Come try my irresistible Iced Vanilla Chai Latte, a classic beverage made effortlessly in the comfort of your own home using real ingredients! This quick and easy recipe not only saves you money but also promises the same delectable taste as your favorite drink shop version, all whipped up in just 5 minutes! Join me in discovering the perfect balance of sweet vanilla and aromatic chai tea!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
As a home cook, I’m always drawn to recipes that offer the perfect blend of simplicity and authenticity! My Iced Vanilla Chai Latte embodies just that, providing the classic taste of a Western-style chai tea latte with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crafted with real chai tea bags, I promise this beverage delivers a comforting warmth and aromatic richness that’s hard to resist!
Just as we’ve done in my Homemade Milk Tea, Iced Matcha Latte, and Thai Iced Tea recipes, we follow the same trusted method here: steeping the chai tea, then blending it with sweetener and cream. It’s that simple! So, if simply craving a cozy pick-me-up, this recipe is tailor-made for you. Join me in embracing the comforting embrace of a homemade chai latte right now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Chai Tea Bag – blended Chai Tea Bag. For a stronger chai flavor, you can brew two bags.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Vanilla Extract – concentrated flavors of Vanilla found in baking section of grocery stores.
- Half and Half – a blend of half heavy cream and half milk. Can be purchased at grocery stores. Can also substitute with dairy-free plant-based milk option like almond milk, soy milk or oat milk for a vegan friendly recipe.
- Ice – standard size ice cubes.
- Whipped Cream – optional for extra creaminess.
🍵 Chai Tea Note
Consider using Chai loose leaf tea for a more authentic flavor experience.
Directions
Step 1 Start by brewing your favorite chai tea bags in hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing those aromatic spices to infuse.
🍵 Steeping Pro Tip
To prevent bitterness, Avoid Oversteeping the tea.
Step 2 Once the tea is nicely steeped, add your preferred sweetener and a touch of vanilla extract.
🥄 Sweetness Adjustment Pro Tip
Customize the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sweetener to achieve your preferred taste.
Step 3 Chill by introducing some ice cubes and finish with a splash of half n half.
🥤 Batch Pro Tip
If you’re preparing it in larger quantities, a tip is to Skip the Ice initially and let it Chill in the Fridge to maintain those robust flavors without any dilution.
Pairing Recommendations
Enhance your beverage experience by pairing with a light and sweet dessert, such as Candied Glazed Macadamia Nuts or Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts. These treats perfectly complement the warm and comforting flavors of homemade chai latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices are in Chai tea?
Chai tea is a distinctive brew, featuring a black tea base enriched with a medley of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, peppercorns, cardamom, and star anise. This blend offers a delightful combination of robust flavors and is naturally caffeinated, making it a favorite choice for those seeking a flavorful pick-me-up.
What is the best type of milk to use for this recipe?
For the best results in this recipe, half and half is the recommended milk choice, offering a creamy texture that enhances the flavor profile. However, you can also opt for dairy milk, cream, or plant-based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk to suit your dietary preferences or needs.
How long should I steep the chai tea bags for optimal flavor?
To achieve optimal flavor when steeping chai tea bags, aim for a duration between 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the tea to infuse without becoming overly bitter. This timeframe can be adjusted based on your preference for a more bold or subtle chai flavor.
What can I do if I accidentally oversteep the tea and it becomes bitter?
If you accidentally oversteep the tea and it becomes bitter, unfortunately, there's no quick fix. You'll need to discard the oversteeped tea and start anew with fresh tea bags to avoid the bitterness. Oversteeping releases excessive tannins into the tea, causing the bitterness. While adding more water could dilute the bitterness, it may also compromise the flavors of the tea.
Storage Tips
Simply cover the top with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. This way, it’ll stay delicious for 2 to 3 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 Chai Tea Bag
- 1 Cup Hot Water
- 1 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Ice
- 2 tbsp Half and Half
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a tall glass, place tea bag inside and pour in boiling water. Let steep approx 3-5 minutes then remove tea bag.
- Add sweetener and vanilla extract. Stir to dissolve.
- Fill glass with ice to the top. Note - for Hot Vanilla Chai Tea Latte, omit the ice.
- Stir in half and half.
Nutrition
can I use heavy cream in place of half and half?
Hi Yasi! Yes, you can use heavy cream instead.
Hello. I have a quick question. What are some substitutes for the swerve/monkfruit???
Hi Michelle! Sugar if you don’t care about carbs.
Thanks for sharing! I love how simple this is to make! Perfect for an afternoon pick me up!
Hi Vanessa! Definitely! Works perfect especially in the summer heat!
This looks so good! Can I make a batch of it or is it better one at a time?
Hi Suzanne! You can make this as a batch, just multiple all the ingredients accordingly! Also, make sure not to add in the half/half until ready to drink!