Vegan Maple Iced Chai Latte
That first sip hits you with warm cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger — all the cozy spice-shop energy you want from a great chai, served ice-cold over a full glass of cubes. Making your own concentrate from whole and ground spices means the flavor is genuinely deep and complex, nothing like the overly sweet bottled versions at the coffee shop. Maple syrup sweetens everything naturally, and cold plant-based milk brings it all together with a creamy, satisfying finish. The whole process takes just minutes on the stovetop, and the recipe makes two generous servings, so it's perfect for sharing or saving one for later. Café drinks can be a minefield when you're avoiding animal products — hidden honey, dairy milk, or ambiguous sweeteners show up constantly — but every single ingredient here is straightforwardly plant-based. A dusting of ground cinnamon on top is optional, but it makes the whole glass look like something you'd pay too much for at a trendy café.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the chai concentrate
- 1 cup water
- 2 black tea bags
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
To serve
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk, cold
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, ground ginger, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
- 2
Add the tea bags and maple syrup to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and steep for 4 to 5 minutes, until the liquid is deep amber and strongly flavored. Remove from heat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!