Homemade Chai Syrup

Chai Syrup is infused with the warming flavors of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and star anise. Use the syrup to make homemade chai lattes just like the ones served at your favorite coffee shop! 

About This Recipe 

This homemade chai syrup tastes so much better than the pre-made concentrates used at most coffeehouse chains! 

It’s essentially a simple syrup that starts with equal parts sugar and water. This recipe calls for both granulated sugar and brown sugar, which gives the chai syrup a rich caramel undertone. 

Whole spices like cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are toasted to enhance their flavor before being simmered with the sugar water mixture. The result is the most flavorful, spicy chai syrup imaginable! 

Use it as a chai latte syrup to recreate your favorite coffeehouse beverage (instructions provided in the recipe card!), or add a drizzle to your morning cup of coffee.

There are so many ways to use this syrup, and I’ve listed my favorites in the blog post below. 

Tools You’ll Need

To prepare the chai spiced syrup, I suggest having the following kitchen tools on hand: 

• Sautè Pan and Wooden Spoon — For toasting the whole spices. 
• Measuring Cups and Spoons — For measuring the sugar and spices. 
• Small Cutting Board and Knife — For slicing the fresh ginger. 
• 2-Quart Saucepan — For simmering the syrup. 
• Fine Mesh Strainer — For straining out the spices. 
• Glass Jar — For storing the chai simple syrup. 

Recipe Ingredients 

This recipe uses whole spices, which are readily available at most grocery stores as well as online retailers like Amazon. 

• Allspice Berries 
• Whole Cloves 
• Cardamom Pods
• Black Peppercorns
• Star Anise 
• Cinnamon Sticks 
• Water 
• Granulated Sugar 
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Nutmeg
• Fresh Ginger 
• Vanilla Extract

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Maple Chai Syrup — Use pure maple syrup in place of sugars.
• Honey Chai Syrup — Use honey in place of sugars.
• Vanilla Chai Syrup — Add 1 vanilla bean to the mixture. Cut it lengthwise.
• Richer Chai Syrup — Use all (or more) brown sugar. 
• Lighter Chai Syrup— Use all granulated sugar.
• Spicier Chai Syrup — Use 1.5 to 2 times the amount of fresh ginger.

Tips for Making This Recipe 

• Don’t have fresh ginger? Replace the 2-inch piece of fresh ginger with approximately ½ teaspoon ground ginger. 
• Toast the whole spices. This enhances their flavor and creates a bolder, spicier syrup. However, you can still prepare this recipe without toasting them if you’re short on time.
• Check your spices before using. If the spices don’t smell strongly, they’re likely old and won’t be as flavorful. Consider purchasing new spices for the best flavor. 
• Double the recipe. This recipe yields about 2 cups of chai spiced syrup, which is enough to make 16 chai lattes. If you plan on gifting this syrup around the holidays, you can easily scale the recipe up by doubling or tripling the ingredients (use a larger saucepan too!).  

Storage and Freezing Instructions 

Refrigerate the syrup in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

You can also pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen syrup cubes to an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw on the counter or in the fridge. 

Ways to Use Chai Syrup 

The most obvious way to use this syrup is in your morning chai tea latte! However, there are so many more ways you can use this spiced simple syrup. 

DIY coffee shop drinks 

• Make a chai latte (hot or iced – instructions provided in the recipe card below) 
• Make a dirty chai latte (includes a shot of espresso)
• Use it to sweeten any of your favorite coffee drinks
• Add to plain black tea (no milk)
• Stir into your morning cold brew 

Cocktails

• Use in place of regular simple syrup in a smoked old fashioned 
• Add a little bit to a cranberry orange whiskey sour to give a hint of spice 
• Use instead of plain simple syrup in pumpkin martini for a chai pumpkin cocktail

Desserts

• Brush the tops of cupcakes or cake layers to keep them moist
• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream

Gifting 

• Transfer the syrup to smaller glass jars, tie with a festive ribbon, and gift during the holidays 

Try Making Chai Syrup at Home! 

Next time you’re craving a chai latte, try making the concentrate from scratch! 

Did you love how spicy this syrup was? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your chai simple syrup!

More Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes: 

It only takes 3 ingredients to make a batch of Vanilla Simple Syrup. Perfect if you’re looking for a homemade vanilla coffee syrup recipe or a way to add an extra punch of vanilla flavor to a variety of recipes.

This Cranberry Simple Syrup is a great way to infuse holiday cocktails with sweet cranberry flavor and a bright red color. 

Made with just three ingredients and ready in minutes, homemade Blackberry Simple Syrup can be added to your favorite cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and more! 

Made with just three ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup can be added to your favorite cocktails, drinks, and more! 

Rosemary Simple Syrup takes only minutes to make and is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a number of ways. Use it to flavor your next cocktail or as a comforting tincture in hot tea.

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