Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm chai latte infused with vanilla bean and cinnamon spices, offering a comforting and aromatic beverage experience. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together water, black tea bags, milk for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 1 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and steep 2 black tea bags with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/4 tsp ground ginger for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the tea steeps, heat 1 cup milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove tea bags and strain the tea spices out; stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste into the tea.
  4. Step 4: Combine the spiced tea and hot milk, whisking vigorously or frothing for 30 seconds until foamy.
  5. Step 5: Pour into a mug and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover vanilla bean chai tea latte with cinnamon in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Vanilla Bean Chai Tea Latte with Cinnamon?

Indian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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