This Maple Chai Latte Mocktail is the perfect spiced drink for when you crave cozy warmth but need a refreshing chill. It features a concentrated, freshly brewed chai base, the natural sweetness of maple syrup, and a luxurious creamy foam topping.
This recipe is simple to make and delivers a complex, satisfying flavor that is far better than anything you can buy pre-bottled.
Why This Chai Mocktail is Pure Comfort
Freshly Brewed Concentrate: Starting with freshly brewed chai tea bags ensures deep, authentic spice flavors. Therefore, it avoids the artificial taste of many concentrates.
Balance Flavors: The maple syrup provides natural sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the robust spices.
Decadent Foam: We use cream and milk to create a thick, airy foam. This adds a luxurious texture to the iced drink.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Spice
The quality of your tea bags and the steeping process are essential here.
Chai Tea Bags: Use good-quality chai tea bags blended with strong spices (like cardamom, clove, and cinnamon). Steep the tea long enough to create a highly concentrated base.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Its woody sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices.
Ground Cinnamon: We use ground cinnamon both in the shaker (to enhance the spice) and as a final garnish.
Cream and Milk: We combine cream and milk for a rich, stable foam topping. Alternatively, you can use full-fat oat milk for a delicious non-dairy foam.
How to Assemble Your Maple Chai Latte Mocktail
The process is divided into three key steps: Brewing the concentrate, making the foam, and assembling the iced drink.
Prepare the Concentrated Chai: Place the chai tea bags into a pot of hot water. Bring the water to a boil, then immediately remove it from the fire. Next, let the tea steep for 8-10 minutes to achieve a strong concentrate. Remove the tea bags and allow the liquid to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Foam: Combine 3 tablespoons of cream and 1 tablespoon of milk in a container. Use a frother or whisk to whip the mixture until it is thick, airy, and holds soft peaks. Set the foam aside.
Build the Spiced Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled chai tea base, maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Shake vigorously to chill the mixture completely and combine the flavors.
Build the Drink: Fill a serving glass generously with ice. Next, pour the cold milk into the glass.
Layer and Serve: Pour the chilled chai tea mixture over the milk. Finally, top it off with the prepared milk foam. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you are into sweeter drinks and top off with more ground cinnamon. You may also garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Maple Chai Latte Mocktail FAQs
Q: Why must the chai tea be cooled completely before shaking?
A: Shaking warm tea with ice will dilute it too quickly, making the drink watery. Therefore, the tea base must be completely cold to achieve a concentrated flavor.
Q: Can I use pre-made chai concentrate instead of tea bags?
A: Yes, you can. Simply ensure it is unsweetened or adjust the amount of maple syrup accordingly to control the sweetness.
Q: How long can I store the prepared chai tea base?
A: The concentrated, cooled chai tea base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: How do I get the cream foam to be stable?
A: Ensure both the cream and the milk are very cold before frothing. This is crucial for achieving a thick, stable foam.
Maple Chai Latte Mocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Put tea bags in hot water, bring to a boil, remove from fire, and let steep for 8-10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool completely.
- Combine 3 tbsp cream and 1 tbsp milk. Use a frother/whisk until thick and frothy.
- In a shaker, add the cooled chai, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Shake well.
- Add ice in a glass, pour milk, then add the chai tea mixture.
- Top it off with the prepared milk foam. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you are into sweeter drinks and top off with more ground cinnamon. Optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick.
