If you love chai but want something cool and refreshing, this Chai Tea Cold Brew is about to be your new favorite drink.
It’s smooth, a little spicy, slightly sweet, and ridiculously easy to make. Just steep, strain, and sip!
Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a cozy treat on a hot day. Plus, you can customize it exactly how you like—stronger, sweeter, milkier, or dairy-free.
Let’s get brewing!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups water
- 4 chai tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf chai)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- Ice
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use good-quality chai. The better the tea, the richer the flavor. Try loose-leaf if you want extra boldness!
- Sweeten while warm. If you want to add maple syrup or honey, do it while the tea is still warm so it blends in smoothly.
- Make a big batch! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you always have some ready to go.
- Customize your milk. Oat milk makes it extra creamy, while coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness.
- Stronger chai? Let it steep longer or add an extra tea bag.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan or heatproof jar
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Large pitcher or mason jar
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups
Substitutions & Variations
- No maple syrup? Use honey, agave, or brown sugar.
- No dairy? Try almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Want it stronger? Use more tea bags or steep longer.
- Make it spicy! Add a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or black pepper.
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew the chai ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Sweeten it before chilling so the sugar dissolves properly.
- Mix in the milk just before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Make Chai Tea Cold Brew
1️⃣ Heat the Water
Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer (not boiling) in a medium saucepan.
2️⃣ Steep the Tea
Turn off the heat. Add 4 chai tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf chai). Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
3️⃣ Strain & Sweeten
Remove tea bags (or strain out loose leaves). Stir in 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey while warm. Let cool to room temp.
4️⃣ Chill the Tea
Pour the strained tea into a large pitcher or jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until cold.
5️⃣ Serve Over Ice
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled chai tea, and top with ½ cup milk of choice and cinnamon sprinkle. Stir and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store the brewed chai (without milk) in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Once you add milk, drink it within 24 hours.
- Keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Time to Sip & Enjoy!
This Chai Tea Cold Brew is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and refreshing. Try it, play around with flavors, and make it your own! Let me know in the comments how it turned out, and feel free to ask any questions. Enjoy! ☕✨
