Iced Raspberry Vanilla Chai – A Café-Worthy Drink You’ll Love!

Cool, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, the Raspberry Vanilla Chai Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite!

This unique drink blends the warm spices of chai tea with the sweet tartness of raspberry puree and the smooth, comforting notes of vanilla. A splash of milk adds a velvety finish, making every sip both rich and refreshing.

Perfect for warm afternoons or as a flavorful pick-me-up, this iced tea is a delightful balance of spice, fruit, and creaminess—all in one glass!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Yet Cozy – The iced chai base keeps it cool and invigorating, while the vanilla and milk add a creamy, comforting touch.
• Packed with Antioxidants – Chai tea and raspberries are both rich in antioxidants, offering health benefits along with great flavor.
• Caffeine Boost Without the Jitters – The black tea in chai provides a gentle energy lift, making it a great alternative to coffee.
• Great for Entertaining – A visually stunning drink that impresses guests, whether served in elegant glasses or layered for a beautiful presentation.
• Pairs Well with Treats – Complements a variety of baked goods, from scones and muffins to shortbread and tea cakes, making it a perfect afternoon tea companion.
• Dairy-Free Friendly – Can be made with plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that still feels creamy and indulgent.

Ingredients

Chai tea is the foundation of this drink, bringing a rich, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of raspberries and the smoothness of vanilla.

A strong, well-brewed chai ensures that the spices—like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves—stand out even when served cold. Using loose-leaf chai or high-quality tea bags makes a big difference in the depth of flavor, and chilling the tea properly before assembling the drink keeps it refreshing without diluting the taste.

Fresh raspberries provide natural sweetness and a vibrant, tangy contrast to the spiced tea. Choosing ripe, juicy raspberries ensures the best flavor, but if fresh ones aren’t available, frozen raspberries work just as well.

Blending them into a puree and straining out the seeds creates a smooth, luscious texture that mixes seamlessly into the drink.

Honey or sugar enhances the natural flavors, and the amount can be adjusted depending on how sweet or tart the raspberries are.

Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic touch that ties the drink together, balancing the bold chai and bright raspberries with its subtle sweetness. A good-quality pure vanilla extract is best, as it brings a deeper, more natural flavor compared to artificial varieties.

Milk is the final component that makes this iced tea creamy and indulgent. Whole milk gives a rich, smooth texture, but for a dairy-free version, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be used, each adding its own subtle flavor note.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 2 cups brewed chai tea (chilled)
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry puree)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon

How To Make Raspberry Vanilla Chai

Instructions:

1. Brew the Chai Tea: Steep 2 chai tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf chai) in 2 cups of hot water for about 5 minutes. Let it cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
2. Prepare the Raspberry Puree: Blend fresh raspberries with a teaspoon of honey or sugar until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a seed-free puree.
3. Mix the Drink: In a glass, combine the chilled chai tea, vanilla extract, and raspberry puree. Stir well to blend the flavors.
4. Add Ice and Milk: Fill a serving glass with ice cubes, then pour the raspberry chai mixture over the ice. Slowly add the milk to create a beautiful swirl effect.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh raspberries and a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. Stir before drinking and enjoy!

This recipe makes 2 servings and can easily be scaled up for more. Adjust sweetness and spice levels to suit your preference!

Additional Tips & Variations

• Spike It for an Adult Version: Add a splash of bourbon, vanilla vodka, or spiced rum for a boozy take on this creamy chai iced tea. Perfect for special occasions or evening indulgence.
• Layer It for a Stunning Look: Instead of mixing everything together, pour the chai tea first, then carefully add the raspberry puree, followed by the milk to create a beautiful layered effect before stirring.
• Add a Chocolate Drizzle: For a dessert-like treat, drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or white chocolate over the inside of the glass before assembling the drink. This adds a rich, indulgent flavor that complements the raspberry and chai spices beautifully.
• Serve It Warm: Instead of an iced version, keep the chai tea hot and stir in the raspberry puree, vanilla, and milk for a cozy winter-friendly alternative.
• Use Flavored Milk: Swap regular milk for vanilla almond milk, coconut milk, or even sweetened condensed milk to enhance the drink’s natural flavors and make it extra creamy.

• Blend It into a Smoothie: For a thicker, creamier version, blend all the ingredients with extra ice and a frozen banana. This turns it into a chai-raspberry smoothie with a naturally sweet and frothy texture.