Iced Chai Latte Recipe

ByBob Jones

There is something special about homemade drinks. There’s an element of care and affection within them, baked right into the recipes.

I appreciate the straightforwardness of offering people a drink that tastes good, but I particularly enjoy a more profound layer of presenting someone with a drink that just might make them feel a little something, too—whatever that might be. I want to make someone feel warm and cozy, fresh and invigorated, or even something indescribable when they take a sip.

This Iced Chai Latte, with its combination of components that I divine into a drink, is all these things and more to me. I love it both ways: with milk and without milk, and sweetened with honey and/or sugar.

My preferred way is with a straight-up health-inviting honey I could drip for days. And if I’m not serving it to myself, I’m serving it to you, mostly over ice but also sometimes un-iced, since the two are equally luscious in different ways.

Ingredients photo for Iced Chai Latte Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Iced Chai Latte Recipe

Black Tea Bags:
Abundant in antioxidants, heightens concentration, and increases vitality.

Milk:
Protein and calcium sources; contributes creaminess.

Honey or Sugar:
Sweeteners of a natural variety augment flavor and furnish energy.

Vanilla Extract:
Contributes a smooth, aromatic sweetness with no sugar.

Cinnamon:
Assists in the digestion process.

Reduces inflammation.

Provides aromatic warmth.

Ginger:
Adds a spicy kick while at the same time supporting immune health.

Cardamom:
Contributes a fragrant spice; assists the digestion process.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 black tea bags

  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat.

2. Put 2 black tea bags into the hot water, and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes, based on the strength you desire.

3. Eliminate the tea bags from the equation and incorporate 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, stirring until the mixture is well combined.

4. To the tea, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

5. Allow the spiced tea blend to cool to room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator.

6. Ice cubes should fill a glass.

7. Versez environ 1 tasse de thé épicé réfrigéré.

8. Pour in half a cup of milk (either dairy or non-dairy) to the glass containing the tea.

9. Combine the spiced tea and the milk by stirring the mixture well.

10. Enjoy your refreshing Iced Chai Latte right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Cooking pot
2. Cups for measuring
3. Measuring spoons
4. Spoon used for stirring
5. Cup or mug
6. Optional: chill your ingredients in a refrigerator.

FAQ

  • Q: Can I make this Iced Chai Latte ahead of time?Chai concentrate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, mix with milk and pour over ice.

  • Q: Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?Absolutely! You can use any non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, as a substitute for dairy milk.

  • Q: How can I adjust the sweetness of the latte?You can make it as sweet (or not sweet) as you like by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey or sugar you use. It’s completely personal!

  • Q: What type of tea is best for this recipe?A: For an authentic chai flavor, black tea is the way to go. But feel free to experiment with types of tea, like Assam or Darjeeling. You can even use green tea for a different take on chai.

  • Q: Can I add more spices to my chai latte?Certainly! You can adjust the levels of spice to your liking. Some people enjoy adding a bit of black pepper for warmth and spiciness.

  • Q: Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?A: Vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor, though it is not necessary. You can omit it if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand.

  • Q: Can I serve it hot instead of iced?Q: Yes, just don’t use ice and warm the milk before you mix it with the tea for a warm latte.

Substitutions and Variations

Chai tea bags can be used in place of black tea bags for a more flavorful cup of tea.
If you want to prepare this dish without any dairy, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk in place of the milk.
Instead of using honey or sugar, try replacing them with maple syrup or agave nectar for a new taste of sweetness.
Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for an interesting twist.
For a more intense and aromatic flavor, substitute ground cinnamon with a cinnamon stick.