Pin it Nothing beats the refreshing combination of spiced chai and creamy cold foam on a warm day. This Iced Chai Tea with Cold Foam brings together the aromatic warmth of traditional Indian spices with the modern café trend of velvety cold foam, creating a beverage that's both comforting and invigorating.
Pin it The beauty of this iced chai latte lies in its layers. The foundation is a strongly brewed chai concentrate, infused with honey and vanilla, which provides that signature spice blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. What makes it truly special is the cold foam topping – a light, airy creation that floats atop the spiced tea, adding a luxurious texture and a touch of sweetness in every sip.
Ingredients
- Chai Concentrate: 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed chai tea (from loose leaf or 2 chai tea bags)
- Chai Concentrate: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Chai Concentrate: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cold Foam: 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold whole milk (or milk of choice)
- Cold Foam: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Cold Foam: 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- Assembly: 1 cup (120 g) ice cubes
- Assembly: Ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chai concentrate
- Brew the chai tea strong by steeping the tea bags or loose-leaf chai in hot water for 5 minutes. Stir in honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
- Make the cold foam
- In a small bowl or frothing pitcher, combine cold milk, heavy cream (if using), and powdered sugar. Froth with a handheld milk frother or vigorously shake in a sealed jar until thick and foamy.
- Assemble the drinks
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Divide the chilled chai concentrate evenly between the glasses.
- Add the cold foam
- Gently spoon or pour the cold foam over the iced chai.
- Garnish and serve
- Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Brew your chai tea stronger than usual since the ice will dilute it slightly. For the smoothest cold foam, ensure your milk is very cold before frothing. If you don't have a milk frother, a French press or immersion blender can create similar results. The foam holds its texture best when served immediately, so time your frothing with assembly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use oat, almond, or soy milk and substitute maple syrup for honey. Adjust sweetness to your preference by adding more or less honey or powdered sugar. For a stronger spice profile, add a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger directly to the chai concentrate while it's still warm. You can also experiment with different milk alternatives – oat milk creates an exceptionally creamy foam.
Serviervorschläge
Present this iced chai in clear tall glasses to showcase the beautiful layered effect. The cold foam should sit distinctively atop the amber chai, creating an inviting visual contrast. This refreshing beverage pairs wonderfully with light pastries, buttery cookies, or spiced biscuits. Serve as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a sophisticated non-alcoholic option at brunch gatherings.
Pin it Whether you're a chai enthusiast or new to spiced tea beverages, this Iced Chai Tea with Cold Foam offers a delightful departure from ordinary iced coffee. The combination of warming spices and cool, creamy elements creates a sophisticated drink that's surprisingly simple to make at home. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and refreshing in every sip.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the cold foam made?
Cold foam is made by combining cold milk, heavy cream (optional), and powdered sugar, then frothing vigorously until thick and creamy.
- → Can I use non-dairy milk for the foam?
Yes, plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy work well and create a similar frothy texture.
- → How do I brew the chai concentrate?
Steep loose-leaf chai or tea bags strongly in hot water for about 5 minutes, then add sweetener and vanilla before chilling.
- → What spices enhance this beverage?
Ground cinnamon is used as a garnish, and options like cardamom or ginger can be added to intensify the spice profile.
- → How should this drink be served?
Serve over ice with a generous layer of cold foam on top, finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for aroma and visual appeal.