Iced Chai Tea Cold Foam (Print)

A spiced chai concentrate served chilled over ice with a rich layer of cold foam and cinnamon garnish.

# Components:

→ Chai Concentrate

01 - 1 cup strong brewed chai tea (from loose leaf or 2 chai tea bags)
02 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
03 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cold Foam

04 - 1/2 cup cold whole milk (or milk of choice)
05 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
06 - 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

→ Assembly

07 - 1 cup ice cubes
08 - Ground cinnamon, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Steep chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai in hot water for 5 minutes to brew a strong infusion. Stir in honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
02 - Combine cold milk, heavy cream if using, and powdered sugar in a small bowl or frothing pitcher. Froth with a handheld milk frother or shake vigorously in a sealed jar until thick and foamy.
03 - Distribute ice cubes evenly into two glasses. Pour the chilled chai concentrate over the ice.
04 - Gently spoon or pour the prepared cold foam over the iced chai in each glass.
05 - Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon atop the foam. Serve immediately for best flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a fancy coffee shop drink but takes barely 10 minutes to make at home.
  • The cold foam adds genuine luxury without requiring any special equipment beyond what's already in your kitchen.
  • You can make a big batch of chai concentrate and have a ready-to-pour base for the whole week.
02 -
  • The quality of your chai concentrate determines everything—use good tea with actual spices, not dusty bags that taste like cardboard, because there's nowhere for weak tea to hide in this simple drink.
  • If your foam collapses before serving, the milk or cream wasn't cold enough; temperature matters more than you'd think with frothing.
  • Brewed chai concentrate keeps in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can make a bigger batch and have it ready whenever the craving hits.
03 -
  • Make a bigger batch of chai concentrate on Sunday and keep it in the fridge—you'll have lazy afternoon drinks ready whenever you need them without any actual cooking required.
  • If your milk frother isn't cooperating, a clean mason jar with a tight lid and about 30 seconds of vigorous shaking creates foam almost as good as any handheld device.
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