There’s something magical about sipping an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte on a warm afternoon. The creamy spiced refreshing drink dances on your tongue, blending the bold flavors of tea with sweet vanilla goodness. It’s like a cozy hug in a cup that makes you feel instantly at ease, whether you’re lounging by the pool or diving into a good book.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried making this delightful beverage at home. My friends gathered for a hot summer day, and when they took their first sip, their eyes lit up as if I had just revealed the world’s best-kept secret. The anticipation of serving them this creamy delight was almost as thrilling as the taste itself!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Iced Vanilla Chai Latte recipe is simple to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion
- Its vibrant colors and inviting aromas will brighten your day
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for customizing with your favorite spices or milk alternatives!
Sharing this drink with friends always brings smiles and compliments. One sip and you realize you’ve stumbled upon your new summer obsession!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious drink:
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Chai Tea Bags: Opt for high-quality chai tea bags for a robust flavor that perfectly balances spices.
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Water: Freshly boiled water helps extract maximum flavor from the tea.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for that rich, aromatic sweetness that elevates the drink.
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Milk of Choice: Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat—choose based on your preference for creaminess.
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Ice Cubes: Don’t skimp on ice; it’ll keep your latte refreshingly chilled.
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Optional Sweetener: Honey or sugar can enhance sweetness according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Steep the Tea: Begin by boiling 2 cups of water in a kettle. Once boiling, pour over 3 chai tea bags in a heatproof container and let steep for 5 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Sweetener: Remove tea bags and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract along with your choice of sweetener if desired. Mix until fully dissolved and let cool slightly.
Prepare Ice Cubes: While the tea cools down, fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill your latte effectively once combined.
Pour Over Ice: Once cooled, pour the spiced tea mixture over the ice-filled glass until it’s about two-thirds full.
Add Milk: Top off with 1 cup of milk (or milk alternative) to achieve that creamy texture we all love. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish and Serve!: For an extra touch, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving. Enjoy your refreshing drink while basking in its flavorful glory!
With every sip of this creamy spiced refreshing iced vanilla chai latte, you’re indulging in a little slice of heaven that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. So gather your friends (or not) and get ready to be crowned the iced latte queen or king!
This amazing Iced Vanilla Chai Latte Recipe is not just about taste; it’s a refreshing escape on a hot day. Perfect for summer afternoons, you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking. The aromatic spices create a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brewing the chai tea first, then mix in the vanilla and milk while it cools. This sequence ensures all flavors meld beautifully and keeps the drink refreshingly cool.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular milk for almond or oat milk for added creaminess. You can also play with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to find your perfect balance.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving over ice again for maximum freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
- Make sure your tea is fully cooled before adding ice to avoid dilution
- If using loose-leaf tea, strain thoroughly to prevent grit in your drink
Every time I whip up this Iced Vanilla Chai Latte, my friends rave about it! It’s become our go-to summer drink at backyard barbecues, and I always get requests for “that special chai” whenever the sun shines.
FAQ
What type of tea should I use for chai?
Black tea is traditional, but you can experiment with green or herbal teas too.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like agave syrup.
How can I enhance the flavor further?
Try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for deeper flavor complexity.
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect summer treat, combining creamy vanilla with bold chai spices. This refreshing drink is easy to prepare and customizable to match your taste preferences. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or catching up with friends, this delightful beverage will keep you cool and satisfied on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
- 3 chai tea bags
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice cubes
- Optional sweetener (1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar)
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water in a kettle. Pour over 3 chai tea bags in a heatproof container and steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and your choice of sweetener until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled chai mixture over the ice until two-thirds full.
- Top with 1 cup of milk, stirring gently to combine. For added flavor, sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brew
- Cuisine: Cafe
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approximately 300ml)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
