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

Chai Latte Iced Cocktail Recipe
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
Total Time 5 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.

Must Have Ingredients

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.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

Similar Posts

Blueberry Basil Vodka Cocktail Recipe
|

Blueberry Basil Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Mango Ginger Mule Cockatil Recipe
|

Mango Ginger Mule Cocktail Recipe

Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
|

Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

Cucumber Vodka Spritz Cocktail Recipe
|

Cucumber Vodka Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe
|

Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Blood Orange Elderflower Delight Cocktail Recipe
|

Blood Orange Elderflower Delight Cocktail Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating