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Caffeine-Free Vanilla Chai is easy to make at home and much less expensive than the coffee shop! Made with a simple homemade chai spice mix, this version is free from refined sugar and adaptable to your tastes!
Sorry coffee addicts; chai has always been my favorite.
I started drinking Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas as a teenager and felt pretty sophisticated whenever I added a splash of milk into the mug. I really enjoyed the smooth, creamy comfort of those hot drinks. Even during college, I never got hooked on the caffeine addiction coffee lifestyle (and yes, I still managed to function all day and into the wee hours of night!).
When I discovered chai tea, I immediately fell in love with the warm cozy spices so much that it became my go-to hot drink during the cold months, and, well, all year long, for many years!
I often found myself wanting to drink hot chai in the evening. However, with 3 kids already putting a hinge on my full night’s sleep, you better believe I didn’t want to take any chances of sleeping even less due to drinking caffeine after dinnertime!
That’s why I concocted an easy recipe for a chai spice mix which easily stirs into a warm cup of milk (no tea is steeped), and viola! I now have a delicious and super fast caffeine-free drink for literally any hour of the day or night! My kids also enjoy it, because they can be just like mommy — but without the caffeine jolt! 😉
How to Make Caffeine-Free Vanilla Chai
Making a classic chai at home is unbelievably easy!
The steps to make a classic chai are as simple as steeping your tea, straining, and then adding sweetener to taste and milk (frothed, if you prefer). Don’t be intimidated by the frothed milk; here are The Pioneer Woman’s 8 ways to froth milk easily (and without any fancy equipment)!
Since my version of vanilla chai is meant to be caffeine free, we will omit the “steeping the tea” step above — whether you’re used to using a tea bag, or loose leaf tea in a mesh ball strainer. All you need to do is add my homemade chai spice mix to a warmed mug of your milk of choice! Simple as that! 🙂
Oh, and if you’re serving to guests, or simply want an extra treat, try topping your mug off with a dollop of this simple homemade whipped cream. Yum!
5 minPrep Time
5 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp homemade chai spice mix
- 1/16 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Warm 1 cup milk in a small saucepan or in a microwave for 60-90 seconds. (Be careful not to boil the milk.)
- Add 1/2 tsp chai spice mix and vanilla extract. Stir briskly to incorporate (see note).
- If desired, add maple syrup or sweetener of choice.
- For a luxurious finish, top with homemade whipped cream . Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
TO MAKE WITH CAFFEINE: If you do want to make vanilla chai WITH tea, simply steep your chai tea bag (or loose leaf black tea) in a mug half full of hot water, then add 1/2 tsp spices, sweetener (optional, to taste), and 1/2 cup warm milk after removing the tea (bag or loose tea).
The spice mix can settle to the bottom of your mug, so keep a spoon nearby to stir occasionally while you drink. Alternatively, you may want to use a small blender to better incorporate the spices into the milk before serving.
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