Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect warm drink to cozy up with on a chilly day. It's simple to make, too-- just combine your favorite chai tea blend with steamed milk and a hint of vanilla extract.
The balance of spices in chai mixed with the creamy sweetness of the vanilla creates an irresistible flavor combination that you'll want to savor. Whether you're struggling through a cold winter morning or just looking for a different way to treat yourself, Vanilla Chai Latte is sure to hit the spot.
Vanilla Chai Latte is special because it blends two favorites into one special treat. It starts with an amazing combination of spiced chai and creamy smooth vanilla syrup, which creates a deliciously warm, cozy drink that all ages can enjoy. Its simple, yet delicious recipe makes it special enough to enjoy casually or as a special treat at any time of the year. With this special drink, you don't have to pick between spicy chai or creamy vanilla flavors, you can get the best of both in one cup.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yields: 2 12-oz. servings (as shown) or 4 6-oz. servings
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Ingredients needed to make a Vanilla Chai Latte
3 c. whole milk
2 T. cardamom pods
1 T. whole allspice
1 T. whole cloves
5-6 whole star anise
3-4 2” cinnamon sticks
2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 t. real vanilla extract
2-3 T. honey (adjust to suit personal preference)
3 black tea bags, preferably organic
Optional Garnish: Ground cinnamon and/or whole star anise
Instructions for making the Vanilla Chai Latte recipe
- Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat.
Tip: Set the temperature between medium and medium-low. The milk should get very warm, but not scald. - Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin just until they crack. (They should remain mostly whole, but opened up a bit).
- Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is very warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and discard the tea bags, squeezing first to release as much flavor as possible. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids and divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between individual serving mugs and set aside.
- Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until a nice foam develops.
Tip: Make sure the blender cap is properly vented to prevent the hot liquid from exploding. - Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top off each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with some ground cinnamon and garnish with a star anise, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Variations on the Vanilla Chai Latte recipe
Note: If you're looking to mix it up, feel free to experiment with whatever milk strikes your fancy! You've got options like regular cow's milk, a blend of cream and liquid gold (also known as whole), or use one of the growing number of plant-based alternatives out there. Just bear in mind that trying something different might alter the flavour - so be willing to make adjustments along the way if needed.
Storage for the Vanilla Chai Latte
A cup of warm and cozy Vanilla Chai Latte is a great way to start off any morning, but what do you do if you have more than you can drink in one sitting? As long as you store the Vanilla Chai Latte properly, it can be saved for later. Depending on the storage method, the latte should stay fresh for up to three days and is still able to be reheated or enjoyed cold. If you want an even longer storage duration, storing and freezing the recipe works best. You can easily thaw out and reheat when it's just too chilly not to have a delicious sip of Vanilla Chai Latte!
Top tips on making the Vanilla Chai Latte recipe
Brewing up a Vanilla Chai Latte is an easy way to give yourself a cozy treat. To ensure you make the best drink, take note of these top tips. For starters, begin with a chai concentrate or tea infusion rather than dry chai powders (which will prevent you from having to add any excess sugar). When it comes time to choose your milk, opt for dairy, almond, or coconut with higher fat content. Once you’ve combined all your ingredients in a cup and the mixture is heated up, top it off with some fresh cinnamon and cardamom spice and enjoy! Follow this recipe if you want a delicious Vanilla Chai Latte that's sure to keep you warm and looking forward to your next cup.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Vanilla Chai Latte
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 12-oz
Description
The balance of spices in chai mixed with the creamy sweetness of the vanilla creates an irresistible flavor combination that you'll want to savor. Whether you're struggling through a cold winter morning or just looking for a different way to treat yourself, Vanilla Chai Latte is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
3 c. whole milk
2 T. cardamom pods
1 T. whole allspice
1 T. whole cloves
5-6 whole star anise
3-4 2” cinnamon sticks
2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 t. real vanilla extract
2-3 T. honey (adjust to suit personal preference)
3 black tea bags, preferably organic
Optional Garnish: Ground cinnamon and/or whole star anise
Instructions
-
Pour milk into a large skillet set over slightly less than medium heat.
Tip: Set temperature between medium and medium-low. The milk should get very warm, but not scald. -
Place the cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves in a plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Gently pound on the spices with a meat mallet or rolling pin just until they crack. (They should remain mostly whole, but opened up a bit).
-
Add the cracked spices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla extract, and honey to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer until the milk is very warm and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes, then add the tea bags to brew for another 5 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and discard the tea bags, squeezing first to release as much flavor as possible. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the liquid. Discard the solids and divide two-thirds of the remaining liquid between individual serving mugs and set aside.
-
Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until a nice foam develops.
Tip: Make sure the blender cap is properly vented to prevent the hot liquid from exploding. -
Divide the liquid from the blender among the serving mugs and top off each with a big spoonful of foam. Sprinkle with some ground cinnamon and garnish with a star anise, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
If you're looking to mix it up, feel free to experiment with whatever milk strikes your fancy! You've got options like regular cow's milk, a blend of cream and liquid gold (also known as whole), or use one of the growing number of plant-based alternatives out there. Just bear in mind that trying something different might alter the flavour - so be willing to make adjustments along the way if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 mins
