There are moments in the day when you crave something more exciting than plain iced coffee but don’t want to settle for an overly sweet café drink. That’s when an Iced Chai Coffee Latte comes in to rescue your taste buds.
This beverage is a beautiful marriage of two worlds — the warming, spiced depth of chai tea and the bold, invigorating kick of coffee. It delivers both comfort and energy, making it the perfect drink for hot afternoons, mid-morning breaks, or even as a refreshing dessert alternative.
Unlike store-bought versions or overly sugary coffeehouse drinks, making your own iced chai coffee latte at home means you get complete control over sweetness, milk choice, caffeine strength, and creaminess. The result? A beverage that tastes gourmet, saves money, and feels tailored just for you.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover:
- The origin and uniqueness of the iced chai coffee latte.
- A step-by-step recipe you can prepare in under 15 minutes.
- Ingredient insights and substitutions for every lifestyle.
- Pro tips for creating a coffeehouse-quality latte at home.
- Pairing suggestions, health benefits, storage solutions, and FAQs.
Let’s dive in and craft the ultimate spiced-cool pick-me-up that belongs in every coffee lover’s repertoire.
What is an Iced Chai Coffee Latte?
An Iced Chai Coffee Latte is exactly what its name suggests: a chilled drink that blends chai tea — a spiced, aromatic tea traditionally from India — with coffee and milk.
Chai tea itself usually contains a mixture of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. When steeped, these spices create a warming and fragrant base. Mixing it with chilled coffee or cold brew balances the spice with bitterness and depth. Finally, milk and a touch of sweetness transform it into a smooth, refreshing latte.
It’s the best of both worlds:
- For chai lovers → you get your beloved spice blend.
- For coffee fans → you still enjoy the caffeine kick.
- For those bored of plain iced lattes → it’s an exciting twist with layered flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is far more than just mixing tea and coffee. It’s designed to bring out the perfect harmony of spice, caffeine, and creaminess.
- Balanced Flavors – Not too sweet, not too bitter, with layers of spice and coffee that work together beautifully.
- Customizable – Works with any milk (dairy, oat, almond, soy, coconut) and can be sweetened with sugar, honey, or natural substitutes.
- Refreshing & Energizing – A cooling drink with enough caffeine to refresh your afternoon.
- Cost-Effective – One homemade serving costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a coffeehouse.
- Instagram-Worthy – Layered ice, creamy milk swirls, and whipped topping make it visually stunning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down each ingredient and why it matters:
- Chai Tea Bags (or Loose Leaf)
Brings warm spice notes like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Use strong chai blends for maximum flavor. - Coffee (Cold Brew or Strong-Brewed)
Cold brew gives smoothness, while strong-brewed coffee provides a bold kick. Espresso works if you want extra intensity. - Sweetener (Optional)
White sugar for classic sweetness, honey or maple syrup for natural depth, or stevia/monk fruit for sugar-free versions. - Milk of Choice
Dairy milk for richness, almond milk for a nutty note, oat milk for creaminess, or coconut milk for a tropical vibe. - Ice Cubes
Essential for chilling. Try freezing leftover chai into ice cubes to avoid dilution. - Whipped Cream & Cinnamon (Optional)
For a café-style finish that makes the drink indulgent.
Tools & Equipment
You don’t need barista-level tools — simple kitchen items will do:
- Heatproof mug or pitcher (for steeping chai).
- Coffee maker, French press, or cold brew jar.
- Mason jar or cocktail shaker (for mixing).
- Tall serving glass.
- Whisk or handheld frother (for foamy texture).
Step-by-Step Recipe (Recipe Card Style)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 glasses
Ingredients:
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee (or strong chilled coffee)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream + cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Steep the Chai
Pour hot water over chai tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove bags. - Sweeten the Tea
Stir in sugar while tea is still warm so it dissolves completely. Let cool. - Combine with Coffee
Mix cooled chai with chilled coffee in a jar or pitcher. - Assemble the Drink
Fill tall glasses with ice. Pour in chai-coffee mixture until ¾ full. - Add Milk
Top with milk of choice and gently stir to combine. - Garnish (Optional)
Add whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top. - Serve Cold & Enjoy
Pro Tips for Success
- Brew your chai slightly stronger than normal so the flavor holds up when iced.
- Chill both coffee and chai in advance for best results.
- Shake the drink in a sealed jar for a frothier texture.
- For a frappe-style drink, blend coffee, chai, ice, and milk together.
- Always sweeten while tea is warm — sugar won’t dissolve well in cold liquid.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sugar-Free Version – Use monk fruit or stevia.
- Dairy-Free Version – Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
- Iced Chai Latte Only – Skip the coffee and just use chai + milk.
- Extra Strong Kick – Replace coffee with two shots of espresso.
- Blended Frappe – Blend with ice for a slushy-style treat.
What to Serve It With
Pair your iced chai coffee latte with:
- Coffee cake or cinnamon rolls.
- Shortbread or almond biscotti.
- Fresh fruit tarts.
- Savory breakfast sandwiches.
- Afternoon snack boards with cheese and nuts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chai-coffee base ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Store sweetened chai separately for stronger flavor.
- Freeze chai into ice cubes to prevent dilution in your drink.
- Always add milk and ice only when serving.
Health & Nutrition Insights
- Chai spices (like cinnamon and ginger) may aid digestion and improve circulation.
- Coffee provides caffeine for focus and energy.
- Choosing non-dairy milk can make the drink lighter in calories.
- Homemade versions allow you to control sugar — far healthier than café lattes.
FAQs
Can I use cold brew instead of coffee?
Yes! Cold brew gives a smoother, less acidic flavor compared to regular brewed coffee.
Do I have to sweeten the chai?
No. Some prefer unsweetened chai for a stronger spice kick. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I batch-make this recipe?
Absolutely. Mix a larger amount of chai and coffee base, then add ice and milk when serving.
Does it contain caffeine?
Yes, from both tea and coffee. If needed, use decaf coffee or caffeine-free chai blends.
Can I make it blended?
Yes. Blend all ingredients with ice for a creamy, frappe-like drink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using weak chai tea → results in a bland latte.
- Adding sugar to cold tea → doesn’t dissolve well.
- Using only hot coffee → melts ice too quickly and waters down the drink.
- Forgetting to cool ingredients → ruins texture and balance.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Chai Coffee Latte is more than just a drink — it’s an experience. It combines the cozy familiarity of chai with the energizing boldness of coffee, creating a layered beverage that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a morning boost, an afternoon refresher, or a coffeehouse-style treat at home, this recipe offers endless possibilities. By experimenting with milks, sweeteners, and garnishes, you’ll discover a version that feels uniquely yours.
So, skip the café line — bring the magic of a barista-style latte into your kitchen and enjoy the perfect sip of spice, coffee, and cream.
