Save
This refreshing Vanilla Chai Latte combines the comforting spices of chai with creamy frothed milk and a hint of vanilla. It’s perfect for those scorching afternoons or when you want a little something sweet and spiced. It's my go-to way to feel refreshed while enjoying the cozy vibes of chai. With each sip, the creamy vanilla dances with fragrant cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger, all over ice, creating a lovely balance of soothing and satisfying flavors.
When I began experimenting with iced chai lattes in my kitchen, I discovered many café versions were either too sweet or didn't pack the necessary spice punch. This method gave me the flavorful body and aroma I craved, transforming my kitchen into my favorite chai haven.
Ingredients
- Black tea bags: Go for bold Assam or Darjeeling for a rich flavor and lovely reddish hue
- Ground cinnamon: This is key for warmth and sweetness; use true cinnamon if you can
- Ground cardamom: Adds fragrant depth; freshly ground from pods is best
- Ground cloves: A pinch enhances spiciness, boosting each sip
- Ground ginger: Contributes subtle heat and zest; quality ground ginger matters
- Vanilla bean or vanilla extract: The star of the show; fresh bean is unbeatable, but pure extract works just fine
- Honey: Sweeten to your liking; local raw honey has a lovely aroma
- Milk: Both dairy and plant milks suit this well; try whole milk or oat milk for a creamy finish
- Ice cubes: Cools it off quickly and gives that classic iced café style
- Optional garnishes: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a star anise enhances the aroma and looks great
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Tea Base:
- Add boiling water to black tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Let it simmer on low heat for five minutes for flavors to blend and the liquid to become fragrant.
- Add Vanilla and Sweeten:
- Take the pan off the heat. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds and put both seeds and pod into the hot tea. Stir in honey while it’s warm to help it dissolve completely. Taste and tweak the sweetness to your preference.
- Chill the Chai Mixture:
- Remove the tea bags and vanilla pod. Allow the chai to cool down to room temperature. For quicker cooling, place the pan in a bowl filled with ice water and gently stir.
- Froth the Milk:
- In a different container, froth your milk with a handheld frother or shake it in a sealed jar. If you’re without a frother, warm the milk slightly and whisk vigorously by hand to create froth.
- Layer Over Ice:
- Fill a glass halfway with ice. Pour the cooled chai base until it’s about two-thirds full, leaving room for milk.
- Top with Frothed Milk:
- Carefully pour the frothed milk over the chai. Watch as the milk swirls and blends with the tea, creating lovely layers.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a piece of vanilla pod, or float a star anise on top. Serve right away for the best iced treat.
My favorite part is swirling in that fresh vanilla. My little one enjoys dipping the cinnamon-sprinkled froth with a spoon and always wants to add star anise for decoration. These little moments create sweet memories in our daily lives.
Storage Ideas
Store any extra chai tea base in a jar in the fridge for up to three days. Just add milk right before you serve it to keep that gorgeous layering and fresh taste. I often make a bigger batch of the spiced tea so I have a ready base for quick lattes throughout the week.
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you don’t have a vanilla bean, just use pure vanilla extract. You can swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option to balance the sweetness. Go for any milk you like, but oat and coconut varieties give the richest feel. Try adding fresh grated ginger or a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.
Serving Ideas
Pour over ice in tall glasses with reusable straws. It’s an ideal afternoon treat alongside shortbread cookies or savory samosas. For special occasions, dress it up with edible flowers or mini cinnamon sticks for a nice café touch.
Cultural and Seasonal Inspiration
This drink is inspired by Indian masala chai but made for those hot summer days. Chai is a daily ritual in India, and this chilled version feels like a delightful cultural fusion. In the winter, I just skip the ice and serve it warm.
Seasonal Twists
Try vanilla almond milk for a spring vibe. Top with pumpkin pie spice in autumn, or swap honey for lavender syrup in summer for a hint of floral flavor.
Let the delightful scents of chai and vanilla bring a moment of comfort to your day. Enjoy this iced delight as a refreshing pause anytime of the year.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the best tea for iced chai lattes?
Strong black teas like Assam or Darjeeling are perfect since they pair well with spices and milk while having a rich flavor.
- → Can I use plant-based milk for this drink?
Definitely! Almond, oat, or other non-dairy options enhance the taste and give a creamy feel.
- → How do I froth milk without a frother?
Shake warmed milk in a sealed jar or whisk it vigorously for a frothy result.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
Sure! You can modify the honey amount or pick another sweetener based on what you like.
- → What toppings go well with this latte?
Try adding some cinnamon, star anise, or vanilla bean bits for a lovely look and aroma.