Save The afternoon heat was unbearable, and I was craving something comforting but cold. I had a box of chai tea bags sitting in the cupboard and remembered seeing those foam-topped drinks at coffee shops. Why not try it at home? I brewed the tea stronger than usual, let it chill, and whipped up some milk with a little frother I barely used. The result was better than I expected—creamy, spiced, and completely refreshing.
I made this for a friend who stopped by unexpectedly on a sweltering Saturday. She took one sip and asked if I had gone out to buy it. When I told her I made it in my kitchen in under ten minutes, she refused to believe me until I showed her the frother and the tea bags. We ended up sitting on the porch with two tall glasses, laughing about how simple things can feel so fancy when you take a few extra seconds to make them pretty.
Ingredients
- Strong brewed chai tea: The backbone of the drink, so brew it bold and let it steep fully to pull out all those warm spices.
- Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens gently and blends smoothly into the cold tea, maple syrup works especially well if you want a deeper, earthier sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch rounds out the spice and adds a subtle warmth that makes the chai taste more homemade.
- Cold whole milk: Froths up beautifully and gives the foam that creamy, stable texture, though oat milk works wonderfully too.
- Heavy cream: Optional but worth it if you want your foam to be extra rich and thick.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly into the cold milk and helps stabilize the foam so it sits on top instead of sinking.
- Ice cubes: Keeps everything cold and dilutes the concentrate just enough as it melts.
- Ground cinnamon: A light dusting on top makes it look cafe-worthy and adds a hint of extra spice.
Instructions
- Brew the chai base:
- Steep your tea bags or loose leaf in hot water for a full five minutes to get a strong, flavorful concentrate. Stir in the honey and vanilla while it is still warm, then let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Whip up the cold foam:
- Combine cold milk, heavy cream if using, and powdered sugar in a bowl or jar. Froth with a handheld frother until thick and airy, or shake vigorously in a sealed jar for about 30 seconds.
- Build the drink:
- Fill two glasses with ice and pour the chilled chai concentrate over the top. Spoon or gently pour the cold foam over the chai, letting it float on the surface.
- Finish and serve:
- Dust the foam lightly with ground cinnamon and serve immediately while the foam is still thick and cold. Sip slowly and let the layers mix as you go.
Save There was a morning I made this before heading out to run errands, and I brought it with me in a travel cup. Halfway through the grocery store, I realized I was smiling for no reason other than the fact that I was sipping something delicious I had made myself. It is funny how a small ritual like that can shift your whole mood. Now I make it whenever I need a quiet moment that feels like a little victory.
Making It Your Own
Once you get the hang of the basic version, you can start playing with the spices. I have added a pinch of cardamom to the concentrate for a more traditional chai flavor, and sometimes I dust the foam with cocoa powder instead of cinnamon when I want something a little different. If you like it sweeter, a drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of brown sugar in the concentrate works beautifully. The foam is also fun to flavor with a drop of almond extract or a tiny bit of rose water if you are feeling adventurous.
What to Serve It With
This pairs really well with anything buttery or lightly sweet. I love it alongside a slice of banana bread or a simple shortbread cookie. It also works as an afternoon pick-me-up with a handful of nuts or a piece of dark chocolate. The spiced, creamy flavor complements pastries without overwhelming them, and it is substantial enough to feel like a snack on its own if you are not very hungry.
Storage and Timing Tips
The chai concentrate can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to three days, which makes this drink incredibly easy to throw together on busy mornings. The cold foam, however, is best made fresh since it starts to deflate after a few minutes. If you are serving this for guests, brew and chill the concentrate the night before, then froth the foam right before serving so it stays thick and impressive.
- Store leftover concentrate in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge.
- If your foam deflates, just give it another quick froth before pouring.
- Use a clear glass to show off the layers, it makes the drink feel more special.
Save This drink has become my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but does not require much effort or planning. It is amazing how a little foam and some spice can turn a regular afternoon into something worth savoring.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this beverage ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chai concentrate up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Make the cold foam just before serving for best texture and volume. Assemble the drink when ready to enjoy.
- → What's the best way to froth the milk for the topping?
A handheld milk frother works best for creating thick, airy foam. Alternatively, pour the milk mixture into a sealed jar and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. The combination of cold milk, cream, and powdered sugar helps achieve stable foam.
- → How can I intensify the spice flavors?
Add a pinch of ground cardamom, ginger, or clove to the chai concentrate while it cools. Alternatively, steep the chai tea longer for a more robust spice profile, or use higher quality chai blends with more pronounced spices.
- → Is this suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely. Use oat, almond, or soy milk in place of dairy milk, omit the heavy cream, and substitute maple syrup for honey. The beverage remains delicious and maintains its creamy cold foam texture.
- → How long does the cold foam last on top?
The foam will gradually sink into the drink over 5-10 minutes as it mingles with the cold chai. Enjoy the beverage immediately after assembly for the best presentation and texture contrast.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, taste the chilled chai concentrate and add more honey or maple syrup as desired. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference before assembling the drink.