Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe

This recipe for Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate combines the comforting warmth of chai spices with the rich decadence of cocoa, creating a unique and cozy beverage that’s perfect for curling up with a good book on a chilly day. Plus, the ability to customize the sweetness and spice level to fit my personal taste makes it an absolute favorite that never gets old.

There is a particular joy I find in crafting cozy beverages that combine my favorite flavors. My Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate is a delightful twist on a classic.

When you take a slurp of this drink, you taste creamy milk, which is delightful in and of itself. You also taste aromatic chai tea that is super-floral.

You taste cocoa powder. And you taste spices too—lots of them.

Spices like ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, their sweetness and warmth wafting heavenward. You might think that would be enough to make a super-delicious drink, and you’d be right.

But here’s the kicker: There’s also a hint of vanilla extract, which makes this drink even more delectable.

Ingredients

Milk: Offers protein and calcium, can be creamy or light.

Chai Tea Bags: Add warm, aromatic flavors from rich spices.

Cocoa powder contributes rich chocolate flavor; it also has antioxidants.

Sweetener: Can make dietary adjustments, can use to replace sugar.

Vanilla extract increases the sweetness and adds the presence of floral notes.

Cinnamon, in its ground form, provides warmth and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Spicy kick and digestive benefits come from ground ginger.

Cardamom, ground: Contributes to a sweet and spicy flavor; promotes cardiovascular health.

A pinch of ground cloves offers concentrated warmth and a powerful antioxidant punch.

Dusting of Ground Nutmeg: Provides nutty warmth and enhances flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 chai tea bags
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
• Marshmallows (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, warm the milk until it is steaming, but not boiling.

2. Place the chai tea bags in the hot milk, cover, and let steep for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the milk to take on the flavor of the chai.

3. Take out the tea bags from the saucepan and lightly press them to remove excess liquid.

4. In the chai-infused milk, whisk in cocoa powder and sugar, guaranteeing that there are no lumps. Adjust sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.

5. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.

6. Keep heating while stirring often until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

7. Sample and modify the spices and sweetness as necessary to achieve your desired flavor profile.

8. When heated through, take off the heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.

9. If desired, top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

10. Enjoy your Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate right away!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Stove or cooking surface
3. Whisk
4. Measuring spoons
5. Mug(s)
6. Spoon (for pressing tea bags)
7. Ladle (optional, for pouring into mugs)

FAQ

• Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
  Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with any non-dairy alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk.
• What type of chai tea bags work best?Select any brand of chai tea that suits your taste. For an aromatic drink, spiced chai works especially well.
• How can I make the hot chocolate sweeter?Raise the quantity of sugar to fit your taste. Sweetened cocoa powder can be subbed into this recipe, as it adds an extra measure of sweetness.
• Can I use loose leaf chai tea instead of tea bags?Indeed, steeping 2 teaspoons of loose chai tea in milk is a straightforward process that requires few steps.

  1. Measure the chai tea. Using a scale, measure 2 teaspoons (approximately 6 grams) of the chai tea blend.

• Is it possible to omit certain spices?Without a doubt, you can make the spice blend as well as to suit your taste or to what you have on hand.
• How do I make this drink creamier?Use milk or cream, or even coconut milk, in the same quantity for added richness.
• What toppings pair well with this hot chocolate?Great options include whipped cream, marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Substitutions and Variations

Milk: Almon, soy, or oat milk can be used as non-dairy alternatives.
If chai tea bags are not available, use chai spice mix and black tea bags.
Cocoa powder: Substitute with dark chocolate that has been melted and mixed in, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia, to your liking.
Vanilla extract: For a bolder flavor, use vanilla bean paste or a small quantity of scraped vanilla bean.

Pro Tips

1. For a richer flavor and creamier texture, consider using half milk and half heavy cream instead of all milk.

2. To intensify the chai flavor, increase the steeping time to 7-10 minutes, or use three tea bags instead of two.

3. Sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the milk to ensure a smooth mixture without any clumps.

4. Gently toast the ground spices in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the milk to enhance their aroma and depth of flavor.

5. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream before serving.