Chai it Chilled: An Iced Chai Latte

Chai doesn’t need cold weather and a steaming mug to show off.

Brew it strong, cool it down and pour it over ice with cold milk for a creamy, refreshing latte that keeps all that lovely spice firmly in the picture. It’s easy to make, satisfyingly swirly and every bit as comforting as the hot version - just considerably cooler about it.

Make your iced chai latte

1. Add your chosen chai blend to 150ml of water heated to the temperature recommended on the pack. Brew for the recommended time.

2. Strain the tea. If you’d like a sweeter latte, stir in a little sugar or honey while the tea is still hot.

3. Leave the concentrated chai to cool completely, then chill it in the fridge.

4. Fill a tall glass generously with ice.

5. Pour in the chilled chai, followed by the cold milk.

6. Stir well, taste and add a little more milk or sweetness if needed.

7. Finish with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, then serve immediately.

Brew it bold

Ice and milk both soften the flavour of tea, so your chai needs a little extra oomph before it reaches the glass.

Use more tea in less water while keeping to the recommended brewing time. This creates a concentrated base that retains plenty of spice once everything is chilled and diluted.

You’re making iced chai, not vaguely spiced milk.

Cool the tea first

Pouring freshly brewed tea straight over ice may be quick, but it also melts a large amount of that ice before you’ve taken the first sip.

Letting the chai cool first keeps the finished latte colder, stronger and considerably less watery. Make the concentrate earlier in the day—or prepare a double batch and keep it covered in the fridge for tomorrow.

A little planning now. A very smug glass of iced chai later.

Sweeten while it’s warm

Sugar and honey dissolve far more easily in warm tea than they do in a glass full of ice.

Add a small amount after straining the chai, stir and taste. Remember that cold drinks can taste less sweet, so check the finished latte before deciding whether it needs a little more.

Vanilla syrup also works beautifully if you want a softer, slightly more dessert-like drink.

Make it camera-ready

For that dramatic café-style swirl, pour the cold milk over the ice first, then slowly add the chilled chai concentrate.

Admire it. Photograph it. Feel extremely accomplished.

Then stir it properly, because a beautiful gradient is less useful when all the chai is sitting at the top.

Chai blends to try

Mighty Masala
Bold, aromatic and full of warming spice. This creates a classic iced chai latte with plenty of character.

Chai Hard
Chocolate and chilli bring a richer, bolder edge. Cold milk softens the heat while keeping that gentle chilli finish very much alive.

Midnight Chai
Honeybush creates a naturally caffeine-free latte with mellow sweetness and warming spice—ideal when you fancy iced chai later in the day.

Bold spice. Cold milk. Plenty of ice. Chai has officially chilled out.