Creamy Iced Chai Latte Recipe with Vanilla Cold Foam

Imagine this: the spicy aroma of chai spices mingling with the creamy sweetness of vanilla, poured over ice, and topped with a luscious cloud of cold foam. It’s indulgent yet refreshing, comforting yet energizing—the kind of drink that feels like a hug in a cup. The first time I made this Creamy Iced Chai Latte with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was that good! Honestly, I wish I had discovered this recipe years ago—it would have saved me many trips to the coffee shop (and a lot of cash).

This recipe is perfect for lazy mornings, mid-afternoon pick-me-ups, or when you simply need a moment of calm in your busy day. My family couldn’t stop swooning over the silky cold foam, and, well, let’s just say they’ve been requesting it every weekend since. If you love chai lattes and want to elevate them into something truly irresistible, you’re in for a treat. Bookmark this one—you’re going to want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or indulgent afternoons.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, and foam thickness to your liking.
• Coffee Shop Quality: Tastes just as good—if not better—than your favorite café drink.
• Vanilla Cold Foam Magic: The foam is light, creamy, and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors. The chai concentrate is perfectly spiced—not too overpowering—and the vanilla sweet cream cold foam adds a touch of luxurious sweetness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up at home, so you can impress your friends and family or simply treat yourself. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy with every sip.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chai Latte:

• 1 cup chai concentrate (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or your preferred type)
• Ice cubes

For the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream and almond milk for the cold foam—it’s just as creamy and delicious. For the chai concentrate, I recommend Tazo’s Classic Chai, but you can also make your own with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Equipment Needed

• High-speed blender or milk frother (to create the cold foam)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass for serving
• Small pitcher or bowl (for mixing the cold foam)

If you don’t have a milk frother, you can use a handheld whisk or even shake the cold foam ingredients in a mason jar until frothy—it just takes a little more elbow grease. Personally, I love using my handheld frother; it’s affordable and gets the job done beautifully.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam: Combine heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and a pinch of salt in a small pitcher or bowl. Use a milk frother or blender to whip the mixture until it becomes thick and frothy, around 30 seconds. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Chai Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour 1 cup of chai concentrate over the ice, followed by 1 cup of milk. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the Cold Foam: Spoon the vanilla sweet cream cold foam over the top of the chai latte. You can use as much or as little foam as you like—I personally love a thick layer because it’s so creamy and delicious.
4. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the foam for extra flavor and visual appeal.
5. Enjoy: Sip slowly and savor every creamy, spiced note. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Pro tip: If your cold foam isn’t as thick as you’d like, try using chilled cream and milk—it makes all the difference.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Keep your ingredients cold: Using cold milk and cream helps the foam whip up faster and stay thick.
• Don’t overfill your blender: If you’re using a blender for the foam, only fill it about halfway to avoid splashing.
• Balance the sweetness: Adjust the amount of vanilla syrup based on your preference. Start with 1 tablespoon, then taste and add more if needed.
• Experiment with spices: Add a touch of ground cardamom or ginger to the cold foam for an extra kick.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the chai concentrate and cold foam in advance—just store them in the fridge and assemble when ready.

One mistake I made early on was using warm milk for the foam—it didn’t whip up at all! Lesson learned: cold ingredients are key.

Variations & Adaptations

• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and almond milk for both the latte and the cold foam.
• Spiced Cold Foam: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the cold foam for an autumn-inspired twist.
• Extra Sweet: Drizzle caramel or honey over the cold foam for a dessert-like treat.
• Hot Version: Skip the ice and serve the chai latte warm with the cold foam melting on top—it’s perfect for chilly mornings.
• Low Sugar: Use unsweetened chai concentrate and reduce the vanilla syrup if you’re watching your sugar intake.

One of my favorite variations is adding a dash of pumpkin spice to the cold foam in the fall—it’s like sipping autumn in a glass.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Creamy Iced Chai Latte with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam is best served fresh, over ice. Pair it with a slice of banana bread or a handful of shortbread cookies for a delightful afternoon snack.

If you have leftovers, store the chai concentrate and cold foam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat a warm version, gently warm the chai concentrate in a saucepan and whip up fresh cold foam before serving.

Over time, the flavors of the chai spices deepen, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give everything a good mix before serving!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate for one serving of this recipe:

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 22g

Chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while the cold foam adds a comforting creaminess without being overly heavy. If you use almond or oat milk, this recipe can easily fit into a dairy-free lifestyle.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a drink that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious, this Creamy Iced Chai Latte with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam is the answer. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to because it feels indulgent yet simple, perfect for mornings or afternoons when you need a special treat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chai concentrate?

Absolutely! You can make your own chai concentrate by simmering black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a touch of sweetener.

What’s the best way to make cold foam without a frother?

If you don’t have a frother, use a blender or shake the ingredients in a mason jar until frothy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chai concentrate and cold foam in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I use flavored milk for the latte?

Definitely! Vanilla almond milk or cinnamon oat milk would add a fun twist and complement the chai spices beautifully.

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