Ingredients
Chai Base
- 2 cups Water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose tea (preferably strong like Assam or Darjeeling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 inch piece grated fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Flavoring and Sweetener
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey) or to taste
Milk and Garnish
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk)
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: a sprinkle of cinnamon, vanilla pods, or star anise
Instructions
- Brew the Chai: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse the water, creating a rich chai base.
- Add Vanilla and Sweetener: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the vanilla bean seeds and pod (or vanilla extract) and stir in the sugar or honey to taste. Adjust sweetness as desired, stirring well to dissolve the sweetener.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the tea bags and strain the chai to remove spices and solids. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. This step prevents dilution from melting ice when serving.
- Prepare the Milk: Froth the cold milk using a milk frother, blender, or by vigorously shaking it in a tightly sealed jar until light and airy.
- Pour the Tea into a Glass: Fill a large glass or jar with ice cubes and pour the chilled chai mixture over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full to leave room for the milk.
- Add Frothed Milk: Slowly pour the frothed milk over the chai, allowing it to swirl and blend gently for a creamy, layered effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with cinnamon or garnish with vanilla pods or star anise for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Iced Vanilla Chai Latte!
Notes
- For best flavor, use a strong black tea such as Assam or Darjeeling.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by varying sugar or honey amounts.
- Allowing the chai to cool properly before adding ice prevents the drink from becoming watery.
- Use dairy or plant-based milk depending on dietary preference; almond or oat milk work well.
- Frothing the milk adds a nice creamy texture but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Optional garnishes enhance visual appeal and aroma but are not necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
