Vanilla Chai Latte Mocktail
A sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage blending aromatic chai tea, creamy milk, and smooth vanilla with warming spices. This mocktail delivers café-quality indulgence with a festive presentation that feels special without the spirits.
Ingredients
- 4 high-quality chai tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose chai tea
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but plant-based alternatives work too
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean for extra luxury
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cardamom
- 1 cup ice cubes omit if serving warm
- Whipped cream for topping optional
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Brew a strong chai concentrate by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, add the chai tea bags, and let steep for 5-7 minutes until dark and fragrant. The stronger the brew, the more prominent the chai flavor will be in your final mocktail.
- Remove the tea bags and squeeze gently to extract maximum flavor. If using loose tea, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Return the chai concentrate to low heat and add milk, honey/maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Whisk gently until the mixture is warm and the sweetener has completely dissolved—don’t allow it to boil as this can affect the texture.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preference. This is your chance to customize the flavor profile—more honey for sweetness, more spice for warmth.
- For a cold mocktail, transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor development.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice (if serving cold), pour the chai mixture until glasses are ¾ full, and stir gently to chill.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick that can double as a stirrer.
- For a warm version, skip the refrigeration and ice steps, heat the mixture until steaming (not boiling), and serve immediately with the same garnishes.
Notes
- This chai base can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining.
- For an extra festive touch, rim glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before serving.
- The intensity of chai flavors will deepen over time, so adjust steeping time based on your preference.
- For a richer version, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Leftover concentrate makes an excellent addition to coffee or hot chocolate.