Chai tea is known for its warm blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
It’s a comforting drink with roots in Indian tradition, but now, iced chai lattes are taking center stage.
As a refreshing twist on the classic hot version, they’re perfect for warmer months.
Whether you prefer a little extra sweetness or a dairy-free option, this recipe is simple and easy to customize.
You can even turn it into a Dirty Chai by adding espresso.
Ready to make it your own? Here’s how!
How To Make An Iced Chai Latte: At A Glance
- Brew the Chai
- Sweeten the Chai
- Chill the Chai
- Assemble the Drink
- Add Extras (Optional)
- Enjoy!
What is Chai Latte?
Chai originates from India, where it’s traditionally made by brewing black tea with a variety of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
This rich blend creates a fragrant, spiced drink often sweetened with honey or sugar.
The key difference between chai and a chai latte lies in the milk.
A chai latte combines chai tea with steamed or cold milk, giving it a creamy texture and making it more indulgent.
Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup are often added to taste.
The iced version is served cold, typically over ice, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional hot drink.
It’s a popular choice for warmer weather, allowing the same spicy flavors to shine in a chilled, smooth latte.
Ingredients for Iced Chai Latte
- Chai Tea Bags: 2 chai tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf chai tea). You can also use ½ cup of pre-made chai concentrate.
- Milk: ¾ cup whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or any dairy/non-dairy option of your choice.
- Sweeteners: 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup, depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Ice: 1½ cups of ice to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or star anise for added flavor and decoration.
How to Make an Iced Chai Latte
Step 1: Brew the Chai
Start by steeping two chai tea bags in ½ cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
For a quicker method, you can use pre-made chai concentrate instead.
Step 2: Sweeten the Chai
While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener—whether it’s honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup.
This helps the sweetener dissolve fully into the chai.
Step 3: Chill the Chai
Let the brewed chai cool down to room temperature or place it in the fridge for a faster cooling process.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cooled chai, and top it with ¾ cup of cold milk.
Stir well to combine everything.
Step 5: Add Extras (Optional)
You can also top it with whipped cream and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for a special touch.
Enjoy!
Variations of Iced Chai Latte
Dirty Chai Latte
For those who need an extra caffeine kick, turning your iced chai latte into a Dirty Chai Latte is simple.
Just add a shot of espresso to the mix.
This creates a bold flavor that balances the spicy chai with rich coffee, making it a perfect choice for coffee lovers who still want the comforting spices of chai
Vegan/Dairy-Free
Making a vegan or dairy-free iced chai latte is easy.
Substitute regular milk with plant-based options like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Oat milk, in particular, provides a creamy texture that closely mimics dairy without compromising on flavor.
Sweetness Adjustments
You can easily adjust the sweetness of your iced chai latte based on personal preference.
For a natural option, maple syrup or honey works wonderfully, but you can also use simple syrup or even a sugar substitute like stevia.
Spice Adjustments
If you want to intensify the spiced flavors, feel free to add more spices to your latte.
Star anise, cloves, or a dash of nutmeg can enhance the chai’s richness.
For those who enjoy a more aromatic and robust chai, these small additions can make a big difference.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Instructions
Chai Concentrate Storage
Once you’ve prepared your chai concentrate, it can be easily stored for future use.
Transfer the concentrate into an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy iced chai lattes on demand without having to brew a new batch each time.
Ice Cube Tip
To avoid diluting your iced chai latte as the ice melts, freeze any extra chai concentrate in ice cube trays.
These chai cubes will not only keep your drink cold but also maintain the full flavor as they melt.
It’s a simple trick to preserve the richness of your latte.
Health Benefits of Chai Tea
Chai tea offers more than just a flavorful, spiced drink—it comes with several health benefits, thanks to its ingredients.
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, while ginger is often used to aid digestion and reduce nausea.
Cardamom, another common spice in chai, is linked to improved heart health and enhanced circulation.
By choosing low-sugar or non-dairy options for your iced chai latte, you can make this beverage even healthier.
Using plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, paired with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, can reduce calorie and sugar intake while still allowing you to enjoy the same great taste.
Conclusion
The iced chai latte is a versatile drink that can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Whether you prefer it strong and spicy, sweetened with honey, or made with your favorite non-dairy milk, this recipe allows endless options.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors, sweeteners, and milk choices to create your perfect iced chai latte.
Enjoy the process and make it your own!
FAQs
Can I Use Store-Bought Chai Concentrate?
Yes, using store-bought chai concentrates like Tazo or Oregon Chai can save time and still give you a flavorful iced chai latte.
It’s a convenient option if you don’t want to brew your own chai from scratch.
How Can I Make It Sweeter?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetener of your choice.
Options like maple syrup, honey, or flavored syrups such as vanilla work well.
Feel free to experiment until you get your desired level of sweetness.
