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An iced vanilla chai latte is a deliciously sweet and delightfully spiced combination of vanilla simple syrup and homemade chai latte concentrate, topped with the chilled milk of your choice. It’s one of my favorite tea recipes and is sure to be one of yours, too, after just one sip!
This is an iced version of the familiar hot vanilla chai latte for those that prefer iced drinks to start their day or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up! If this is you, read on to see how to make this Starbucks dupe drink in only three minutes!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Vanilla Simple Syrup – I make my own homemade vanilla syrup, but you can buy it at stores.
- Chai Concentrate – Just like the vanilla syrup, I prefer my own homemade chai concentrate, but store-bought works, too.
- Milk – Whatever dairy or dairy alternative you like!
- Chai Spice Blend - To garnish the drink and give it more of that delicious spiced flavor!
- Vanilla Extract – Optional, read more on that below.
- Ice - Can't have an iced drink without it!
Making an iced vanilla chai latte at home
This is just a quick overview, find the full instructions in the recipe card below!
- Sweeten the tea. Stir together the concentrate with vanilla syrup. Add a touch of vanilla extract if you’re wanting MAJOR vanilla flavor and aroma.
- Fill the glass with ice. It’s easiest to do this after you mix the chai and vanilla.
- Combine the sweetened tea with milk. I use whole milk, but use whatever kind you prefer.
- Garnish and enjoy. I like to sprinkle the top of my chai latte with a pinch of chai spice blend to get even more of that delicious chai flavor.
Using vanilla extract in a latte
If you really want to take the vanilla flavor and scent to the next level in this latte recipe, add ¼ tsp. vanilla extract to the tea concentrate after combining with the vanilla syrup.
This is a great option if you’re wanting major vanilla flavor without a ton of extra sweetness.
Vanilla extract, it should be noted, is not a replacement for vanilla-flavored simple syrup as it does not contain any sugar or sweeteners. It is merely an extract, providing flavor and aroma and is a great addition to the flavored syrup.
Store-bought Chai Latte Concentrate
I like making my own chai concentrate because I can adjust the amount of chai spice and I can also use decaffeinated tea bags which is helpful as someone who is sensitive to caffeine.
If you don’t want to make your own chai concentrate at home, you can find Tazo (the brand Starbucks used to use) at many grocery stores, Target, and similar shops. It will get you that much closer to a Starbucks dupe recipe!
I also really love Third Street Chai concentrates. Their "Dragon Tongue Ginger" is so delightfully spicy!
Iced Dirty Vanilla Chai Latte
Want to add another layer of flavor? Add a shot of espresso to the drink! It’s like a dirty chai latte and iced vanilla latte had a glorious, delicious baby!
To make an iced dirty vanilla chai latte: simply stir 1 - 2 ounces brewed espresso in with the chai tea concentrate and vanilla syrup before adding the ice and milk.
So easy! And delicious!
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte (Using Concentrate)
Equipment
- Glass, for serving
Ingredients
- 1 - 3 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup, more or less to taste
- ½ cup chai concentrate
- ¼ tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
- 8 - 12 ounces milk of choice, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Combine 1 – 3 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup and ½ cup chai concentrate (and ¼ tsp. vanilla extract, if using) in a tall glass and stir well.
- Fill the glass with a generous scoop of ice and top with the milk of your choice (using less milk will produce a stronger, spicier flavor and more milk will result in a milder drink).
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chai spice blend, if desired.
Notes
- Recipe makes one drink, is easily multiplied.
· by Amanda Gajdosik