iced gingerbread oat milk chai recipe

The iced gingerbread oat milk chai is a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, offering a delightful alternative to traditional chai tea. This recipe captures the essence of the holiday season with the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread, combined with the creamy texture of oat milk and the refreshing chill of iced chai. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter treat or a refreshing summer drink, this iced gingerbread oat milk chai will become a favorite in your beverage repertoire. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, steps, and tips to create this delicious drink at home.

Ingredients

To make the perfect iced gingerbread oat milk chai, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 chai tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose chai tea
• 1 cup of oat milk
• 2 tablespoons of molasses
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful iced gingerbread oat milk chai that is both vegan and dairy-free. The combination of chai spices, gingerbread flavors, and creamy oat milk results in a harmonious and satisfying drink.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chai Tea

Begin by brewing a strong chai tea base. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the chai tea bags or loose chai tea and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it becomes robust and flavorful. If you prefer a stronger tea, you can steep it longer, but be cautious not to overdo it, as it might become too bitter.

Step 2: Add Gingerbread Flavors

Once the chai tea has steeped to your desired strength, remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea leaves. Add 2 tablespoons of molasses and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the hot tea, stirring until they are fully dissolved. These sweeteners will provide the characteristic deep, rich flavor of gingerbread.

Next, incorporate the ground spices: 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices are essential for achieving the warm, aromatic profile of gingerbread. Stir the mixture well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Oat Milk and Vanilla

After the gingerbread spices have been well integrated into the tea, it’s time to add the creamy oat milk. Pour in 1 cup of oat milk and stir to combine. Oat milk is an excellent choice for this recipe because of its smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness, which complement the spicy flavors perfectly.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor of the chai. Vanilla brings a pleasant depth and rounds out the spices, making the drink even more enjoyable.

Step 4: Chill the Chai

Allow the chai mixture to cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath or transferring the mixture to a heatproof container and refrigerating it for about 30 minutes. Ensure the chai is thoroughly chilled before proceeding to the next step, as this will prevent the ice from diluting the flavors too much.

Step 5: Assemble the Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai

Once the chai has cooled, it’s time to assemble the iced drink. Fill a large glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled gingerbread oat milk chai over the ice, filling the glass almost to the top. If desired, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream. This garnish adds a visually appealing element and an extra burst of aroma with each sip.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai

• Adjusting Sweetness: The level of sweetness in this recipe can be customized to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a touch more molasses. Conversely, if you like your chai less sweet, reduce the amount of sweeteners accordingly.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. If you enjoy a spicier chai, increase the amount of ginger or add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cloves or nutmeg.
• Serving Suggestions: This iced gingerbread oat milk chai pairs wonderfully with holiday cookies or a slice of gingerbread cake. It’s also a great beverage to serve at festive gatherings or cozy afternoons spent reading a book.
• Storage: The gingerbread chai base can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it convenient to whip up a glass of iced chai whenever the craving strikes.
• Oat Milk Alternatives: While oat milk is recommended for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with other plant-based milks like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Health Benefits

Aside from its delightful taste, this iced gingerbread oat milk chai also offers several health benefits. Chai tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help boost your immune system and protect against oxidative stress. The spices used in chai, such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.

Oat milk is a nutritious alternative to dairy milk, providing essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and iron. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can help maintain healthy digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.

Molasses, one of the key sweeteners in this recipe, is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants, making it a healthier choice compared to refined sugars.

Conclusion

The iced gingerbread oat milk chai is a delightful and versatile beverage that combines the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the refreshing chill of iced chai. With its rich blend of spices, creamy oat milk, and subtle sweetness, this drink is perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a festive holiday treat or a cooling summer refreshment, this recipe is sure to please.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily prepare this delicious drink at home. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your taste. With its numerous health benefits and customizable options, the iced gingerbread oat milk chai is a drink you can feel good about enjoying. So, gather your ingredients, brew some chai, and treat yourself to this wonderful beverage today!