Pin it
This homemade Iced Chai Latte combines fragrant spices with smooth vanilla for a perfectly refreshing drink. The recipe includes both traditional and simplified preparation methods.
Key Components
- Black tea: Choose Assam or Darjeeling tea
- Cardamom: Green pods for traditional taste
- Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon preferred
- Vanilla: Fresh bean or extract
- Ginger: Fresh young root
- Honey: Raw variety recommended
- Milk: Whole milk creates best texture
Preparation Steps
- Prepare Spices
- Lightly toast whole spices until aromatic. Crush slightly.
- Brew Tea
- Heat water to near boil. Combine with spices and tea. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add Sweetener
- Turn off heat. Mix in honey and vanilla until blended.
- Cool Mixture
- Strain liquid. Let reach room temperature. Chill thoroughly.
- Prepare Milk
- Froth cold milk using frother or shake in container until foamy.
- Combine Drink
- Add ice to glasses. Pour chai mixture 2/3 full. Top with frothed milk.
- Finish
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Optional vanilla pod garnish.
- Serve
- Enjoy immediately while foam is fresh.
Pin it
Storage Guide
Keep concentrate refrigerated up to 7 days. Serve finished drink fresh. Make ice cubes from chai to prevent watering down. Store spice blend in airtight container for 3 months.
Express Method
Use strong chai tea bags, pure vanilla extract, premixed chai spices, or try cold brew method.
Wellness Benefits
Contains digestive-aiding cardamom, immune-boosting ginger, blood sugar-balancing cinnamon, and energizing black tea.
Season-Specific Versions
Summer version uses mint and coconut milk. Fall includes extra cinnamon and maple. Winter adds star anise and nutmeg. Spring features fresh ginger and light honey.
Flavor Enhancements
Consider adding rose petals for floral notes, pink peppercorns for warmth, fennel for sweetness, or orange zest for brightness.
Pin it
Traditional wisdom suggests adding a small pinch of salt to enhance the spice flavors and create perfect balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead and store for later?
- Absolutely! The spiced tea base can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to three days.
- → What kind of milk is the best for this recipe?
- It’s up to you! Use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or another plant-based favorite.
- → Can pre-mixed chai spice blends be used here?
- Sure thing! Replace the individual spices with about two teaspoons of your preferred chai spice mix.
- → What’s the best way to make it sweeter?
- Stir in more honey, or you could opt for other sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup if that’s your thing.
- → Do I need any fancy tools to froth the milk?
- Nope! You can froth milk by shaking it in a jar or whisking it really fast—easy as that!