There’s something wonderfully soothing about a chai latte — the cozy blend of black tea, fragrant spices, and a hint of sweetness. But when the weather gets warmer or you’re craving a refreshing twist, an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect answer.
This recipe blends the comforting spices of traditional Indian chai — cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves — with smooth, creamy vanilla for a sweet, spiced drink that’s refreshing and energizing. Inspired by classic masala chai, but with a modern café-style vanilla twist, this iced latte is perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon or as a pick-me-up during busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
- Refreshing yet cozy
- Perfect balance of sweet vanilla and bold chai spices
- Can be made dairy-free with plant-based milk
- Easy to customize for your preferred sweetness and spice
- Cheaper and healthier than store-bought iced lattes
Ingredients
For the Spiced Chai Base:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (preferably strong Assam or Darjeeling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk)
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Vanilla bean pods
- Whole star anise
How to Make an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
Step 1: Brew the Spiced Tea Base
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the black tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ground ginger. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sweeten
Remove the pot from the heat. If you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the tea and drop in the pod as well. Add honey, stirring until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
If you’re using vanilla extract instead, wait to stir it into the milk in Step 4.
Step 3: Cool the Chai Base
Remove the tea bags and vanilla pod, then let the chai base cool to room temperature. For faster cooling, place the saucepan into a larger bowl filled with ice water, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Froth the Milk
In a separate container, froth the milk using a handheld frother, or shake it in a sealed jar until frothy. If you don’t have a frother, you can also warm the milk slightly and whisk vigorously. If using vanilla extract, stir it into the milk now.
Step 5: Build the Latte
Fill a large glass or mason jar with ice cubes. Pour the cooled chai base over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds of the way. Gently pour the frothed milk over the chai, letting it swirl and create that beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a decorative star anise for a coffee-shop-worthy look. Take a sip and enjoy this deliciously spiced, creamy iced latte!
Tips for Success
- Use strong tea like Assam or Darjeeling to stand up to the spices and milk
- Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup, or agave
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing the cinnamon and cardamom
- Chill the chai base completely to avoid melting the ice too quickly
- Make a large batch of the chai base and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions
This Iced Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect match for:
- A fresh pastry or muffin
- A slice of banana bread
- Homemade biscotti
- Light summer snacks like fruit or a yogurt parfait
Storage & Reheating
If you make extra chai base, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply shake and pour over ice when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I make this latte vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like oat or almond, and substitute agave or maple syrup for honey.
Do I have to use vanilla?
Vanilla adds a sweet, creamy note, but you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional chai flavor.
Can I blend it instead of serving over ice?
Yes — blend the cooled chai, milk, and ice for a frothy iced chai frappe!
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this Iced Vanilla Chai Latte, I’d love to see how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on social media — I always love seeing your creations.
The Goods
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
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Recipes
For the Spiced Chai Base:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags preferably strong Assam or Darjeeling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 vanilla bean split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
For Serving:
- 1 cup milk dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Vanilla bean pods
- Whole star anise
Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Spiced Tea Base
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the black tea bags, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ground ginger. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sweeten
- Remove the pot from the heat. If you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the tea and drop in the pod as well. Add honey, stirring until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- If you’re using vanilla extract instead, wait to stir it into the milk in Step 4.
Step 3: Cool the Chai Base
- Remove the tea bags and vanilla pod, then let the chai base cool to room temperature. For faster cooling, place the saucepan into a larger bowl filled with ice water, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Froth the Milk
- In a separate container, froth the milk using a handheld frother, or shake it in a sealed jar until frothy. If you don’t have a frother, you can also warm the milk slightly and whisk vigorously. If using vanilla extract, stir it into the milk now.
Step 5: Build the Latte
- Fill a large glass or mason jar with ice cubes. Pour the cooled chai base over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds of the way. Gently pour the frothed milk over the chai, letting it swirl and create that beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
- Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a decorative star anise for a coffee-shop-worthy look. Take a sip and enjoy this deliciously spiced, creamy iced latte!
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