A shake that tastes like a cozy afternoon but also works as a quick meal. The oat milk not only carries the spices of the chai tea, it makes them creamy. If you like, add a pinch of black pepper – this really brings out the sweetness of the honey and the warmth of the cinnamon. Works hot as a latte substitute or ice-cold as a dessert in a glass.
And here’s what you need for the Chai Oat Milk Shake
250 ml oat milk
2 chai tea bags (loose tea works too, then 2 tsp)
1 tbsp honey (or agave syrup for a vegan version)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper (optional, but worthwhile)
4 ice cubes (or 100 ml crushed ice)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for more depth)
What matters most
The trick is in cooling the oat milk after steeping. If you mix the hot liquid directly with ice, the ice melts too quickly and the shake becomes thin. Let the mixture cool to hand-warm temperature first – then the ice lasts longer and the texture stays perfect. For an extra creamy texture, freeze the oat milk in ice cube trays beforehand and blend only with that. This keeps the shake ice-cold without diluting it.
Variations
- Chai Coffee Shake — Replace 50 ml of the oat milk with cold espresso. The coffee emphasizes the spices and gives the shake a slight bitterness. Pairs well with a pinch of cardamom in the tea.
- Chocolate Chai Shake — Stir 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder into the warm oat milk. The cocoa binds the spices and makes the shake heartier. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Wodka Chai Shake — For an adult version, stir 3 cl vodka into the cooled oat milk mixture before blending. The alcohol enhances the spices without dominating the flavor. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the shake without a blender?
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy. Heat the oat milk with the spices, let it cool, then shake vigorously with ice in a sealable container. The shake will be a bit more liquid but still delicious.
Why does my shake get watery so quickly?
This happens when the oat milk is mixed with ice while still too hot. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before blending. Alternatively: use oat milk ice cubes.
Can I replace the chai tea with ready-made chai latte?
Yes, but adjust the sweetness. Ready-made chai lattes are often heavily sweetened. Reduce the honey or omit it entirely to avoid an overly sweet result.
