The Drink That Makes Summer Better

Hi friend! If you love chai lattes but think they’re just for chilly days, let me introduce you to your new warm-weather obsession—the iced vanilla chai latte. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and perfectly chilled, with just the right touch of vanilla sweetness. Every sip feels like a hug in a glass, only cooler and more refreshing. Honestly, once I started making these at home, I stopped ordering them at coffee shops—it’s that good and way easier than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Iced Chai

Chai is naturally full of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves—ingredients that aren’t just delicious but also good for you. These warming spices can help with digestion and give you a gentle pick-me-up. Adding milk (dairy or plant-based) makes it creamy, while vanilla takes the flavor to a new level of cozy sweetness. Served over ice, it becomes the perfect balance of refreshing and comforting, making it an ideal summer drink.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully here.
• Extra Sweet: Add a drizzle of caramel syrup for a dessert-like treat.
• Spicier Kick: Simmer chai tea with extra fresh ginger slices for more zing.
• Protein Boost: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make it a filling afternoon pick-me-up.

The Recipe: Iced Vanilla Chai Latte

Ingredients

• 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf chai)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
• Ice cubes
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew chai tea in boiling water for 5–7 minutes for a strong, flavorful base. Remove tea bags and let cool slightly.
2. Stir in honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract while the tea is still warm.
3. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour the brewed chai tea over the ice, then top with milk.
5. Stir gently, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if you like, and enjoy immediately!

Helpful Tips

• For stronger chai flavor, brew the tea longer or use two tea bags per cup of water.
• Chill the tea in the fridge for 30 minutes if you want less ice dilution.
• Make a big batch of chai concentrate and store in the fridge for up to 4 days—then you can make iced lattes in seconds.
• For a frothy touch, shake the milk in a jar before pouring it over the tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought chai concentrate? Yes! Just dilute with water if it’s too sweet, then follow the same steps with milk and ice.
2. Is this drink caffeinated? It depends on your chai blend—most black-tea-based chai does have caffeine, but you can use caffeine-free herbal chai too.
3. Can I make it ahead? Absolutely. Brew the chai tea, mix with vanilla and sweetener, and store in the fridge. Just add milk and ice when ready.
4. What’s the best milk to use? Oat milk makes it extra creamy, but almond, soy, and dairy all work great.

Final Thoughts

This iced vanilla chai latte is my new favorite summer drink, and I think it might become yours too. It’s refreshing, cozy, and so easy to make at home. Plus, it saves you a trip (and a few dollars) to the coffee shop. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Save this recipe on Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy whenever the summer heat calls for something cool, sweet, and spiced. ☕❄️