Chai Latte Iced Cocktail Recipe

I love making unique drinks at home. Iced chai latte cocktails are a new favorite of mine.

A chai latte iced cocktail combines the warmth of chai spices with creamy milk and a smooth kick of your favorite spirit. This drink is perfect for relaxing after work or impressing friends with something different.

The blend of spicy chai, cold milk, and a little liquor creates a balanced and refreshing flavor. Honestly, it’s easy to make—I only need a few simple tools and ingredients.

If you enjoy chai or want to try a cool twist on classic cocktails, this recipe is worth trying.

Chai Latte Iced Cocktail Recipe

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I combine bold chai flavor with cream, a touch of sweetness, and a cool, refreshing finish for this drink. It’s perfect when I want something smooth, spicy, and not too strong.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix the drink well and chill it evenly.
• Measuring jigger or small measuring cup: Accurate measurements keep the flavors balanced.
• Fine mesh strainer: This helps catch any ice or spice bits before pouring.
• Tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass): It fits the full cocktail and plenty of ice.
• Long spoon or cocktail stirrer: I mix in extra ice or cream at the end if needed.
• Ice cubes: These are important to keep my drink cold and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz chai tea concentrate unsweetened or lightly sweetened
• 1 oz vodka I use plain or vanilla vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
• 2 oz milk or cream whole milk, oat milk, or half & half all work well
• 1/2 oz simple syrup adjust to taste, especially if chai is unsweetened
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon plus more for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

• Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in chai concentrate, vodka, coffee liqueur, milk or cream, and simple syrup.
• Add ground cinnamon for extra spice.
• Shake briskly for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
• Dust a little ground cinnamon over the top for flavor and looks.
• If desired, add a star anise or cinnamon stick for garnish.
• Stir once or twice with a long spoon before drinking.

Notes

I find that using chilled ingredients keeps the drink from getting watered down too quickly. If I want it sweeter, I add a bit more simple syrup.

I also like to use oat milk for a dairy-free version—it’s creamy and blends well with chai and spice. To make the drink stronger, I sometimes use spiced rum in place of vodka.

If I want a lighter cocktail, I use more milk or serve the finished drink over extra ice. The garnish is optional, but adding a cinnamon stick or star anise makes the cocktail look appealing and gives off extra aroma.

For more spice, I sometimes grate a bit of fresh nutmeg or ginger on top right before serving. That little extra can really wake up the flavors.

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Tasting Notes

When I first take a sip, I notice the smooth blend of chai spices and creaminess. The black tea offers a gentle bitterness, while cinnamon and cardamom add a warm, spicy edge.

The cocktail is lightly sweet. I can taste hints of vanilla and honey, but the sugar isn’t overpowering.

The iced texture keeps it crisp and refreshing. As the drink goes down, I find the alcohol is present but subtle.

It doesn’t cover up the classic chai flavor. I appreciate how the milk or cream makes everything feel rich and silky.

Flavor Highlights:

• Warm spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger
• Soft sweetness: honey, vanilla
• Balanced: creamy, a hint of black tea bitterness

Every sip reminds me of cozy chai, just with a grown-up twist.

Substitute

Sometimes I need to swap out ingredients for my Chai Latte Iced Cocktail. It happens more often than I’d like to admit.

Here are some of the usual replacements I reach for:

Milk Alternatives:

• Almond milk
• Oat milk
• Soy milk
• Coconut milk

Spirit Substitutes:

If vodka or rum are missing from my shelf, I just grab something else.

• Whiskey
• Brandy
• Baileys (this one makes it extra creamy—honestly, not mad about it)

Chai Options:

• If I’m pressed for time, I’ll use store-bought chai concentrate.
• Chai tea bags work in a pinch too—no shame in the shortcut game.

Sweetener Choices:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Agave syrup
• Simple syrup

Non-Alcoholic Version:

Sometimes I just want it booze-free, so I ditch the alcohol and go heavy on the chai or milk.

Instruction Example:

• Swap out the main spirit with any of the substitutes above.
• Use whatever milk alternative you have lying around.
• Mix up your chosen chai base and sweetener.
• Pour it over ice and that’s it—you’re good to go.