There’s nothing like a refreshing iced coffee, and when you add warm chai spices and a drizzle of caramel?
Absolute magic.
This Caramel Chai Iced Coffee is creamy, slightly spiced, and just sweet enough—like your favorite coffee shop drink but way better (and cheaper!) at home.
Perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up!
Let’s make this!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ tsp chai spice blend (or mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp simple syrup or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended!)
Tools
- Coffee maker or French press
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass
- Spoon for stirring
- Small whisk or milk frother
Pro Tips
✅ Make it strong – Since we’re adding milk and ice, a stronger coffee (or cold brew) gives the best flavor.
✅ Spice it your way – If you don’t have chai spice, mix cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Adjust to taste!
✅ Dairy-free? No problem! – Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work great in this recipe.
✅ Shake it up – For an extra frothy drink, shake everything in a mason jar instead of stirring.
✅ Serve it fancy – A caramel drizzle inside the glass before pouring makes it feel extra special!
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap coffee for cold brew for a smoother taste.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer drink.
- Want it hot? Skip the ice and warm up the milk before mixing!
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew the coffee ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Mix the milk, chai spice, vanilla, and caramel in advance so it’s ready to pour over your coffee!
How to Make Caramel Chai Iced Coffee
Step 1: Brew & Cool the Coffee
Make a strong cup of coffee (or use cold brew). Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Mix Milk, Chai Spice & Vanilla
In a small cup, stir together the milk, chai spice blend, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Sweeten with Caramel & Simple Syrup
Add caramel sauce and simple syrup (if using) to the milk mixture. Stir or whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the cooled coffee, then slowly add the milk mixture.
Step 5: Add Whipped Cream & Caramel Drizzle
Top with whipped cream and drizzle extra caramel on top for the perfect finish!
Leftovers & Storage
- If you make extra, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best fresh.
- To keep it from getting watered down, freeze extra coffee into ice cubes and use them instead of regular ice!
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Chai Iced Coffee is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors—all in an easy homemade drink. Try it out and let me know how you customized yours! Drop a comment below with your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you! ☕💛
