This easy Vegan Chai Latte Recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and is ready in just minutes. Grab a cup and enjoy.
Whether you're a fan of oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk, this vegan chai latte recipe has got you covered. So, let's dive into the history of chai lattes, explore the enchanting world of chai spices, and create the perfect vegan chai latte together!
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The History of Chai Lattes
Thousands of years ago in India, people discovered the magic of brewing black tea leaves with milk and an incredible mix of spices. They called it "chai," meaning "tea" in Hindi, and it quickly became a beloved part of their culture. Imagine sipping on a hot cup of chai while enjoying lively conversations with friends and family—it's the epitome of warmth and hospitality!
As time passed, chai's popularity soared, and its aromatic blend of flavors spread far and wide, captivating the taste buds of people all over the world. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves savoring delicious chai lattes in coffee shops, where the traditional Indian masala chai gets a modern twist. It's amazing how a humble beverage can connect us across time and cultures, bringing comfort and joy with every sip.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of your favorite non-dairy milk (oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk)
- 2 Assam tea bags
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, depending on desired sweetness level
- 1 teaspoon of homemade chai spice mix (see recipe below)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegan milk and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add in the tea bags, turn off the heat and cover. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add in the remaining ingredients, turn the heat back to medium and heat just until your desired temperature is reached, pour into a mug and enjoy.
A note on black tea
Assam tea stands out from other black teas due to its unique origins in the Assam region of India. It is made from the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant, known for its large leaves. The region's terroir, with its rich soil and abundant rainfall, gives Assam tea a distinct full-bodied and malty flavor.
It is bold, brisk, and often described as robust. Its coppery-red infusion and ability to pair well with milk and sugar make it a popular choice for breakfast teas and chai as here in this vegan chai latte recipe. So, if you're looking for a strong and flavorful black tea, Assam tea is the way to go!
Variations and Substitutions
Now that you have the foundation of a perfect vegan chai latte, let's explore some exciting variations and substitutions to cater to your taste and dietary preferences:
- Iced Chai Latte: Simply refrigerate the chai latte until chilled and pour it over ice for a refreshing twist on a warm beverage.
- Chai Tea Bag Shortcut: If you're short on time, replace the homemade chai spice mix with a high-quality chai tea bag.
- Rooibos Chai Latte: Swap out the black tea with rooibos tea for a caffeine-free option that still offers a full-bodied flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: Substitute pure maple syrup with coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Cashew Milk Froth: For an extra creamy drink, froth some cashew milk or oat milk using a milk frother and layer it on top of your chai latte. It adds a delightful touch of luxury!
- Dirty Chai: For an extra caffeine boost, add in a shot of espresso for a Dirty Chai Latte!
The Spices That Make Chai Latte So Special
At the heart of every chai latte recipe are the exquisite chai spices. The classic blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. These spices not only infuse the drink with captivating flavors but also offer numerous health benefits. Cinnamon aids digestion, cardamom boosts the immune system, cloves have antioxidant properties, ginger calms the stomach, and black pepper adds a touch of warmth to the mixture.
Create Your Own Chai Spice Mix
Making your own chai spice mix is a great way to customize your vegan chai latte and enjoy the freshest flavors. Here's a simple recipe for a unique blend of spices:
- 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
Mix all the ground spices together and store them in a glass jar for future use. You can experiment with different ratios to find your perfect chai spice blend.
If you're looking for a good spice brand, I adore Diaspora Co.
The perfect vegan chai latte is a heavenly drink that combines the enchantment of traditional masala chai with a plant-based diet.
With just a few simple steps, you can create your own vegan chai latte using non-dairy milk, a blend of aromatic spices, and your favorite natural sweetener.
Feel free to experiment with variations and substitutions to find the combination that resonates with your taste buds. So, bid farewell to expensive coffee shop trips and indulge in the warmth of a homemade chai latte at home.
Looking for more vegan coffee recipes? Check out this Rose Latte, Oat Milk Cold Brew, or delicious Coffee Tonic Recipe
📖 Recipe
Vegan Chai Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of your favorite non-dairy milk oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk
- 2 Assam tea bags
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup depending on desired sweetness level
- 1 teaspoon of chai spice mix see homemade recipe in post
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegan milk and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add in the tea bags, turn off the heat and cover. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add in the remaining ingredients, turn the heat back to medium and heat just until your desired temperature is reached, pour into a mug and enjoy.
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