This cozy drink is like a hug in a cup. It’s sweet, creamy, a little spicy from the chai, and has that raspberry zing that just makes everything pop.
Whether you’re trying to impress someone or just want a pick-me-up that’s more exciting than your usual coffee, this White Chocolate Chai Espresso with Raspberry is it. It’s fancy, but still super easy. Let’s make it!
Why I Love This Recipe
This one hits home for me. I first had something like this at a tiny café in the middle of winter, tucked into a corner watching snow fall, and I’ve been trying to recreate that magic ever since. This version is even better.
- It’s got that creamy white chocolate sweetness without being too sugary
- The chai and espresso together are a perfect warm-and-wake combo
- Raspberry gives a fruity twist that makes it feel gourmet
- You can make it in under 10 minutes
- It looks (and tastes) like something from a high-end coffee shop
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup brewed chai tea concentrate (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup brewed espresso (hot)
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
Servings and Cook Time
Serves: 1
Time: 10 minutes
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Spoon
- Handheld milk frother (or whisk)
- Mug or heatproof cup
- Small mesh strainer (optional, if your chai has loose bits)
Substitutions and Variations
- Use oat or almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version
- Try dark chocolate instead of white for a richer taste
- Use a raspberry syrup instead of preserves if that’s what you’ve got
- No espresso machine? Strong brewed coffee works fine too
Make-Ahead Tips
You can brew the chai and espresso ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Reheat when ready to use.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate with Milk
Add ½ cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the milk is steamy but not boiling.
Step 2: Add Chai, Raspberry, and Vanilla
Stir in ¼ cup brewed chai concentrate, 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted white chocolate milk. Whisk until smooth and pinkish-cream in color.
Step 3: Add Espresso and Cinnamon
Pour in ¼ cup hot brewed espresso and add a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir gently until combined. Don’t boil—just warm it through.
Step 4: Froth and Pour
Use a handheld frother to froth the mixture for about 15 seconds until lightly foamy. Pour into your favorite mug.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of raspberry preserves, and a few fresh raspberries if you’ve got them.
Macros (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 28g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The fats in white chocolate melt into the milk to create that silky mouthfeel. Chai spices and espresso both bring bitter notes that balance out the sweetness. Raspberry adds acid, which helps cut through the richness, and also enhances the flavor perception overall.
Common Mistakes
- Boiling the milk – this can make it taste scorched or curdle if using dairy-free alternatives
- Not melting the white chocolate fully – results in grainy texture
- Too much raspberry – can overpower the whole drink if you’re not careful
- Using sweetened chai – makes the drink overly sweet
What to Serve With
- A warm scone or muffin
- Almond biscotti
- Toast with butter and jam
- Vanilla shortbread cookies
FAQ
Can I use a chai tea bag instead of concentrate?
Yes! Brew it strong (double strength) so the flavor comes through.
What if I don’t have a frother?
You can whisk it hard by hand or shake it in a tightly sealed jar.
Can I make this iced?
Totally. Just let everything cool, pour over ice, and skip the frothing.
Is this very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced—feel free to reduce the white chocolate or raspberry if needed.
Leftovers and Storage
This is best fresh, but you can keep the mix (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and then add toppings.
Final Thoughts
This drink is just fun. It’s warm, pretty, and feels like a treat. Perfect for when you want something special without needing to leave the house. If you make it, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment with your tweaks or questions—I’d love to hear from you.
