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Vanilla Chai Latte

by Hunar Baig

Vanilla Chai Latte

A Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect combination of warm spices, creamy sweetness, and a touch of vanilla that makes every sip feel like a cosy hug in a cup. Whether you’re sipping it on a crisp autumn morning or enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up, this drink is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year round. And the best part? You can make it at home in just a few simple steps!

What is in a Vanilla Chai Latte?

A Vanilla Chai Latte is essentially a chai tea latte with an added twist of vanilla sweetness. It combines the bold, warming spices of chai tea (usually cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves) with steamed milk and a touch of vanilla. The vanilla softens the spiciness of the chai, adding a comforting sweetness that makes this drink extra special.

At the heart of a classic chai latte, you have chai concentrate—a spiced tea base that’s typically mixed with milk for a smooth, flavorful drink. But by adding vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, you bring an aromatic richness that makes every sip indulgent.

How to make Chai Concentrate

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tea bags, whole spices, sugar, and water. Stir well.
  2. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Keep an eye on it, as it can foam up quickly. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
  3. Then allow to simmer for 5 mins, and take off the heat.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, letting the spices fully infuse the liquid. The longer it simmers, the more intense the spice flavour will be. Stir occasionally. 
  5. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes, then carefully strain the chai concentrate to remove the tea bags and spices.
  6. Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to the strained chai concentrate. Mix well to ensure the vanilla flavour is evenly distributed throughout the concentrate.
  7. Pour the chai concentrate into a clean jar or bottle. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Store it in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. You can also pour it into an ice tray to make chai ice cubes.

How to make a Vanilla Chai Latte

  1. For a Hot Vanilla Chai Latte
    Pour 1/4 cup of chai concentrate into your mug. Heat 1 cup of milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk) on the stove or in the microwave until warm and frothy. Pour the steamed milk over the chai concentrate and stir to combine. Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour.
  2. For an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
    Fill a glass with ice. Pour 1/4 cup of chilled chai concentrate over the ice and top with cold milk (about 3/4 cup, or to taste). Stir well and enjoy a refreshing, chilled latte.

Can you add coffee to a Vanilla Chai Latte?

Absolutely! If you love coffee and want to give your vanilla chai latte a caffeine boost, you can easily turn it into a dirty chai latte by adding a shot of espresso. The bold coffee flavour complements the spices in the chai, making for a deep, rich, and aromatic drink. Here’s how to do it:

  • Brew a shot of espresso or use strong coffee (about ¼ cup).
  • Add the espresso directly to your chai concentrate before combining with your milk of choice

This simple tweak takes your vanilla chai latte to a whole new level, giving you the perfect balance of warm spices and energising coffee.

What does a Vanilla Chai Latte taste like?

The flavour profile of a vanilla chai latte is the ultimate balance of sweet and spiced. The chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves) provide a warm, earthy foundation, while the vanilla adds a smooth sweetness that perfectly complements the bold spices. The milk brings everything together, making the drink creamy and comforting.

Ingredient Notes – Vanilla Chai Latte

The ingredients that go into this Vanilla Chai Latte

Tea Bags – of course! You need tea to make a chai latte

Spices – will add so much flavour and richness to the chai

Vanilla Paste – adds so much flavour, depth and that classic vanilla smell 

Light Brown Sugar – to add some much needed sweetness to the chai concentrate 

Water – will be the base of the chai concentrate 

Milk – any milk of choice will be the perfect match to the chai concentrate

Tips and Tricks – Vanilla Chai Latte

  • Experiment with Milk: The type of milk you use can drastically change the flavour and texture of your latte. For a creamier result, use whole milk or oat milk. If you prefer a lighter drink, opt for almond milk or soy milk.
  • Go “Dirty”: Add a shot of espresso to your vanilla chai latte to make it a dirty chai—a great option if you want a stronger caffeine boost while enjoying the spiced chai flavours.
  • Customise the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the concentrate to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar.

Enjoy Your Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your very own homemade Vanilla Chai Latte—a perfect drink for any season! Whether you’re craving a warm, comforting cup or a chilled iced latte, this recipe is sure to become a favourite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok (@aceofspoons) if you give this recipe a try. I’d love to see your creations!

Vanilla Chai Latte

Hunar Baig
A Vanilla Chai Latte is the perfect combination of warm spices, creamy sweetness, and a touch of vanilla that makes every sip feel like a cosy hug in a cup. And the best part? You can make it at home in just a few simple steps!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Coffee, Tea
Servings 4 – 6 servings

Equipment

  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 3 black tea bags
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 4 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 star anise
  • 4 whole green cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 100 g light brown sugar (1/2 cup)
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions
 

Chai Concentrate

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the tea bags, whole spices, sugar, and water. Stir well.
  • Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Keep an eye on it, as it can foam up quickly. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, letting the spices fully infuse the liquid. The longer it simmers, the more intense the spice flavour will be. Stir occasionally.
  • After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes, then carefully strain the chai concentrate to remove the tea bags and spices.
  • Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to the strained chai concentrate. Mix well to ensure the vanilla flavour is evenly distributed throughout the concentrate.
  • Pour the chai concentrate into a clean jar or bottle. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Store it in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. You can also pour it into an ice tray to make chai ice cubes.

Vanilla Chai Latte

  • For a Hot Vanilla Chai Latte:
    Pour 1/4 cup of chai concentrate into your mug. Heat 1 cup of milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk) on the stove or in the microwave until warm and frothy. Pour the steamed milk over the chai concentrate and stir to combine. Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour.
  • For an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte:
    Fill a glass with ice. Pour 1/4 cup of chilled chai concentrate over the ice and top with cold milk (about 3/4 cup, or to taste). Stir well and enjoy a refreshing, chilled latte.

Notes

 
  • Experiment with Milk: The type of milk you use can drastically change the flavour and texture of your latte. For a creamier result, use whole milk or oat milk. If you prefer a lighter drink, opt for almond milk or soy milk.
  • Go “Dirty”: Add a shot of espresso to your vanilla chai latte to make it a dirty chai—a great option if you want a stronger caffeine boost while enjoying the spiced chai flavours.
  • Customise the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the concentrate to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar.
Keyword Chai Concentrate, Chai Latte, Chai Latte Recipe, Vanilla Chai Latte

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