Introduction
Vanilla chai tea is a comforting and flavorful beverage that is perfect for an after-dinner sipper or a cozy weekend morning. It’s a classic combination of black tea, creamy milk, and warming spices, with a hint of vanilla sweetness. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and it’s a great way to experience the flavor of chai without having to purchase a premade mix. It’s also a much healthier option than store-bought mixes, as you can control the amount of sugar and other ingredients.
Chai tea dates back centuries and it’s believed to have originated in India. The traditional recipe calls for black tea, milk, and a blend of spices, usually including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The spices vary depending on the region and the recipe, which is how chai tea has taken on so many unique flavor profiles. Vanilla chai tea is a modern twist on the classic, combining all the usual ingredients plus the addition of sweet vanilla extract.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons of sugar, or to taste
- 1/4 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
To make this recipe, begin by combining the water, tea leaves, spices, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug, discarding the tea leaves and spices. Add the milk and vanilla extract and stir until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired.
Serve the tea hot and enjoy! This recipe makes one cup of tea, so double the ingredients if you’d like to make more.
Tips and Tricks
To make the tea extra creamy, use coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, if you’d prefer. If you’d like to make a decaffeinated version of this recipe, use decaffeinated black tea.
If you don’t have all of the spices on hand, feel free to use a pre-made chai spice mix or simply omit the ones you don’t have. You can also adjust the quantities of each spice to customize the flavor of your tea.
To make this recipe even easier, you can use a chai tea bag and simply add milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. This is a great option if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to measure out all of the spices.
Serving Suggestions
Vanilla chai tea is best enjoyed hot and savored slowly. It’s a great accompaniment to a cozy evening in or a weekend brunch. Pair it with a sweet treat such as muffins, scones, or cake. You can also serve it with a savory snack like crackers or cheese.
This tea is also delicious served over ice. Simply double the recipe and store the extra in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it, pour it over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few fresh mint leaves.
Nutrition
One cup of this vanilla chai tea contains approximately 100 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein. It’s also a good source of magnesium, iron, and potassium. The nutrition information will vary depending on which type of milk you use and how much sugar you add.
This recipe is vegan-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free tea bag and a non-dairy milk alternative. It’s also naturally low in calories, so it’s a great choice for anyone looking to watch their waistline.
Conclusion
Vanilla chai tea is a delicious and comforting beverage that’s perfect for enjoying any time of day. It’s easy to make and it’s a great way to experience the flavor of chai without having to buy a premade mix. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste buds, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and sweeteners. Enjoy!
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