If you’re a fan of chai and coffee, you’ll love this spiced maple latte! There are two delicious versions of this drink: one with a cold coffee or tea base topped with whipped egg white foam, and another inspired by the Dalgona whipped coffee trend. The first version uses a simple iced black coffee or tea base, to which you add a rich, spiced foam made from whipped egg whites, maple syrup, and warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. The second version features a spiced milk base, with a whipped coffee topping made from instant coffee, honey, and boiling water. Both versions are sweetened naturally with maple syrup and honey, giving them an earthy, comforting flavor perfect for any time of day.
Let’s jump into the recipe first, and then we’ll talk more about the origins of masala chai and the spices that make this drink so special.
The Spiced Maple Latte (Two Versions)
I’ve created two variations of this latte: one that uses a cold coffee or tea base with a whipped egg white foam, and another that’s inspired by the Dalgona whipped coffee trend. Both are simple to make and offer a spiced, comforting drink.
Version 1: Iced Coffee or Tea with Spiced Egg White Foam
Ingredients:
Base:
- 1 cup iced black coffee or strong black tea (like Assam or Darjeeling)
- A splash of cream (or plant-based milk)
Foam Top:
- 1 organic, pasture-raised egg white
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup (to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee or tea and let it cool. Pour it over ice and add a splash of cream or milk.
- In a bowl, whip the egg white until soft peaks form.
- Add maple syrup and spices to the egg white, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon the foam on top of your iced drink and dust with extra cinnamon or cardamom if you like.
- Stir before drinking, or let the foam naturally melt into the drink.
Tip: Use fresh, organic eggs if you’re using the egg white option. If you’re hesitant about raw egg whites, you can use pasteurized egg whites from a carton, or skip this version and try the second one!
Version 2: Dalgona-Inspired Spiced Coffee Latte
Ingredients:
Base:
- 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based, like oat milk)
- ¼ tsp each of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Whipped Coffee Topping:
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp boiling water
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine your milk with the spices and maple syrup. Stir or shake to mix it well, then pour it over ice.
- In a separate bowl, whip the instant coffee, honey, and boiling water until it forms a light, frothy foam.
- Spoon the whipped coffee over the spiced milk base.
- Serve immediately and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra honey if desired.
The Origin of Masala Chai
Masala chai, which translates to “spiced tea,” originates from India. In its traditional form, it’s a blend of black tea, milk, sugar, and a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. The recipe for masala chai can vary by region, with different families and regions adding their own twist to the spice mix.
While masala chai has been a part of Indian culture for centuries, it became globally popular in the 20th century. In Western countries, it was often adapted into a sugary, less spicy version, which many chai lovers feel misses the mark. This recipe brings the full flavor profile of the traditional masala chai back into focus—spicy, aromatic, and with just the right amount of sweetness.
Why Maple Syrup and Honey?
When it comes to sweetening coffee or tea, I’ve always preferred natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey over refined sugar. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs well with spices, while honey gives a subtle floral note. These sweeteners enhance the flavors of the drink without overpowering them.
I also appreciate that maple syrup and honey are minimally processed, making them a more wholesome choice for sweetening your lattes.
The Spices That Make It Special
The spice blend in this latte is what makes it stand out, and each spice brings its own unique character:
- Cardamom: A sweet, citrusy spice that’s often used in chai. Cardamom has a complex flavor that can be floral and aromatic, making it a key part of the masala chai profile.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a warming, slightly spicy kick to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup and honey.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon provides a cozy, sweet warmth that pairs perfectly with both the spices and the coffee or tea.
- Black Pepper: While it may seem unusual in a latte, black pepper adds a sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and complements the other spices.
These spices work together to create a well-rounded, flavorful drink that’s both warming and refreshing.
Customizing Your Latte
One of the best parts about making lattes at home is that you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences:
- Want to make it caffeine-free? Use rooibos tea or decaf coffee.
- Need it vegan? Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative.
- Prefer less sweetness? You can reduce the maple syrup or honey to your taste.
- Want to add a little more flavor? You can add a dash of nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, or even a small piece of fresh ginger to the milk for extra depth.
Feel free to experiment and make this latte your own.
Final Thoughts
This spiced maple latte is a blend of classic masala chai flavors with a modern twist. Whether you go for the egg white foam or the whipped coffee version, the result is a flavorful and comforting drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
I love how the warming spices, paired with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, create a balanced, cozy drink that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. Try both versions, see which one you prefer, and don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Enjoy making this spiced maple latte, and let me know in the comments which version you tried or how you customized it!
Cheers!
