How to Make Delightful Tea Lattes: A Beginner's Guide

Tea lattes are a luscious take on traditional tea. It is a creamy experience blending the delicious flavor of tea with the richness of milk. They can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile choice for any season. We are always ready and happy to brew your favorite tea latte. If you cannot come into the Café, this post will help you understand what tea lattes are and how to make them in your home.

Best Teas for Lattes

The best teas for lattes have robust flavors capable of balancing the creaminess of milk. Popular choices include:

• Black Tea: Classic options are Breakfast teas or Assam teas, but you may use whatever black tea you prefer. Add a delicious twist by using a flavored black tea. Some of the favorites at English Tealeaves are Caramel Nut, Salty Caramel, and Earl Grey Cream.
  
  
• Green Tea: If you prefer a green tea, choose a bold one such as Matcha or Gunpowder.
  
  
• Chai: A spiced tea blend that naturally pairs well with milk due to its combination of bold spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Our Masala Chai is perfect for this.
  
  
• Rooibos: This naturally caffeine-free alternative offers a deep, earthy taste, perfect for evening relaxation. At English Tealeaves, we have numerous flavored herbal tisanes that make great lattes. Try our Coconut Chai or Ginger Snap Cookie.

Equipment You Need

• Tea Kettle: For boiling water.
  
  
• Teapot or Infuser: To steep loose-leaf tea.
  
  
• Milk Frother: For frothing milk to creamy perfection.
  
  
• Saucepan or Microwave: For heating milk.

How to Make a Hot Tea Latte

1. Steep the Tea: Steep your chosen loose-leaf tea in hot water. The strength of the tea should be stronger than usual because it will be diluted with milk. Typically, use double the amount of tea you would for a regular cup. If making a matcha latte, whisk one teaspoon of matcha with a bit of sugar to taste in about 1½ ounces of hot water. Continue as discussed next.
   
   
2. Heat the Milk: While your tea is steeping, heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling. If using a thermometer, aim for 150°F. You can use a milk steamer, a small saucepan, or even a microwave. Whole milk is best, as the fat in it makes the frothiest foam. Milk alternatives may not froth as well, as they are typically lower in fat.
   
   
3. Froth the Milk: Use a milk frother to aerate your heated milk for that creamy, frothy top. This adds a delightful texture to your latte. If you do not have a milk frother, there are other methods. Putting the milk into a French press and pumping it for about 20 seconds should work. Milk may also be shaken in a jar or cocktail shaker. However, if heated milk is shaken in a closed container, it will create pressure. So, froth only lukewarm milk and then heat to 150°F.
   
   
4. Combine: Pour the steeped tea into your cup, followed by the frothed milk. Stir in your sweetener of choice if desired. Some prefer to add the sweetener to the tea before adding the milk or even adding it to the milk while it is heating.

How to Make an Iced Tea Latte

1. Steep the Tea: Steep your tea as you would for a hot latte. You could even make it stronger because it will be diluted with ice.
   
   
2. Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator.
   
   
3. Use Cold Milk: You may froth cold milk using a frother, although it won’t be as voluminous as with hot milk. It will still add a nice texture. Some latte lovers do not froth cold milk but add it as is.
   
   
4. Assemble: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cooled tea, and top it off with the cold milk.

Most Popular Tea Lattes

• Matcha Latte: Revered for its brilliant green color and antioxidant properties.
  
  
• Chai Latte: Loved for its comforting, spiced warmth and aroma.
  
  
• London Fog: An elegant blend of Earl Grey and vanilla. Some also add a touch of lavender.
  
  
• Your favorite – what would it be? Let us know!

What is your favorite tea latte? Is it the warming chai latte or the refreshing iced matcha latte? With all the teas that we offer at English Tealeaves, your imagination is the only limit. Join us on a tea latte adventure!