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Mix up a tasty combo of warming spices and creamy vanilla in this cool Iced Chai Latte. We've got methods for both from-scratch brewing and quick fixes, so you can pick what works for your schedule.
Key Components
- Black tea: Go for Darjeeling or Assam for a rich foundation
- Cardamom pods: The green ones give that real chai taste
- Cinnamon: Try to get Ceylon if you can
- Vanilla: Either the bean or real extract works
- Fresh ginger: Younger pieces work best
- Honey: Grab the raw kind for better flavor
- Quality milk: Something with more fat makes it creamier
How To Make It
- Prep Your Spices
- Heat the whole spices in a dry skillet until they smell good. Lightly crush them to get more flavor.
- Make The Tea
- Heat water until it's almost boiling. Throw in your spices and tea. Let it bubble softly for 5 minutes.
- Add Sweetness
- Take it off the heat. Mix in honey and vanilla. Keep stirring until it's all mixed up.
- Let It Cool
- Pour through a strainer into something. Let it cool down. Then stick it in the fridge until it's cold.
- Fix The Milk
- Make cold milk foamy with a little frother or by shaking it hard in a jar with a lid.
- Put It Together
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour in your chai mix about 2/3 of the way. Top it with your foamy milk.
- Add Toppings
- Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top. Stick in a vanilla pod if you're feeling fancy.
- Serve It Right
- Drink it right away while the foam's still nice and fluffy.
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Keeping It Fresh
The chai mix stays good in the fridge for a week, drink it as soon as you make it, freeze some chai in ice trays so your drink won't get watery, keep your spice mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months,
Shortcuts
Use strong chai teabags, grab some good vanilla extract, buy premixed chai spices, or try the cold brew method,
Good For You Too
The cardamom helps your stomach and fights swelling, ginger keeps you healthy and settles your tummy, cinnamon helps with blood sugar, and black tea gives you steady energy without the jitters,
Change It Up
For hot days add some mint and coconut milk, when leaves turn brown use extra cinnamon with maple syrup, during cold months throw in star anise and nutmeg, as flowers bloom try fresh ginger with light honey,
Fancy Flavor Add-ins
Try adding rose petals for a flowery touch, pink peppercorns for some heat, fennel seeds to make it sweeter, or orange peel to brighten it up,
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My grandma always tossed in a tiny bit of salt to bring out the spice flavors. This old family trick really balances out the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can you prep the tea base beforehand?
- Yes! Brew and spice the tea ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge for up to three days.
- → What milk options taste good in this latte?
- Go with what you love—dairy, oat, almond, or even other plant-based choices.
- → Can store-bought chai spice blends work?
- Absolutely. Use about two teaspoons of pre-mixed chai spice instead of separate spices.
- → How can I make it sweeter?
- Add more honey or switch to maple syrup, sugar, or your favorite sweetener.
- → Do I need a frother to make the milk foamy?
- Not at all. Shake milk in a jar or whisk it briskly to get that fluffy texture.