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 mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Coffee, Tea
- 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
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.
- 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