Print

Creamy Iced Chai Latte Recipe Easy Homemade Spiced Refreshment

creamy iced chai latte - featured image

A refreshing and creamy iced chai latte with a perfect balance of warm spices and cool milk, easy to make at home with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling preferred)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 large or 2 small cinnamon sticks
  • 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 34 whole cloves
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 45 black peppercorns
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 23 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup as alternatives)
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, sliced ginger, black peppercorns, and star anise if using. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to infuse the spices.
  2. Add the 3 black tea bags and steep for 3 minutes. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof bowl or pitcher. Press lightly on the solids to extract all flavorful liquid and discard solids.
  4. While the chai is still warm, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar or chosen sweetener until dissolved. Add 1 cup (240 ml) milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Mix gently until combined.
  5. Allow the chai to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill without diluting the flavor.
  6. To serve, fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the chilled chai latte over the ice, and stir gently. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

Use whole spices and lightly crush them for best flavor. Avoid over-steeping tea to prevent bitterness. Warm milk gently before adding to keep creamy texture. Chill chai before adding ice to avoid dilution. Optional froth can be added with a milk frother or whisk.

Nutrition

Keywords: iced chai latte, creamy chai, homemade chai, spiced chai, iced tea, chai latte recipe, easy chai recipe, dairy-free chai