Imagine a drink that wraps you in warmth, combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the spicy complexity of chai, and transforms your ordinary evening into a luxurious experience. This Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate isn't just a beverage—it's a magical potion that will transport your taste buds to a cozy paradise, blending the classic comfort of hot chocolate with the exotic, aromatic spices of chai tea. Get ready to discover a recipe that will become your new favorite winter indulgence!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 chai tea bags, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of milk and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.
- While the milk is heating, in a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix them together until they are well combined.
- Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), add the cocoa powder and sugar mixture to the saucepan. Whisk continuously until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Next, add the 2 chai tea bags to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will infuse the flavors of the chai into the hot chocolate.
- After 5 minutes, remove the chai tea bags from the saucepan. Be sure to squeeze them gently to release any remaining liquid before discarding.
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat. If desired, you can strain the hot chocolate through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any undissolved cocoa or spices for a smoother texture.
- Pour the vanilla chai hot chocolate into two mugs. You can top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some chocolate shavings if you like.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your warm, comforting vanilla chai hot chocolate!
Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor
- Choose whole milk for a creamier, more luxurious texture
- Don't let the milk boil—keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent scorching
- Squeeze the tea bags gently to extract maximum flavor without bitterness
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk
- Experiment with different chai tea brands to find your perfect spice blend
- For an adult version, add a splash of rum or bourbon for extra warmth
- Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a cinnamon stick for extra flair
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
