on the ingredients and serving size, but a typical Christmas Morning Chai can range from 300-450 calories.
What’s in a Dutch Bros Christmas Morning Chai?
The Dutch Bros version typically includes chai, white chocolate sauce, half-and-half, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Does Christmas Morning Chai have caffeine?
What’s the best chai latte at Dutch Bros?
That’s a matter of personal preference, but the Christmas Morning Chai is a popular choice, especially during the holiday season.
Can other alternative milks be used?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk are all great dairy-free options.
What does Christmas morning chai taste like?
It’s a delightful blend of warm spices, creamy sweetness, and a hint of white chocolate, reminiscent of a cozy Christmas morning.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Christmas Chai Latte as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting treat that brings a little bit of holiday magic to any day. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below sharing your results, ask any questions you may have, or share a photo of your homemade latte on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations!
