Iced Chai Tea with Cold Foam (Printable Version)

Spiced chai concentrate over ice, crowned with creamy cold foam and a dusting of cinnamon for a refreshing treat.

# What You Need:

→ Chai Concentrate

01 - 1 cup strong brewed chai tea from loose leaf or 2 chai tea bags
02 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
03 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cold Foam

04 - 1/2 cup cold whole milk or milk of choice
05 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
06 - 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

→ Assembly

07 - 1 cup ice cubes
08 - Ground cinnamon for garnish

# How To Make:

01 - Brew chai tea strong by steeping 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.
02 - Combine cold milk, heavy cream if using, and powdered sugar in a small bowl or frothing pitcher. Froth with handheld milk frother or vigorously shake in sealed jar until thick and foamy.
03 - Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Divide chilled chai concentrate evenly between glasses. Gently spoon or pour cold foam over iced chai.
04 - Dust lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately while cold.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • The cold foam creates this gorgeous cascade effect as it slowly melts into the spiced chai beneath it creating layers of flavor that unfold with each sip.
  • You can customize every element to your preference from the strength of your chai to the sweetness level making it feel like your own signature drink.
02 -
  • Letting the chai concentrate cool completely before adding it to ice prevents the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your carefully crafted flavors.
  • If your cold foam dissipates too quickly try adding just a tiny pinch of xanthan gum to the milk mixture which I discovered by accident when making a different recipe.
03 -
  • If youre using plant-based milk for the cold foam warming it slightly before chilling gives the proteins a head start on creating stable bubbles a trick I learned after many disappointing attempts with cold almond milk.
  • The most luxurious version of this recipe comes from infusing the milk overnight with a split vanilla bean before making the cold foam the difference is subtle but absolutely worth it for special occasions.
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