Description
This Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte combines the comforting spices of chai tea with the natural sweetness of fresh apple cider, creating a cozy and flavorful plant-based beverage perfect for cooler days. Featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves, combined with almond milk and a touch of agave syrup, this latte is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, dairy-free treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Cider
- 4 organic Gala apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
Chai Spice Mix
- 2 Tbsps ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Chai Latte
- 2 cups almond milk (Califia Farms recommended or any favorite plant-based milk)
- 2–3 black tea bags
- 2 Tbsps agave syrup
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Easy Apple Cider: Add the peeled and sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, ground allspice, and whole cloves to a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of fresh water, making sure to leave about an inch of space at the top to prevent boiling over. Simmer over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until the apples are completely softened and the mixture is fragrant.
- Strain the Apple Cider: Remove the saucepan from heat. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the apple mixture into a fine strainer placed over a large bowl. Press or squeeze the apple pieces to extract as much juice as possible. Repeat until all the liquid is strained. Discard the solids including apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, and set the extracted apple cider aside.
- Brew Chai Tea: In a clean medium saucepan, pour 2 cups of almond milk and heat over medium-high until it just begins to boil (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat immediately, add 2-3 black tea bags, and let steep for 5-6 minutes to infuse the milk with tea flavor.
- Mix Chai Spices and Sweeteners: After steeping the tea, remove the tea bags. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of the prepared chai spice mix, 1/2 cup of the warm apple cider, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons agave syrup until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm apple chai mixture into mugs. Optionally, top with whipped coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free whipped topping, and sprinkle additional chai spice mix on top for garnish. Sip and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes
- Agave syrup is used as a natural sweetener; you can substitute with maple syrup or honey if preferred.
- For a stronger chai flavor, adjust the quantity of chai spice mix to taste.
- This recipe uses almond milk, but any plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or cashew milk will work well.
- To keep it warm longer, transfer the apple cider and chai mixture to a thermos or slow cooker on low heat.
- For a caffeine-free version, substitute black tea bags with rooibos or herbal tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple chai latte, warm apple cider, vegan chai latte, plant-based latte, cozy fall drinks, dairy-free latte
