Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk
A warm, fragrant chai latte infused with vanilla and cardamom, made creamy and dairy-free with coconut milk, perfect for a cozy celebration. This indian-inspired mother’s day (dairy-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs water, black tea bags, crushed green cardamom pods for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 6, crushed green cardamom pods
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece, sliced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 6 crushed cardamom pods, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 whole cloves, and 1-inch sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse spices.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and add 2 black tea bags to the spiced water, steeping for 5 minutes until rich and aromatic.
- Step 3: Remove tea bags and strain the mixture through a fine sieve into the saucepan. Stir in 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp maple syrup.
- Step 4: Heat over low heat until warm but not boiling, whisking gently to combine and create a smooth, creamy chai latte.
- Step 5: Pour into mugs and serve immediately for a comforting and fragrant drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk?
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 Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.
Is Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte with Coconut Milk dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is the best chai latte I've ever made! Coconut milk gives it that extra creamy touch.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The recipe was easy and the flavors were amazing.
- ★★★★★
The cardamom and vanilla were a perfect match. Made for my mom on Mother's Day, she was thrilled!
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