If you are craving a refreshingly spiced drink that perfectly balances warmth and coolness, this Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine aromatic chai spices mingling beautifully with creamy milk and a touch of natural sweetness, all served chilled over ice—pure comfort in a glass no matter the season. This easy-to-make beverage captures the rich flavors of traditional chai with a cool twist that’s both invigorating and soothing in every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor—from the earthy spices to the creamy milk—making every component essential to achieving that perfect latte experience.
- 1 cup water: The base to brew the tea bags and extract all the rich chai essence.
- 2 chai tea bags: These deliver the signature bold and spicy flavor that chai lovers adore.
- 1-2 Tbsp. maple syrup: A natural liquid sweetener that adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon (ground): Brings warmth and a gentle sweetness to complement the tea.
- â…› tsp. nutmeg (ground): Adds a slightly nutty and aromatic layer of spice.
- â…› tsp. ginger (ground): Offers a lively, zesty kick that enlivens the palate.
- 1 pinch cloves (ground): Infuses a bold, slightly smoky spice note that rounds out the chai flavor.
- 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based): Creamy and cooling, it balances the spices perfectly and creates that delicious latte texture.
How to Make Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Chai Tea Concentrate
Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat immediately. Add the chai tea bags along with your chosen sweetener and spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk everything together gently. This warm mixture will begin to release those beautiful chai aromas and flavors as it steeps. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to develop a robust, spiced tea concentrate.
Step 2: Chill the Chai Concentrate
Once your chai tea has steeped, it’s time to cool it down. Transfer or leave the mixture in the pot, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s completely chilled. This step is key for creating that ice-cold experience that defines the iced chai tea latte. As it chills, the flavors meld even more deeply, enhancing every sip.
Step 3: Assemble Your Iced Chai Latte
When your chai concentrate has cooled, fill a 16-ounce glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled chai concentrate over the ice, then slowly add 1 cup of your preferred milk—whether dairy or plant-based—for a creamy finish. Stir gently to combine it all, and watch your chai tea latte come to life, rich with flavor and refreshingly cool.
How to Serve Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to elevate your iced chai tea latte into something truly special. Consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top to highlight the spice notes. A cinnamon stick makes a charming stirrer and adds to the presentation. For a touch of sweetness and elegance, a drizzle of maple syrup or a few thin slices of fresh ginger add a lovely surprise.
Side Dishes
This iced chai tea latte pairs beautifully with a variety of light snacks. Think buttery shortbread cookies, spiced biscotti, or even a warm croissant. If you want something heartier, a slice of banana bread or a nutty granola bar complements the chai’s spice perfectly, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your iced chai latte into a showstopper by using layered presentations in clear glasses, alternating chai concentrate and milk for a beautiful ombré effect. For an extra indulgent touch, top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Serving in chic mason jars or vintage glassware invites a cozy, personalized feel that friends will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover chai concentrate, store it in a sealed container or jar in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled ensures the spices stay fresh and ready for your next quick latte fix without losing any flavor intensity.
Freezing
While freezing the chai concentrate isn’t typically recommended because it may dull some of the fine spice flavors, you can freeze the sweetened milk mixture separately if desired. Thaw it gently in the fridge and stir well before mixing with fresh chai concentrate.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold, but if you’d rather have a warm chai latte, simply reheat the chai concentrate gently on the stove or in the microwave before adding hot milk. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate spice balance and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf chai tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Using loose leaf chai tea can provide a more robust flavor. Just use about 1 tablespoon of loose chai and steep in a tea infuser or strainer to avoid bits in your drink.
Is there a vegan option for the milk?
Yes! Plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy work wonderfully. Oat milk is particularly creamy and complements the spices beautifully in this Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe.
How sweet should I make the latte?
The sweetness is very customizable. The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup; start with less and adjust according to your taste preference. You can also swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar.
Can I prepare this drink without sweetener?
If you prefer your chai latte less sweet, you can omit the sweetener altogether. The natural spices still provide enough flavor complexity to keep the drink interesting and enjoyable.
What is the best way to store leftover iced chai latte?
It’s best to store the chai concentrate separately in the fridge and add milk and ice fresh when ready to drink. This keeps the milk from curdling and the ice from melting prematurely, ensuring every glass tastes fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sipping a chilled glass of spiced chai on a warm day or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up. This Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe is not just a drink; it’s a flavorful experience that’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always comforting. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to refreshment that lifts your spirits and delights your taste buds with every pour.
Print
Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and aromatic Iced Chai Tea Latte made with a homemade chai tea concentrate infused with warming spices, sweetened with maple syrup, and combined with your choice of milk. Perfect for a quick, flavorful iced beverage to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Chai Tea Concentrate
- 1 cup water
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1–2 Tbsp. maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- â…› tsp. ground nutmeg
- â…› tsp. ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground cloves
For the Latte
- 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
Instructions
- Bring Water to Boil: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over high heat to prepare for steeping the tea.
- Steep Tea and Spices: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the 2 chai tea bags, 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Whisk everything together gently and let it steep for 5-10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Chill the Concentrate: Transfer the tea concentrate to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours until it cools completely. This step enhances the flavor and creates a refreshing iced chai base.
- Prepare the Iced Latte: Fill a 16-ounce glass with ice and pour the chilled chai concentrate over the ice.
- Add Milk and Serve: Pour 1 cup of your preferred milk over the tea concentrate, stir well to combine, and enjoy your delicious iced chai latte immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or using your favorite liquid sweetener.
- Use any type of milk, dairy or plant-based, depending on dietary preference.
- For stronger chai flavor, steep the tea bags a bit longer before chilling.
- This recipe serves 2 people and can be easily doubled for more servings.
- Store leftover chai concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
