Name: Creamy Coconut Chai
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups coconut milk (or any milk of choice); 1 cup water; 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea); 1 cinnamon stick; 4-6 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed; 4-6 whole cloves; 1-2 slices fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice (optional); Pinch of black pepper

Looking for a cozy, tropical twist on the classic chai latte? My creamy coconut chai is the perfect blend of aromatic spices and rich coconut milk. The creamy texture of coconut milk, combined with the warming spices of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, makes for an incredibly comforting and flavorful drink.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups coconut milk (or any milk of choice)

1 cup water

2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea)

1 cinnamon stick

4-6 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed

4-6 whole cloves

1-2 slices fresh ginger

1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

Pinch of black pepper

Directions

In a saucepan, I combine the coconut milk and water over medium heat.

I add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger slices to the pot, allowing it to come to a simmer. Then I let the spices infuse for about 5 minutes, filling my kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma.

I add the tea bags (or loose leaf tea in a tea infuser) to the pot and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. I keep an eye on the steeping time, depending on how strong I want my chai to be.

Once the chai has reached my desired strength, I remove it from the heat and strain out the tea bags and spices.

I stir in honey or my preferred sweetener, along with a pinch of black pepper to taste.

I pour the chai into a mug, garnish it with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

If I happen to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I simply warm the chai on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. I also like to add a little extra coconut milk if I feel like it’s thickened too much.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

If I want to make this recipe dairy-free, I can easily use coconut milk or any other plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Coconut milk is especially great because it enhances the tropical vibe of the chai.

Can I make this recipe without the sweetener?

Yes! If I prefer a less sweet chai, I can skip the honey or sweetener altogether. The spices themselves already bring a lot of flavor, so it will still taste amazing without added sweetness.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?

Absolutely! If I don’t have whole spices, I can use ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger instead. I would use about ½ teaspoon of each ground spice for every whole spice listed in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can make this chai ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I just reheat it and maybe add a little more coconut milk if it’s thickened up.

Can I adjust the strength of the tea?

Yes, I can adjust the strength of the tea by varying how long I let it steep. If I want a stronger chai, I can steep it for 5 minutes or even a bit longer. For a milder chai, I can reduce the steeping time to 3 minutes.

Conclusion

This creamy coconut chai is a delicious and comforting drink that’s perfect for any time of day. The rich coconut milk paired with the aromatic chai spices creates a satisfying beverage that’s both cozy and refreshing. Whether I’m sipping it to unwind or serving it to guests, it’s a drink I always love to make and enjoy.

Creamy Coconut Chai

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Storage/Reheating