Ever since I started making this iced chai tea latte recipe at home, I haven’t looked back. I used to spend a small fortune on iced chai lattes from cafés, but they often tasted watered down or too sweet. One summer afternoon, craving that perfect spicy-creamy balance, I decided to try brewing my own version and it changed everything.
This iced chai tea latte recipe is bold, fragrant, lightly sweet, and full of warming spices, served cold over ice. It satisfies both my love for strong tea and my obsession with cozy spices, even on the hottest days. If you’ve been struggling to get the same café-style quality at home, this recipe is for you.
Table of contents
What Makes This Chai Tea Latte So Good?
What sets this iced chai tea latte recipe apart is the careful balance between the strong brewed black tea and the infused spices. I simmer the spices to extract full-bodied flavor, then mix in just the right amount of milk and sweetener. It’s not overly sugary or diluted, just a smooth, aromatic, and refreshingly spiced drink.
Using whole spices like cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks makes a huge difference. The black tea provides a solid base, while the spice blend creates warmth that contrasts beautifully with the chill of the ice and creaminess of the milk.
Customization Ideas
- Use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup for depth
- Adjust the sweetness to taste using honey, coconut sugar, or monk fruit
- Make a double batch and store the concentrate for easy prep throughout the week
Make-Ahead & Prep Tips
One of the best things about this iced chai tea tea latte recipe is how easy it is to prep in advance. The chai concentrate (tea and spices) can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar. That way, all you have to do is pour it over ice, add milk, and enjoy.
You can also:
- Pre-grind or measure out the whole spices and store them in a spice jar for quick access
- Brew a larger batch and refrigerate to save time throughout the week
- Use pre-bagged chai tea, but be aware the flavor won’t be as rich
Recipe Card
Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
2
servings5
minutes10
minutes120
kcalA smooth and refreshing iced chai tea latte brewed with whole spices and black tea, served over ice with your choice of milk.
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Ingredients
2 cups 2 water
2 2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling)
2 2 whole cloves
2 2 green cardamom pods
1 small 1 cinnamon stick
3 3 black peppercorns
1 slice 1 fresh ginger (or ¼ tsp ground)
1-2 tbsp 1-2 honey, maple syrup, or sugar (to taste)
1 cup 1 milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Ice cubes
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine water, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add tea bags, remove from heat, and steep for 5–7 minutes.
- Strain the concentrate and stir in your preferred sweetener while still warm.
- Let the mixture cool completely, then refrigerate.
- To serve, fill a glass with ice, pour in half concentrate and half milk (adjust ratio to taste).
- Stir well and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Taste and sweetness can be adjusted to preference. For extra creaminess, froth the milk before adding. For less spice, reduce the steeping time or amount of cloves and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
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Pro Tips for the Best Iced Chai Tea Latte
- Use strong black tea like Assam or Darjeeling to stand up to the spices and milk
- Crush whole spices lightly before simmering to help release their oils
- Simmer, don’t boil the spices to avoid bitterness
- Cool the concentrate completely before pouring over ice to avoid dilution
- Use cold milk (or frothed milk for café-style texture)
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove all spice bits before serving
Variants of the Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Vegan Iced Chai Tea Latte
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative. Oat milk adds creaminess without overpowering the spices, while almond milk gives a lighter finish. Use maple syrup or agave as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Iced Dirty Chai Latte
For an extra caffeine boost, add a shot of chilled espresso to your latte. This hybrid of chai and coffee is bold and invigorating, perfect for busy mornings or when you need a little more kick. Adjust sweetness to balance the added bitterness.
Vanilla Chai Latte
Add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or use vanilla-infused syrup to give this latte a mellow, dessert-like twist. It pairs beautifully with the spiced base and makes the drink feel extra indulgent.
Spicy Chai Latte
If you like your chai with more heat, add a pinch of ground black pepper or a small piece of fresh ginger to the simmering spices. This amps up the warmth and depth, especially in cooler weather.
Iced Chai Latte with Coconut Milk
For a tropical spin, try using full-fat coconut milk for an ultra-rich finish. It adds a slight sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the cloves and cardamom.
FAQs about Iced Chai Latte
Yes, you can use rooibos or herbal chai for a caffeine-free version, though the flavor will be milder.
It keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Yes, but use sparingly, ground spices are more potent and can leave sediment. Strain thoroughly.
It can be! This version uses minimal sugar and whole spices, offering antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can read more about chai’s benefits here on Healthline.
Final Thoughts
This iced chai tea latte recipe has quickly become one of my favorite afternoon rituals, refreshing, creamy, and full of layered spice. It’s not just a drink, it’s a whole mood. Whether you’re winding down from a long day, hosting brunch, or craving a cozy flavor without the heat, this recipe delivers all the comfort of chai in a chilled, café-worthy form.
The best part? You can customize it endlessly, from the choice of milk to how sweet or spicy you like it. Once you start brewing your own, it’s hard to go back to overpriced store-bought versions that never quite hit the mark.
If you try this iced chai tea latte recipe, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how you personalized it. You can also tag me on Instagram with your creations.
Craving more cozy drinks? Check out my Lemon Balm Water Recipe for Weight Loss, perfect companions for your home café lineup.
Thanks for sipping by!
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