Iced Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Iced Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

First things first, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, but quality matters, especially with something as flavor-packed as chai. Here’s what you’ll need:

✨ Basic Ingredients

• Chai Concentrate – The MVP of this recipe. You can go two ways:

  • Store-bought: Like Tazo Classic Chai Latte Concentrate (Starbucks uses Tazo or Teavana).
  • Homemade: Make your own using black tea, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, and sweetener.

• Milk – Starbucks uses 2% milk by default, but you can sub:

  • Whole milk (for creaminess)
  • Oat milk (adds a touch of natural sweetness)
  • Almond, soy, coconut milk-go wild!
• Ice – Yep, the unsung hero. Use fresh, clean ice to keep flavors crisp.

• Optional Sweetener – Most concentrates already have sugar, but you can add:

  • Vanilla syrup
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Simple syrup

How To Make Iced Chai Tea Latte Starbucks-Style?

Alright, it’s go-time. Here’s how to whip up your Iced Chai Tea Latte, just like the green-aproned pros do.

️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Ratio

   • Starbucks usually does half chai concentrate and half milk. So if you’re making a 16 oz drink:

     • 1 cup (8 oz) chai concentrate
     • 1 cup (8 oz) milk

2. Fill Your Glass With Ice

   • About ¾ full. Use a tall glass or your favorite tumbler.

3. Add Chai Concentrate

   • Pour it right over the ice. Let those spicy aromas start waking up your senses.

4. Add Milk

   • Pour slowly for that beautiful two-tone effect (yes, very Instagrammable).

5. (Optional) Sweeten It Up

   • Give it a quick taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

6. Stir & Sip

   • Use a reusable straw or a long spoon to give it a good stir, and enjoy the magic!

Expert Tips For The Perfect Iced Chai Latte

Want to elevate your chai game from ’this is good’ to ’oh my goodness this is divine’? Let’s sprinkle in some pro tips:

• Use Cold Milk – This keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
• Chill Your Glass – Prevents the ice from melting too fast and watering down the flavor.
• Make Your Own Chai Concentrate – Control the spice level and sweetness (plus, it makes your kitchen smell heavenly).
• Add a Dash of Cinnamon on Top – For those aesthetic café vibes and a fragrant finish.
• Use Barista-Style Milk Alternatives – If using oat or almond milk, try ’barista blends’ for better frothing and creaminess.
• Batch Prep – Make a large batch of chai concentrate and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Crushed Ice FTW – More melt surface = faster chill, better texture.

Recipe Variations To Try

Let’s not stop at the classic. Once you master the base recipe, you can customize like a true Starbucks regular who knows the secret menu. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

Fall Vibes

• Pumpkin Chai Latte – Add 1-2 tbsp of pumpkin purée + pumpkin pie spice + a splash of vanilla syrup. Cozy AF.

Sweet & Spicy

• Honey Vanilla Chai – Mix in a tsp of honey and a dash of vanilla extract.

Nutty Bliss

• Toasted Almond Chai – Use almond milk and add a pump or two of toasted almond syrup.

Dessert Twist

• Dirty Chai – Add a shot of espresso. It’s bold, rich, and perfect for mornings when you need a little extra.

Herbal Take

• Green Tea Chai – Use green tea chai concentrate for a lighter, earthier flavor profile.

Final Words: The Magic Of Homemade Chai

Isn’t there something super satisfying about recreating a beloved drink right in your own kitchen? You’re not just saving money (though, yes, that too)-you’re crafting something custom, thoughtful, and totally indulgent. Plus, you have complete control over:

• Sweetness
• Spice intensity
• Creaminess
• Caffeine level

That’s the power of going homemade.

And here’s a little bonus: once you’ve mastered this, you’ll start to understand the ’bones’ of Starbucks drinks in general. You might even start mixing your own signature lattes from scratch. Trust me, this is just the beginning of your home-barista journey.

FAQs

What Is In A Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte?

A Starbucks iced chai tea latte consists of brewed chai tea concentrate, ice, and milk (typically 2% milk unless specified otherwise). It is sweetened and served cold for a refreshing, spiced flavor.

Can I Make An Iced Chai Tea Latte At Home?

Yes! To make a homemade iced chai tea latte, you’ll need chai tea concentrate, ice, and your choice of milk. You can purchase chai concentrate or make your own by brewing strong chai tea and adding sweetener.

What Type Of Milk Does Starbucks Use For Iced Chai Lattes?

Starbucks typically uses 2% milk for iced chai lattes, but you can customize your drink with other milk options like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, depending on your preference.

Can I Customize The Sweetness Level Of An Iced Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can customize the sweetness level of your iced chai tea latte at Starbucks. You can ask for more or less chai concentrate, or even request sugar-free options or other syrups for a personalized taste.

What Is The Difference Between A Chai Latte And An Iced Chai Tea Latte?

A chai latte is typically served hot and made with steamed milk, while an iced chai tea latte is the same drink served cold with ice. Both drinks are made with chai tea concentrate and milk, but the temperature sets them apart.

Can I Make An Iced Chai Tea Latte Without Caffeine?

Traditional chai tea concentrate contains black tea, which has caffeine. However, you can request a caffeine-free version by using a caffeine-free chai tea blend or herbal chai tea, though it may affect the overall flavor.

How Many Calories Are In A Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte?

A standard iced chai tea latte (with 2% milk) at Starbucks contains around 240 calories for a tall size. The calorie count will vary based on milk choice and any modifications like extra syrup or whipped cream.

Can I Ask For A Stronger Chai Flavor In My Iced Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can ask for extra chai concentrate to make the flavor stronger. This will result in a spicier and more robust chai flavor in your iced latte.

What Spices Are Used In A Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte?

The chai concentrate used in Starbucks iced chai tea lattes typically contains a blend of warming spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This mix gives the drink its signature spicy flavor.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Iced Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free iced chai tea latte by requesting a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, at Starbucks. The chai concentrate is already dairy-free, so this will make the entire drink vegan-friendly.