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Iced Apple Crisp Chai Latte – Best Dairy-Free Starbucks Copycat Recipe

iced apple crisp chai latte - featured image

This dairy-free iced apple crisp chai latte combines spiced chai, real apple cider, and creamy plant-based milk for a refreshing, cozy drink inspired by Starbucks. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for fall flavors any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240ml) chai tea concentrate (unsweetened or lightly sweetened, or 2 strong chai tea bags steeped in 1 cup hot water and chilled)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dairy-free milk (oat, almond, or soy; unsweetened preferred)
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) apple crisp syrup (store-bought or homemade: simmer 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla until thickened)
  • Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
  • Ground cinnamon (for garnish, optional)
  • Vegan whipped cream (optional, coconut-based preferred)

Instructions

  1. Brew or measure your chai: If using concentrate, measure 1 cup. If using tea bags, steep 2 bags in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes, then chill.
  2. Prepare apple crisp syrup (if making homemade): Combine 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp vanilla in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Cool before using.
  3. Fill a large glass with ice, about 3/4 full.
  4. In your glass or jar, combine 1 cup chai, 1/2 cup apple cider, and 2-3 tbsp apple crisp syrup. Stir vigorously or shake with a lid. For more foam, use a frother to blend the milk and chai before adding ice.
  5. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup dairy-free milk. Stir gently to combine and enjoy the swirling effect.
  6. Garnish with vegan whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon, if desired. Add a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick for extra flair.

Notes

Chill all ingredients for best results. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste. For a hot version, heat chai, cider, and syrup together, then add steamed milk. Batch prep by mixing chai, cider, and syrup in advance and adding milk and ice when serving. For gluten-free, ensure oat milk and syrups are certified gluten-free. Plant milks may separate if left too long with cider; stir before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: iced apple crisp chai latte, dairy-free chai latte, Starbucks copycat, vegan latte, apple chai, fall drinks, plant-based latte, apple crisp syrup, oat milk latte, gluten-free chai latte