Iced Chai Tea Latte
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Iced Chai Tea Latte
Wake up with this homemade Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe! Made with brewed black tea mingling with a medley of warming chai spices, and creamy plant-based milk, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on a beloved classic. It's easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect beverage for any occasion. Completely Dairy-free, Vegan, + Gluten-free. Serve hot or cold.
If you've been following Orchids + Sweet Tea for a while ---Then you know I'm all about homemade lattes, especially with almond or oat milk! Well, my latest love? Chai lattes and y'all I'm not lying when I tell you this homemade Iced Chai Tea Latte is better than Starbucks!
It's no secret that I love anything flavored with chai--- From Chai Cream Cheese Frosting for carrot cake to Spiced Chai Cheesecake to Dirty Chai Oatmeal Porridge AND a fan favorite Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls! I can't get enough! So I thought it was about time I gave you all a recipe of a true classic!
These vegan lattes are creamy, foamy, and full of warming spiced flavor. If you're cutting out coffee or want a lower-caffeine drink to sip in the morning, you'll want to try this tea ASAP. And while you're at it, make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to pour over ice all week long. However, if you don't mind switching things up or adding a bit of coffee to your Chai Tea, then this Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte is the perfect thing for you!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Iced Chai Tea Latte
- Iced Chai Tea Latte Ingredients
- What Does An Iced Chai Latte Taste Like?
- Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine?
- How Does Starbucks Make Chai Tea Lattes?
- How to Make Iced Chai Tea Latte with Tea Bags
- Can I Serve this Latte Hot or Cold?
- Serving Iced Chai Lattes
- What Pairs Well With An Iced Chai Latte?
- Is This Latte Dairy-Free?
- Iced Chai Tea Latte Q + A's
- More Creamy Latte Recipes to Try
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Iced Chai Tea Latte
Why You’ll Love This Iced Chai Tea Latte
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy drink is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- It’s super easy to make! I literally love how easy this latte is to make. You'll just need a few tea bags, an easy spice blend, and a handful of staple ingredients to recreate this delicious drink!
- It’s very similar to starbucks. I tried to make this Iced Chai Tea Latte as close to Starbuck’s version as I could with the exception of adding personal preferences that you might have! i.e. a pre-made chai concentrate, type of milk, etc.
- You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own lattes at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
- It’s healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love it when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks!
Iced Chai Tea Latte Ingredients
The main component in this simple homemade is the chai tea flavor. To make your lattes, you’ll use:
- Oat milk. Make your own! Or use store-bought oat milk. (You can also use your favorite plant-based or regular milk)
- Maple syrup. The best sweetener that I enjoy using. I like to use pure maple syrup that’s premium and organic.
- Black tea bags. You can use any plain black tea you like. Caffeine-free will also work if you avoid caffeine.
- Chai spices. This latte is all about the spice blend, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
- Crushed or whole ice. The best highlight of this drink to keep things cold. Crush your ice or use a nice ice cub tray.
- Vanilla extract. Creates a nice addition of flavor. I always use the brand Nielsen-Massey it's such good quality!
HOMEMADE CHAI TEA BLEND
While you can purchase chai tea mixes in stores, it’s definitely a blend that is easy to find, but also easy to make. Your Iced Chai Tea Latte will taste amazing, whichever you use.
If you do plan on making your own spice blend, you will need:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ground ginger
- Allspice
- Ground cardamom
- Ground cloves
- Black pepper
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Iced Chai Tea Latte. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What Does An Iced Chai Latte Taste Like?
If you've never tried one, chai lattes taste exactly like what they are: a delicious blend of sweet chai tea and milk, it's:
- Lightly spicy
- A balanced combo of sweetness from the tea + creaminess from the milk.
- Refreshing + comforting
- Perfect for any time of day.
Does Chai Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, this recipe has some caffeine. Black tea contains about 47 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. Compared to coffee, which has 95 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. If you use chai tea bags for this recipe, you'll have about 26 milligrams of caffeine per cup. To cut the caffeine out of this recipe altogether, simply use decaffeinated black or chai tea.
How Does Starbucks Make Chai Tea Lattes?
When it comes to the Starbucks version of Iced Chai Tea Lattes, it's pretty similar to this recipe! It's made with 2% milk, water, and a chai tea concentrate that includes black tea, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and vanilla.
How to Make Iced Chai Tea Latte with Tea Bags
Once you see how easy it is to make your own tea lattes at home, you'll never have to go back to the coffee shop again. You'll save money for sure. But your drinks will also taste just how you like them. It's a win-win.
This tea latte recipe comes together in a saucepan on the stove. It's full of classic chai spices, a bit of sweetener and black tea. You can serve it up hot from the saucepan if you like, or pour it over ice for a refreshing summertime tea.
TO MAKE THE CHAI TEA:
- In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the water and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Add the tea bags and let it boil for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let everything steep for 5-6 minutes.
- Once fully steeped, remove tea bags and whisk in cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, allspice, cardamom, ground cloves, and black pepper until dissolved and combined. Let cool completely.
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- In a bowl, add together the oat milk, vanilla, and chai tea mixture, mixing until combined.
- To serve, fill ice into a 12 or 16-ounce glass and pour the latte mixture atop crushed ice until completely filled.
- Sip and enjoy!
Can I Serve this Latte Hot or Cold?
Yes! You can definitely switch things up by serving this latte hot or cold whenever you choose to. To serve hot, simply warm all latte ingredients together in a small saucepan until heated through. Pour in a mug and top with coconut whipped cream and a few sprinkles of chai tea mix, if desired.
Serving Iced Chai Lattes
Enjoy this iced chat tea just as it is, but if you're feeling a bit extra, here are my fave toppings!
- Coconut whipped cream or frothed milk
- An extra dusting of chai spice
- Vegan caramel sauce, drizzled on top!
- Cinnamon sprinkled
- Toasted coconut
What Pairs Well With An Iced Chai Latte?
You can enjoy this delightful Iced Chai Tea Latte any time of day--- It's perfect for a morning boost, a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, or alongside your breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea spread. Pair it with treats like:
- Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
- Toasted Coconut Bread
- Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Apple Pie Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If savory's more your style, it's fantastic with options like Veggie Breakfast Strata, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Everything Breakfast Casserole, or the ever-popular Mind-blowing Avocado Toast. The possibilities are endless!
Is This Latte Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Everything in this chai latte recipe is completely dairy-free and if you’d like to switch things up with the type of plant-based milk that you use—–that’s totally fine! The world of plant-based milk is constantly expanding. From the classics like cashew milk, soy milk and almond milk, we now have delicious options like oat milk, coconut, and even potato and quinoa milk.
Iced Chai Tea Latte Q + A's
Yes, you can store prepared Iced Chai Tea Latte in the fridge for later---Simply pour it into a sealed container or bottle and refrigerate. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle while in the fridge.
Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness by adding maple syrup,honey, sugar, agave syrup, or your preferred sweetener. You can also customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chai spices or adding extra cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to suit your taste preferences.
Yes! You can use decaffeinated black tea if you prefer a caffeine-free option.
Absolutely! Adding a shot or two of espresso to your Iced Chai Tea Latte creates a delightful twist known as a "dirty chai latte."
More Creamy Latte Recipes to Try
If you loved this Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe, be sure to try these mouthwateringly good drink recipes next!
- Dairy-Free Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Easy Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
- Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte
- Vegan Pumpkin Chai Latte
- Ultimate Fall Spice Latte
- Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Iced Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients
CHAI TEA:
- 1 cup water
- 3 black tea bags, premium
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (See Notes!)
- 1-2 Tbsps Chai spice blend
CHAI SPICE BLEND:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
LATTE:
- 1 ½ cups Oat milk, homemade or store-bought (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed ice
Instructions
TO MAKE THE CHAI TEA:
- In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the water and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Add the tea bags and let it boil for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let everything steep for 5-6 minutes.
- Once fully steeped, remove tea bags and whisk in cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, allspice, cardamom, ground cloves, and black pepper until dissolved and combined. Let cool completely.
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- In a bowl, add together the oat milk, vanilla, and chai tea mixture, mixing until combined.
- To serve, fill ice into a 12 or 16-ounce glass and pour the latte mixture atop crushed ice until completely filled.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Oat milk when using store-bought is Ripple. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
- SWEETENER: You can adjust the amount of sweetener depending on how sweet or unsweet you'd like for your latte to be.
- TEA BAG: You can also use a chai tea bag blend instead if preferred.
Nutrition
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LET US KNOW!
I've made this chai several times and it's so delicious! The perfect way to start my day!
Such beautiful images had me drooling! And what a delicious recipe! Tastes just like Starbucks, and significantly less expensive.
I love chai tea and I love lattes so it's only fitting that I must have one of these today! Thanks for sharing such a great idea. I'm so excited to try it!
10000% recommend! This was delicious and incredibly easy to make.
I'm definitely into this!! I can't wait to try!