Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? This Iced Chai Mocktail gives you all the flavor without the buzz.

This simple recipe combines the warm spices of chai with cool ice for a perfect drink any time of year.

The recipe takes just a few minutes to make and uses ingredients you might already have at home.

Chai tea bags, milk, ice, and a touch of sweetness come together in a drink that’s both relaxing and energizing.

Try this mocktail at your next gathering or simply enjoy it while relaxing at home. It works great for afternoon breaks or as a special treat when you want something more exciting than regular iced tea.

Iced Chai Mocktail Recipe

This refreshing beverage combines the warm spices of chai with cool, bubbly elements for a perfect alcohol-free drink option.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Large pitcher (at least 32 ounces)

Measuring cups and spoons
Cocktail shaker or large mason jar with lid
Fine-mesh strainer
Ice cube trays
Tall glasses for serving
Long spoon for stirring.

Ingredients

For the chai concentrate:

4 black tea bags
2 cinnamon sticks
8 cardamom pods lightly crushed
6 whole cloves
1- inch piece fresh ginger sliced
2 cups water
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste

For the mocktail:

1 cup chai concentrate
2 cups cold sparkling water
1/4 cup cream or non-dairy alternative
Ice cubes
Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish

Optional: dash of vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the chai concentrate: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add tea bags and spices. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in sweetener until dissolved. Let steep for another 5 minutes.

Strain the mixture and discard the solids. Allow the concentrate to cool completely in the refrigerator (about 2 hours or overnight).
Assemble the mocktail: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour 1/4 cup chai concentrate into each glass.
Add 1/2 cup sparkling water to each glass and stir gently.

Pour 1 tablespoon of cream over the top, allowing it to create a layered effect.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise. Serve immediately.

Notes

This chai concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. For a stronger chai flavor, use 5 tea bags instead of 4.

For a sweeter drink, add a small amount of simple syrup to each glass. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for parties.

Try freezing some of the chai concentrate into ice cubes to prevent dilution as the ice melts. These mocktails work well for brunch gatherings or as an afternoon refreshment.

Tasting Notes

This iced chai mocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The initial taste brings forward the warm chai spices – cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

The sweetness comes through in the middle, complementing rather than overwhelming the spice notes. This creates a refreshing drink that isn’t too sugary.

The finish is smooth with a light lingering of spice that makes you want another sip. The texture is silky yet refreshing, ideal for warm weather enjoyment.

Flavor Profile:

First Sip: Warm spices, hint of vanilla
Mid-Palate: Sweet notes, creamy texture
Finish: Clean, refreshing with spice lingering

For best flavor, serve this mocktail well-chilled with ice. The cold temperature brings out the contrast between the cool drink and warm spices.

Food pairings that work well include:

Light pastries and cookies
Fresh fruit platters
Savory finger sandwiches
Chocolate desserts

The drink becomes more mellow as the ice melts, creating a slightly different experience toward the end of the glass.

Substitutes

If you don’t have all the ingredients for an Iced Chai Mocktail, there are several options to replace them.

Milk Alternatives:

Almond milk
Oat milk
Coconut milk
Soy milk

Sweetener Options:

Honey instead of sugar
Maple syrup
Agave nectar
Stevia

For those without chai tea bags, you can mix your own chai spices. Combine cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper with regular black tea.

No ice? Try freezing some of the chai tea in an ice cube tray beforehand. This prevents dilution as the ice melts.

For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of condensed milk. This works especially well with coconut milk as the base.

Those wanting extra spice can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more black pepper to the mix.

Iced Chai Mocktail Recipe