Description
A homemade version of the popular Starbucks drink that uses a strong chai concentrate and a simple vanilla sweet cream topping. It is ready in minutes, customizable, and avoids the high cost and artificial ingredients of coffee shop versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black chai tea bags (e.g., Tazo or Lipton)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar (for tea)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (for vanilla cream)
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe mug or small pot.
- Pour hot water over 4 chai tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags.
- While the tea is still hot, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Whisk until slightly thickened but pourable.
- Fill a large glass (16 oz) with ice about 3/4 full.
- Pour the cooled chai tea concentrate into the glass over the ice.
- Slowly pour the vanilla cream mixture over the top to create layers.
- Stir well before drinking and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip the steep time; weak tea will result in a milky taste. Use cold milk for a creamier texture and to prevent ice from melting too quickly. The chai concentrate can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vanilla cream is best made fresh but can be stored for 24 hours. Do not freeze the finished drink as the cream will separate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 oz glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 4
Keywords: iced chai latte, copycat starbucks, vanilla cream, chai tea, homemade latte, easy recipe, coffee shop copycat