Spicy Iced Chai Tea

I was a caffeine newbie until I hit college. That’s when it all started.

Sure, I had sodas every now and then growing up, but I wasn’t really a tea or coffee drinker until I was in the middle of finals, cram sessions and late nights at the library. Suddenly, chai lattes and white chocolate mochas became a regular in my daily routine.

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I still remember the first time I ever had a chai latte. I didn’t even know what it was when I ordered it. I had no idea if it was tea or coffee! But as soon as I had the first sip, I was hooked. From that spring break trip in California all the way back to school in Arkansas and home in Virginia, chai tea became one of my favorites, no matter where I was.

On most days, I’m a coffee purist – just a little bit of milk in my coffee, and I’m set. But when I want chai tea, I want it one of two ways. Either steaming hot with lots of milk or iced, kicked up with extra spices, and a couple glugs of milk to make it just a bit creamier.

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I’ve done hot chai tea at home lots of times, so I’m not sure why it took me so long to make my own iced chai. And this certainly won’t be the last time. You can buy chai tea that’s ready to brew or you can make your own spiced tea mix, making it as spicy (or non-spicy) as you like!

I like a little extra kick in mine, so I added a bit more cayenne. This is also delicious if you steep some fresh orange peel in with the tea bags, too.

Basically – brew some black tea. Add your favorite spices. Pour into a large glass with ice and add some ice cold low-fat or fat-free milk or lactose-free milk for a spicy way to start (or end!) your day.

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Spicy Iced Chai Tea

Why buy chai tea when you can make your own mix? Add as much (or as little) spice as you like and make it exactly how you like it.

Ingredients:

  • 4 black tea bags (I like Oolong)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne or black pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup water
  • low-fat or fat-free milk or lactose-free milk, for serving

Directions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then pour over the 4 tea bags and let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir the cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, cayenne (or black pepper) and salt into the tea.
  3. Pour this mixture into a large container/pitcher and fill with ice. Add water to the tea and refrigerate until chilled.
  4. To serve, pour tea into a glass with ice, then add milk. Stir and enjoy!

Whether you’re talking about a cold glass of milk, creamy yogurt or flavorful cheese, dairy foods taste great and offer a powerful nutritional punch. But those who are lactose intolerant or showing lactose ​intolerance symptoms don’t have to miss out on the great taste and health benefits of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.

Different people can handle different amounts of lactose, and there’s a solution to meet most needs in the dairy case – from lactose-free milk to dairy foods that are typically easier to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk is a great choice in this spicy iced chai tea –creamy, cold, and delicious, just like it should be.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by NDC – all recipes and opinions are my own, as always.

14 comments

  1. Chai is one my favorite drinks :) I feel like I can already smell it. This sounds great!

  2. I have never had a chai anything! I am not a tea drinker at all, but I do not know. This looks and sounds amazing! Do you think it would convert me?

  3. I love chai, but the addition of the pepper is really neat!

  4. I love chai tea so much, and this recipe is fab!! Love it!

  5. This hits the spot on a warm summer afternoon when you need a boost!!

  6. I love chai, but was expecting to see a long complicated recipe, so when I got to how simple your recipe was I couldn’t wait to try it.

  7. Yes to chai! I usually use an actual chai tea bag plus some honey and milk for mine, but then, I’m lazy. :) I’m definitely intrigued by the idea of trying out this spice and tea mix from scratch!

  8. I love chai! I need to make it more often!

  9. I love chai…I have a concentrate that I make…it’s so good on a fall day. Yours looks fantastic, love the addition of cayenne.

  10. I have never had chai iced before. You make me want to give it a try.

  11. I LOVE this!! Why don’t I make it more often!?

  12. Mmmmm this look so good! I love Bhakti chai, so I have gotta make this!

  13. I am making this and finding step 3 a bit confusing. I should put the mixture in a pitcher, add ice until the pitcher is full, and then somehow add another cup of water? I’m going to skip adding ice to the pitcher for now and see how that tastes when it chills.

  14. Unfortunately, there are wu yi sxams being exposed in many wu yi tea reviews that may make
    you leery of trying wu yi or oolong tea. All Wight Looss
    Experts recommend herbal teas and water with your HCG Weight Loss regimen.
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