Vanilla Oolong Chai – The Creamy, Spiced Tea You’ll Love!

My Vanilla Oolong Chai recipe brings together the best of both worlds—rich, warming spices and a smooth, balanced sweetness from the vanilla.

If you love chai but want to mix it up, then you should definitely try this recipe!

The oolong and vanilla take it in a new direction while still keeping those comforting chai spices that we all love. Plus, it’s really easy to make, whether you prefer it hot or iced.

This Vanilla Oolong Chai is a great way to treat yourself to a cozy and aromatic tea experience that feels a little extra special!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Rich Aroma: The blend of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger creates an inviting, aromatic experience that fills the air with warmth.
• Creamy and Indulgent: The addition of milk makes this chai creamy and comforting, turning it into a satisfying treat for anytime.
• Health Benefits: Oolong tea and fresh ginger offer antioxidant and digestive benefits, making this chai both delicious and nourishing.
• Perfect Fall and Winter Drink: The warming spices make this tea an ideal choice for cozying up during colder months, bringing comfort with every sip.
• Gourmet Feel: The combination of oolong and chai spices with vanilla feels indulgent and elevated, turning a simple cup of tea into a luxurious experience.
• Pairs Well with Snacks: This chai complements cookies, biscotti, or even savory treats, making it great for tea time or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

The base of this recipe is oolong tea, which brings a unique depth of flavor compared to other teas. Oolong has a naturally toasty, slightly sweet profile that pairs beautifully with the spices and vanilla.

When choosing oolong, look for a high-quality loose-leaf oolong tea, as it often provides a more nuanced taste, though tea bags work well for convenience.

The blend of spices is key to creating the chai’s signature warmth. Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise add a mix of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes that complement the oolong tea. Fresh ginger is an essential ingredient, providing a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the milk and sugar, bringing balance to the drink.

Vanilla extract plays a special role in this recipe by softening the boldness of the spices and adding a smooth, creamy sweetness. Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for a more authentic and rich flavor.

The brown sugar ties everything together with its caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the spiced, warming tones in the tea.

Whole milk gives the chai its creamy texture and richness. You can also use plant-based options like almond or oat milk, they work just as well, adding their own subtle flavors. The milk choice is important as it balances the strong spices and tea, creating a smooth, indulgent texture that makes the chai feel more like a treat.

Ingredients for 2 servings of Vanilla Oolong Chai:

• 3 teaspoons loose-leaf oolong tea (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based option)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)

How To Make Vanilla Oolong Chai

Instructions for making 2 servings of Vanilla Oolong Chai:

1. Boil the Water: In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add Spices and Ginger: Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and sliced fresh ginger to the boiling water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Steep the Oolong Tea: Add the oolong tea leaves (or tea bags) to the pot and steep for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Add Milk and Sweetener: Pour in the milk and stir in the brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well.
6. Strain and Serve: Strain the chai into a mug to remove the spices and tea leaves. If serving iced, let the tea cool before pouring over ice.
7. Enjoy: Your Vanilla Oolong Chai is ready to be enjoyed hot or iced!

Iced Version of Vanilla Oolong Chai

The iced version of Vanilla Oolong Chai is perfect for warm and sunny days because it delivers the same rich and spiced flavors of traditional chai, but with a cool, refreshing twist.

This iced tea is light and invigorating, while the smooth vanilla and spices still provide a comforting depth. The creamy milk adds a satisfying, chilled texture that’s both indulgent and thirst-quenching.

It’s a great way to enjoy the boldness of chai without the heat, making it an ideal drink to cool off while still savoring a complex, flavorful tea!

More Tips & Variations

• Coconut Milk Twist: Swap regular milk for coconut milk to add a rich, tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chai spices and vanilla.
• Caffeine-Free Version: Substitute oolong tea with a caffeine-free rooibos or herbal chai blend, keeping the spice and flavor without the caffeine.
• Cardamom Addition: Crush a couple of green cardamom pods and add them to the simmering spices for a fragrant, floral note that enhances the chai’s warmth.
• Cinnamon Sugar Rim: For an extra touch of sweetness and spice, rim your glass or mug with cinnamon sugar before serving the chai, especially when serving iced.
• Cold Foam Topping: For the iced version, top with cold foam made from whipped milk or a dairy-free alternative, adding an extra layer of creamy texture and visual appeal.
• Orange Zest Infusion: Add a strip of fresh orange zest to the simmering spices for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the warming spices and adds a refreshing note to both the hot and iced versions.
• Chai Latte with Espresso: Turn your Vanilla Oolong Chai into a chai latte by adding a shot of espresso, creating a balanced blend of chai spices and a rich coffee flavor for an extra kick of caffeine.