If you've come this far looking for how to make a cold chai, cold chai latte or an iced chai latte, you're in the right place. Chai masala is not just a winter drink. Cold, it's just as good—or better—when the heat hits. We'll tell you all the ways to prepare it.
What is cold chai and what is it for?
Cold chai, also known as iced chai, is simply chai masala prepared to be drunk cold or with ice. Chai masala is a blend of spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cloves—that is infused with water, milk, or a plant-based drink. In addition to being delicious, it has digestive, anti-inflammatory, and energizing properties. An alternative to coffee with much more character.
How do you make cold chai tea? Here are some ways:
Traditional cold chai method
The most intense and flavorful version. Ideal if you want to prepare it in advance.
In a saucepan, boil 1 cup of water with 2 teaspoons of Solo Chai for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add half a cup of milk or plant-based drink and sweetener to taste. Let it warm up, strain, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Iced chai latte
The quick version of iced chai latte, perfect for the moment.
Infuse 2 teaspoons of Solo Chai in 100 ml of boiling water for 3 minutes. Add sweetener to taste and 100 ml of milk or plant-based drink. Strain everything into a shaker, add ice and shake until emulsified. Done.
Dirty cold chai
For those who want the best of iced chai and coffee in one glass.
Prepare a cold chai using either of the two methods above and, when it's cold, add a shot of coffee. The result is an energizing drink with aromatic layers that are a spectacle.
Chai cold brew
The most refreshing and heat-free option. Perfect to prepare the night before.
In half a liter of room temperature water, dissolve 2 teaspoons of Rooibos Masala Chai or Original Chai Masala. Add seasonal fruit, citrus, and mint to taste. Let steep in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. Strain and enjoy.
What does an iced chai latte contain? A couple of final notes
The base is always chai masala—a blend of tea and spices, water, and milk or a plant-based drink. From there, you can adapt the milk (oat, soy, and almond work very well), the sweetener (panela, honey, or maple syrup are our favorites for cold chai), and any extras you want to add.
Chai is versatile by nature. And in summer, that versatility offers a lot of possibilities.
You can find all our handmade blends here: SOLO CHAI