Why You’ll Love Iced Chai Latte Recipe
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It’s refreshingly perfect for warmer days or a mid‑afternoon treat.
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Cold‑steeping keeps the tea mellow and smooth, rather than bitter.
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You have full control over sweetness, milk type and strength—so it’s tailorable to your taste.
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It uses a minimal set of ingredients and little effort for a high‑reward result.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chai tea bags
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Water
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Honey
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Water (for syrup)
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Milk (any kind)
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Ice
Directions
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Steep the tea: Combine the chai tea bags and 1 quart of water in a jar or pitcher. Cover and let steep at room temperature for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
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Make the honey syrup: In a small bowl or microwave-safe container, combine equal parts honey and water (¼ cup each). Warm briefly, about 30 seconds in the microwave, and stir until fully dissolved. Let cool and refrigerate until needed.
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Remove the tea bags: Once the steeping time is done, take out the tea bags. The tea base is ready and can be refrigerated for up to one week.
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Assemble the latte: For one serving, fill a glass with ice. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of honey syrup (to taste), pour in about 1 cup of the cold chai tea, and top with your preferred amount of milk. Stir well, taste, and adjust syrup or milk as needed.
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Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Makes: 4 servings
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Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 4 to 12 hours steeping time)
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Total time: 5 to 15 minutes active, depending on steeping duration
Variations
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Use decaf chai tea bags for a caffeine-free option.
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Swap the honey syrup with maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup.
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Try different types of milk—whole, skim, almond, oat, or coconut—depending on your dietary preference.
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Adjust the number of tea bags or steeping time for a milder or stronger flavor.
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Sprinkle in cinnamon or cardamom for a spicier twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Store steeped chai tea in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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Store honey syrup in a separate container in the fridge for up to one week.
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Do not reheat the iced version; instead, pour over fresh ice and milk when ready.
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To enjoy hot, warm both the tea and milk before combining.
FAQs
What is the difference between chai tea and chai latte?
Chai tea is brewed black tea with spices, while a chai latte includes milk for a creamy finish.
Can I make this without tea bags (using loose leaf)?
Yes, use an equivalent amount of loose-leaf black tea with your preferred chai spice mix.
How strong should the chai tea flavor be?
Start with 4 tea bags per quart of water and steep for 4–12 hours. Adjust to your taste preference.
Will the flavors be as vibrant when served cold?
Cold drinks can slightly mute flavors, so ensure the tea is well-steeped and sweetened to enhance the spices.
Can I skip the honey syrup and just use honey directly?
You can, but making a syrup helps the honey mix evenly in cold liquids.
What milk should I use for best results?
Whole milk offers the creamiest result, but any milk will work based on your dietary needs and flavor preference.
Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Yes, prepare a large amount of chai and syrup, store in the fridge, and assemble when needed.
Will the tea become bitter if I steep too long?
Cold-steeping reduces bitterness, even with longer steep times. It’s smoother than hot steeping.
How much caffeine is in this iced chai latte?
Caffeine content depends on the tea used. Black tea has moderate caffeine; use decaf bags for a caffeine-free version.
Can I make a hot version instead?
Yes, steep tea in hot water and warm the milk before combining for a cozy hot chai latte.
Conclusion
This Iced Chai Latte is a delightful and flexible beverage perfect for cooling down while enjoying the rich, spiced notes of chai. Whether you’re making it dairy-free, adjusting the sweetness, or exploring warm versions, this recipe offers a base that’s as adaptable as it is refreshing. Enjoy café-level flavor at home with minimal effort.
