Winter Dream Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Okay, let’s be honest – winter just isn’t winter without something creamy, spiced, and a little bit magical in your mug. And that’s where the Winter Dream Tea Latte comes in. This drink isn’t just a beverage – it’s an experience, a vibe, a ritual.

Originally made famous by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (if you know, you know), the Winter Dream Tea Latte is a seasonal favorite that fans literally count down the days for. With its cozy blend of black tea, rooibos, cinnamon, cloves, and other warming spices, paired with creamy milk and sweet vanilla, it’s like chai tea met a dreamy winter wonderland, and they had the coziest little baby.

Whether you’re curled up by the fire, watching snow fall, or pretending it’s cold outside while living somewhere tropical (we see you, Arizona folks!), this latte is the perfect seasonal treat.

Ingredients For Winter Dream Tea Latte Recipe

Before we start mixing magic, let’s round up what you’ll need. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor? Extraordinary.

✨ For The Tea Concentrate

  • 2 Winter Dream Tea Bags

    • These are sold by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, but you can also DIY (I’ll tell you how in a sec!)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, but oh-so-worth it)
  • 2 cloves (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for that creamy, comforting sweetness)
  • 1-2 Tsp Honey Or Sweetener Of Your Choice

    • Sugar, maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free alternative – you do you!

For The Latte

  • 1 Cup Milk

    • Dairy or non-dairy – whole milk, oat milk, almond, soy, cashew… it’s your latte world!
  • A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish (optional, but fancy and festive)
  Chai Tea Latte Tea Bag Recipe [+Tips]

How To Make Winter Dream Tea Latte?

Alright, now that you have all the goods, let’s walk through this step-by-step. Trust me, it’s ridiculously easy – and you’ll never look at a coffee shop latte the same way again.

☕ Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make The Tea Concentrate

    • Boil 1 cup of water in a small saucepan or kettle.
    • Add in your Winter Dream tea bags (or your DIY version – recipe below!) along with the cinnamon stick and cloves.
    • Let it steep for 7-10 minutes – longer if you like it extra strong and spicy.
    • Remove the tea bags and strain out the spices (unless you like chewing cloves – no judgment).
    • Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetener of your choice.
  2. Warm & Froth The Milk

    • In a small saucepan or milk frother, heat your milk until hot but not boiling.
    • Optional but fun: use a handheld frother or whisk to get that creamy foam on top. It’s a latte after all!
  3. Combine & Serve

    • Pour the tea concentrate into your favorite mug (or giant soup bowl, we don’t judge).
    • Top with the hot, frothy milk.
    • Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top if you’re feeling ✨ extra festive ✨.
  4. Sip, Sigh, And Say ’ahhhh…’

    • Bonus points if you’re wearing fuzzy socks.

‍♀️ Expert Tips For The Best Winter Dream Tea Latte Ever

Want to take your Winter Dream game from ’mmm’ to ’OMG’? Here are my best-kept secrets:

  • DIY Tea Blend? You Got This.

    Can’t find the original Winter Dream tea? No problem! Mix equal parts of:

    • Rooibos tea
    • Black tea (like Assam or English Breakfast)
    • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
    • You can even toss in some dried orange peel if you want that citrusy sparkle.
  • Milk Makes A Difference

    For an ultra-creamy texture, try:

    • Oat milk (barista blend = frothy perfection)
    • Whole milk if you’re not dairy-free
    • Cashew milk for an almost buttery finish
  • Frothing Hack

    No frother? No worries! Just pour warm milk into a French press and pump it up and down. It froths like a charm.

  • Sweetener Swaps

    Maple syrup adds a woodsy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tea spices.

  • Make It Iced

    Yep – it’s not just for winter. Just pour the concentrate over ice and add cold milk. Boom: iced winter dream!

Recipe Variations You’ll Love

Feeling a little adventurous? Want to give your latte a personal twist? Here are a few fun takes:

  • Pumpkin Spice Winter Dream

    Add a tablespoon of pumpkin purée and a dash of pumpkin pie spice to your milk while heating.

  • Mocha Winter Dream Latte

    Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup) for a chocolatey depth.

  • Coconut Chai Vibes

    Use coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical take.

  • Dirty Winter Dream

    Add a shot of espresso to turn it into a "dirty" chai-style latte with caffeine boost.

  • Boozy Winter Dream

    Feeling festive? A splash of Baileys, amaretto, or spiced rum can turn this into a very grown-up holiday treat.

Final Words: Why You’ll Fall In Love

This isn’t just a drink. This is a mood. Every sip of a Winter Dream Tea Latte feels like sitting in front of a crackling fireplace wrapped in your favorite blanket while snow falls gently outside – even if you’re in flip-flops in LA.

  Frozen Latte Recipe [+Tips]

It’s soothing, spiced, creamy, and just sweet enough. The balance of the bold black tea, mellow rooibos, cozy spices, and smooth milk is perfection. And the best part? You can make it at home in your pajamas, without waiting in line or paying $7.

FAQs

What Is A Winter Dream Tea Latte?

A winter dream tea latte is a warm, comforting beverage that combines fragrant tea with creamy milk and seasonal spices, often enjoyed during the colder months for its soothing and festive flavors.

What Type Of Tea Is Best For A Winter Dream Tea Latte?

Black tea is commonly used for a winter dream tea latte due to its robust flavor that pairs well with spices and milk, but chai or spiced teas can also be excellent choices.

What Ingredients Are Typically Included In A Winter Dream Tea Latte Recipe?

Typical ingredients include brewed black tea, steamed milk (dairy or plant-based), sweeteners like honey or sugar, and warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract.

Can I Make A Winter Dream Tea Latte Without Caffeine?

Yes, you can use caffeine-free herbal teas like rooibos or chamomile as a base instead of black tea to create a caffeine-free version of the winter dream tea latte.

How Do I Prepare A Winter Dream Tea Latte At Home?

Brew your choice of tea strongly, steam or heat your milk, mix the brewed tea with spices and sweetener, then combine with the milk. Froth the milk if possible for a creamy texture and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

What Kind Of Milk Works Best For A Winter Dream Tea Latte?

Whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture, but you can also use alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk based on dietary preferences or lactose intolerance.

Can I Adjust The Sweetness In The Winter Dream Tea Latte?

Absolutely, you can customize the sweetness by adding more or less honey, sugar, maple syrup, or any other sweetener to suit your taste.

Are There Any Tips To Enhance The Flavor Of My Winter Dream Tea Latte?

Using fresh spices, high-quality tea leaves, and warming the milk properly without boiling will enhance the flavor. Also, allowing the spices to steep in the brewed tea for a few minutes intensifies the aroma.

How Can I Make My Winter Dream Tea Latte Vegan?

Use plant-based milk alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk and choose vegan sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar to ensure your latte is completely vegan.

Can I Prepare A Winter Dream Tea Latte In Advance?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tea and spice mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add freshly steamed milk before serving for the best taste.