Why make this recipe
This chai is warm, spicy, and simple. You make it at home with basic spices and vanilla. It tastes fresh and costs less than store mixes. It warms you on cold days and smells very nice.
Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea is easy and pairs well with sweet or savory snacks. If you want a creamy chai twist, you can also try a related drink like the vanilla chai smoothie for a cold, healthy option.
How to make Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea
Follow these steps to make chai at home. Use whole spices when you can for the best flavor.
Ingredients :
2 cups water, 2 tablespoons black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, 4-5 cardamom pods, 1-2 slices fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional), Milk (optional, for creamy chai)
Directions :
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the black tea, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ginger.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add sugar or honey if desired, and stir well.
- Strain the tea into a cup, add vanilla extract, and stir.
- Serve hot or over ice with milk if desired.
For a warm snack with your chai, consider a hearty dish like cheesy rigatoni with steak tips when you want a full meal.
How to serve Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea
Serve hot in a mug or chill and pour over ice. Add milk for a creamy cup or drink it plain for a lighter taste. It pairs well with biscuits, toast, or even a rich pasta; try pairing with tortellini in cream sauce for a rich, cozy meal.
How to store Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea
Let the tea cool to room temperature. Store in a clean jar or bottle in the fridge. Use within 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, or pour over ice for a cold drink.
Tips to make Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea
- Use fresh spices for the best taste.
- Smash cardamom pods lightly to release flavor.
- Simmer longer for stronger spice notes, but don’t boil too hard.
- Add milk at the end and heat gently if you want creamy chai.
- Taste and add sugar or honey little by little.
Variation (if any)
- Stronger spice mix: add a few cloves or a slice of star anise.
- Vanilla syrup: use vanilla syrup instead of extract for a sweeter chai.
- Vegan: use plant milk like almond or oat milk.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the ginger?
A: Yes. The chai will still be good but have less warmth.
Q: Can I make a big batch?
A: Yes. Multiply the ingredients and store chilled for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I use tea bags?
A: Yes. Use 2 black tea bags instead of loose tea.
Q: How do I make it sweeter naturally?
A: Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten naturally.
Q: Can I make this caffeine-free?
A: Use rooibos or a caffeine-free black tea alternative, but the flavor will change.
Conclusion
For another quick homemade vanilla chai mix idea and tips, see this helpful recipe page: Homemade Vanilla Chai Mix ⋆ Real Housemoms
Print
Homemade Spiced Vanilla Chai Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and spicy chai tea made with whole spices and vanilla, perfect for cozy days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 cardamom pods
- 1–2 slices fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)
- Milk (optional, for creamy chai)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the black tea, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ginger.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add sugar or honey if desired, and stir well.
- Strain the tea into a cup, add vanilla extract, and stir.
- Serve hot or over ice with milk if desired.
Notes
Use fresh spices for the best taste. For a stronger mix, consider adding cloves or star anise.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chai, tea, spiced chai, vanilla chai, warm beverage