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This easy vanilla chai latte recipe tastes just like the ones you get at a coffee shop! A blend of sweet vanilla simple syrup, spiced homemade chai concentrate, and your choice of steamed milk is all it takes to make a delicious vanilla-flavored spiced black tea latte at home.
This post will teach you how to make a Starbuck's dupe vanilla chai in mere minutes, no drive-thru required! Try the DIY recipe for yourself and see how great it can be to make this tea recipe in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for this recipe
- Chai Concentrate – I prefer my own homemade chai concentrate, but store-bought works, too.
- Vanilla Simple Syrup – same with the chai concentrate, I make my own but you can buy it at most grocery stores. (It's really so easy to make simple syrup at home though that I recommend this route!)
- Milk – whatever dairy or dairy alternative you like!
- Vanilla Extract – optional, read more on that below.
Making a vanilla chai latte at home
This is just a brief overview, find the full instructions in the recipe card below!
- Prepare the chai. Combine the vanilla syrup and chai concentrate and heat until steaming. It’s easy enough to do this in the microwave or on the stove.
- Combine the sweetened concentrate with milk. That’s also been warmed. I like to do this in a milk frother, but it can also be done in the microwave or on the stove.
- Garnish and enjoy. I like to sprinkle the top of my chai latte with a pinch of chai spice blend or a star anise to get even more of that delicious chai flavor.
Store-bought Chai Concentrate
For the longest time, Starbucks made all their Chai drinks with Tazo tea. In 2017 they created their own in-house brand, Teavana, that isn’t sold in stores, but luckily, Tazo is!
You can purchase Tazo Chai Concentrate at most grocery stores, Target, or similar shops. It’s a great replacement for making your own and gets you that much closer to a complete Starbucks dupe.
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!
Making a chai latte without a milk frother
It’s easy to make chai lattes at home without a milk frother or steamer.
- Combine the vanilla syrup with equal parts chai concentrate and milk and place in the microwave or on the stove.
- Heat liquid until it is steaming.
- Whisk vigorously for 20 seconds before pouring into a glass.
- Alternatively, you can shake it vigorously in a mason jar with a secure lid.
Garnish with a pinch of chai spice blend (if desired) before serving.
Even more vanilla flavor in a chai latte
If you really want to take the vanilla flavor and scent to the next level in this latte recipe, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to the tea concentrate after heating.
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.
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 vanilla latte had a glorious, delicious baby!
To make a dirty vanilla chai latte: Stir in 1 or 2 shots of espresso in with the chai concentrate and vanilla syrup before adding the steamed milk.
Try It Iced!
If you’re more of an “iced tea and coffee recipes all the time” kind of person, be sure to check out my Iced Vanilla Chai Latte recipe for a chilled take on this classic Starbucks recipe.
Hot Vanilla Chai Latte (Using Concentrate)
Equipment
- Milk Frother (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 - 3 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup more or less to taste
- ½ cup chai concentrate
- ¼ tsp. vanilla extract optional
- ½ cup whole milk or preferred milk alternative
- Pinch chai spice blend to garnish
Instructions
- Place 1 – 3 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup and ½ cup chai concentrate (and vanilla extract if using) in a microwave-safe mug and heat until steaming (about 30 seconds).
- Meanwhile, use your milk frother to heat the milk. Pour steamed milk over warmed concentrate and stir to combine.
- Garnish with a pinch of chai spice blend to serve, if desired.
Notes
- For a dirty vanilla chai latte: Add a shot or two of espresso to the warmed tea concentrate and vanilla syrup before topping with steamed milk.
· by Amanda Gajdosik