Best Ever Vanilla Chai Mix – Sounds Southern if you say it right :)
In the mood for more traditional Southern cooking? Click here to check out Crispy Breaded Pork Chops with MeMe’s Mashed Potatoes and Milk Gravy, or try some fried cabbage and Sweet and Sour Green Beans. For dessert, how about peanut butter or coconut pie? YUM! Now that we’ve done all that mental cooking, it’s time to sit down with a nice hot drink….
A few months back I met my friend Lisa in a local coffee shop for a little chat and when I got there she had ordered me their Spiced Vanilla Chai. I had never had this stuff before and one sip had me leaping over the moon, it was so good! I was really surprised that it wasn’t coffee because it has such body to it and depth of flavors. It was like a perfectly baked ginger cookie dipped into perfectly made coffee – I was in heaven. Lisa was quick to tell me that this Chai was exceptional and not to get it anywhere else expecting it to be this good. She told me not to even attempt to try it at Starbucks because theirs can’t come close. I took another sip as my eyes just about rolled back in my head it was so good!
However, I don’t drink sugar for a multitude of reasons so when the lady behind the counter told me she couldn’t make it sugar free, I was pretty disappointed. Good thing I don’t give up too easily!
Me and Kelly 
I set about on a mission to recreate their recipe. Since they could only make it one particular way I assumed they were using a mix of some sort, and it had to be one they made themselves to boot. At first I started making tea and adding in little spices here and there, but then I tried out several recipes online and eventually found myself at my friend Kelly’s blog. Lo and behold, Kelly’s recipe turned out to be an exact flavor match.
The great thing about this recipe is that I could easily make it sugar free (or significantly lower in sugar) and that is what I’m bringing you today. If you’d like Kelly’s original recipe please click here to visit that and be sure and tell her I sent ya! I want to thank her for generously giving me permission to share her recipe with you today.
Update: Mama and I were out of town recently and I brought a little jar of this mix with me. Mama really doesn’t like hot tea at all. I know that seems odd to 90% of the world’s population but you’ve got to understand that where I’m from we only drink tea iced all our lives so the thought of suddenly drinking it hot really does strike us as odd, but like I said, this stuff tastes so much like coffee that I just knew she’d love it. So that morning I ran some hot water through the little coffee machine in our room and made her a cup. She took one sip and said “Are you serious? This is really tea?” Since then I’ve made her two batches of this mix. She and I have both got to drinking it more than we do coffee. I told her I was going to do this tutorial yesterday and she said “Well if you’re going to be making some more I’m down to only half a jar…”
You’ll need: Powdered milk, Ideal Sweetener*, Instant unsweetened tea, Sugar Free French Vanilla Creamer, and non dairy coffee creamer.
*You can use regular sugar or splenda in place of the Ideal Sweetener. I found Ideal at Krogers packaged under their own label, but with “Ideal” listed on the front.
You’re also gonna need a lot of spices, but they’re what MAKE this tea so stinking good.
Ginger, Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Cinnamon, and Cardamom*.
Go for the cheap here wherever you can. I know some folks really get a thrill out of spending $20 plus on a little bottle of spices and if you’re in that camp, knock yourself out. I cruise the store brands and sale bins for mine. Nothing but the cheapest for my family! ~grins~
*Now this cardamom is going to cost a fortune. I spent around ten dollars for my bottle. However, you’ll have enough of it to make several batches. I have no idea how many times I’ve made this and I’m still using the same bottle.
Place all ingredients into a food processor.
Now this is where you decide if you like stronger or weaker beverages. If you prefer stronger flavors, use heaping measurements with your spices. I use heaping teaspoons, rather than teaspoons. If you prefer your flavors a little milder, use the exact measurements listed in the recipe.
Once you have all ingredients in your food processor, put the lid on that puppy and get ready to make some mix!
I’m using my workhorse Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Food Processor. They now have a deluxe version that is even less expensive than mine was (click here to see it).
I’ve had this for a few years now and really put it through the ringer and it’s held up like a champ.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender but you may need to make it in smaller batches to have room. Just put your tea, spices, and powdered milk in first and mix those up really good, then you can stir the rest in by hand.
This is what it will look like when done.
Now, just store this in an airtight container to keep fresh.
I like to put mine in little 8 ounce canning jars so I can have one or two to give away to friends.
To make your chai, simply add two heaping tablespoons of mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk and stir (I use hot water).
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Non Fat Dry Milk Powder
- 1 Cup Powdered Non Dairy Creamer (Coffee Mate)
- 1 Cup Sugar Free French Vanilla Powdered Non Dairy Creamer
- 2-1/2 Cups Ideal Sweetener, Splenda, or Sugar
- 1-1/2 Cups Unsweetened Instant Tea (can use Decaf)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a food processor or large blender. Blend until it is a fine powder. Store in airtight container.
- To make Vanilla Chai, add two to three tablespoons of mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk (I use hot water).
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Train up a child in the way that they should go –
and make sure you go that way, too!
Saw on Facebook courtesy of Janie Upchurch. Thanks Janie!
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Posted by Christy Jordan
on Mar 6 2012. Filed under Beverages.
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May I just say that this is the 2nd thing to make my day today! I love Vanilla Chai…started drinking it at Dunkin Donuts when we did a stint in Boston but had to just really stop the sugary drinks as well (if only I could stop the sugary foods now!!). This is a perfect recipe and one I am going to have to do soon. Maybe today! Thanks for perserving until you figured it out.
This sounds great!! Now, I know you are all about making things your own (which is one of the MANY things I just love about you!), but I do have to say, I’m not a fan of Nutmeg… would it make a huge difference if I left it out?
Hey Casey, I’m *really* *really* not a fan of nutmeg, which just makes us have even more in common! Usually, whenever a recipe calls for nutmeg I just double the cinnamon or replace it with cinnamon instead. However, in this, I use it because all of the spices are kinda strong and work together so the nutmeg doesn’t stand out. However, leave it out, or double the cinnamon if you like! I totally feel ya on that usually ucky spice, lol!
i don’t wanna sound dumb- but how do you say “Chai”?
The “a” is silent, the “i” is long. Ch-eye
It sounds like eye with a ch in front. It is my favorite drink!
So…how *do* you say it?
Well…..I am also of the camp that says hot tea is GROSS and I will only drink it when I am sick.
Gonna give this a chance. Mainly because the cold brewed coffee concentrate was so amazing, but also because I think I have everything on hand already except the vanilla creamer from making homemade hot cocoa mix to give as gifts at Christmas, ;o)
And…you should totally take a couple servings and the recipe back to that coffee shop and show them that it can be sugar free, ;o)
I’ve never tasted chai tea before, but I love giving drink mixes as gifts. This is one I’m definitely going to try! Do you think it would taste as good without the nutmeg? That’s one spice on my “don’t like” list.
Oh Christy, I have used this recipe for about five years and I’ve even made up big batches and given them with homemade biscotti and pretty mugs for Christmas. I love this and the fact that it is sugar free makes it so well received. I am so glad you posted it on here. I also want to tell you I”ve been reading your blog for years and I bought your book and love trying all the recipes. My hubby loves them too. And for those who asked Chai is pronounced CHIY. Blessings to you and your family Christy.
Kathy
Thank you Christy! Love Chai Latte!!! Yum! Will be making this very soon. I too and cutting out as much sugar as possible. This is PERFECT!
Kristen in MS
Just wondering……..how does it affect the final product (mix) if you don’t use a food processor or blender and just stir it together in a big bowl?
By not using the processor or blender, you will probably get “floaters”, as in bits of nutmeg and less fine spices floating on top of your drink, which may bother some.
For those of y’all that think nutmeg is “icky”…try using only 1/2 teaspoon of it, and choose cinnamon for the extra 1/2 teaspoon…this gives the blending of spices but NOT the power of nutmeg!! This stuff is soooo good. hugs and blessings to all y’all.
i love vanilla chai too! I started out with that Oregon brand in the purple carton that you just dump in some milk. This recipe sounds wonderful and a ton more diabetic friendly. thanks for posting! I agree St. Arbucks is less than wonderful.
I love the reference to St. Arbucks! I will remember that! (and use it often!)
I’m so glad you like chai. I’m a big fan of chai too but I generally tend to get the chai tea bags only because I don’t want to drink the powdered mixes too much. Of course the powdered stuff is wickedly good though, what with all the creamer and stuff. But the actual bags are still nice and I just make it up like a normal hot tea with milk and a tiny bit of sugar.
I do have a funny tea story when we were in Vegas my mum ordered tea and I was quick to add “not ice tea, she doesn’t want ice tea. She wants breakfast tea with milk.” The waiter had a funny look on his face and brought out ice tea and a glass of milk!!!!! I explained again and he said “OH! You mean HOT tea!” lol If you ask for tea here you automatically get hot tea. Lol
I’m with you, Su! I’m considering making this mix, but it sounds like a lot of work and I might be tempted to overindulge if I had a lot of it and it is tasty.
Funny story about getting the ice tea and milk in Vegas! Yes, we always have to specify hot tea if you don’t want to get cold! I guess since coffee is the American hot beverage of choice, no one really thinks of drinking tea hot! Of course, now people are making iced coffee, too, but you’d have to specify if you’d want that cold instead of hot!
I don’t like vanilla nothing but this recipe sounds yummy. Never tried chai tea I know were have I been but I like to stick with the basics. Spices are pricey but this drink sounds so tempting. Thanks
I, too, have been making this chai mix for several years…and I have made it sugarfree for my friends who need sugarfree. They love, and so do I. I’m glad you have posted this for others to enjoy!!
Oh, you Nutmeg haters need to try zucchini sauteed in butter, then when it is tender add a tablespoon of sour cream and sprinkle with Nutmeg. Yummmm!
This sounds really good! Regarding your spice purchases: When we were first married my husband said to me “Only second best is good enough for you, Baby!” That’s been our mantra ever since.
The gracious Lord KNEW I needed a laugh today….thank you , Lord and thanks for sharing this gem!
Very similar to the recipe I’ve always used except yours has more tea. I think I like that, I’ll have to try it. Another idea for those who can’t have sugar is to leave the sweetener out entirely so that each person can use the sweetener of their choice. I actually found the mix I made using vanilla creamer to be sweet enough without adding anything.
If Huntsville is anything like Memphis, you should be able to find an ethnic store (Indian or Mexican) that sells spices in bulk. You would not believe how low their prices are. My daughter picked up some cardamom for me for a fraction of Kroger or Walmart price. I have also bought bulk spice on Amazon for very reasonable amounts. I have 2 huge jars of dried cilantro right now that were very little over the price of a tiny bottle at local stores (if I could even find it).
Thanks so much for this one, love chai and I can’t have the sugar so Starbucks and pretty much every other place is out!
I hope you like it Michelle!!!
i have trouble trying to pin recipes. it wont do it
Always wanted to try to come up with my own Chai Tea Mix…..thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope you enjoy it Dottie!!! You are so welcome!
Sounds great Christy. I have always wanted to try this. I freeze my spices to keep them fresh longer. My freezer door looks like a spice rack.
I hope you get to try it soon Deborah, let me know how you like it!!
This sounds great. My son was on a kick where he had to have this everyday. I bought all the spices at an East Indian store. They were very resonably priced. I don’t know if you have anything in your neck of the woods. I remember the cardamom (whole) was only $4.00. Looking at all the ingredients; the only ones I don”t have is the white pepper and the sugar free french vanilla powder. I’m going to surprise him with a some.
I grew up with a Russian Chi tea which is an entirely different drink. So, I was excited to try chai tea the first time I was in an Espresso shop. I thought my taste buds and died and gone to heaven! Now to have a sugar free recipe really makes my day. I’m diabetic and couldn’t have it as much as I would have liked.
That’s all over now!! Thank you so much, I can’t wait to get this mixed up, but I have to get some spices first. I don’t have white pepper.
Never had Vanilla Chi Tea before. Can’t wait to try the recipe. I’m in Huntsville and was just wondering if you would reveal the local coffee shop you had it at. Thought I might try my first taste there. Love what you do! Thanks!
I AM SO ANXIOUS TO TRY IT AND ESPECIALLY GOING TO MAKE SOME FOR MY FRIENDS TO TRY. THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT IDEA.
Christy, thanks for sharing this recipe. I love chai tea, but the mixes never seem right. I’m definitely going to try this. I’ve already tried the Ideal sweetener at your recommendation and I like it so much better than Splenda! My boyfriend is on a low carb diet and both his parents are diabetic so I always appreciate your recipe with low sugar or sugar substitutes.
I have made this recipe 5 or 6 times since I found the recipe a couple of months ago. I was, and am, totally addicted! Now…my doctor tells me powdered creamer has been linked to heart disease!!! HELP…somebody please help…what can I do or use instead? I’ve got to make more of this…somehow!
why not leave out the creamers and make the tea add half&half or whole milk in place. That is what I will do.
If you want a true indulgence,try using half hot water and half milk combined before stirring in the chai mix – wow!
Upon recently being diagnosed with IBC,one of the first things my oncologist told me was to stay away from was artificial sweeteners of all types! Sometimes you just need to enjoy the “real” thing but in moderation.
I like Chi drinks but the spices and cost of those has stopped me from making this in the past…any tips on finding them at a more reasonable cost? – esp the cardamom
Saw this, so I went to the store after work and got everything I needed… sitting here enjoying my first cup! MMMMMM Thank you so much!!!
Love chai tea, can’t wait to try this. Christy, do you collect Jadeite? I noticed that your cup and saucer are Jadeite! I’ve collected a few pieces over the years, not really enough to call it a collection, but I love each one!
My daughter turned me on to the Chai tea when she was working for Arabica during college. It has a LOT of caffeine so the kids used to drink it when they were staying up cramming for classes. She still makes it from scratch with the cardamom pod brewed with tea bags and added spices, but I have to admit, I’m stuck on the Oregon brand (liquid). Just mix half and half with milk and done. I think they have a sugar free version now at Target but I don’t use sugar free so haven’t tried it. I love it hot, but my fave for summer is Iced with whip cream on top!! MMMmmmmm The Starbucks version is very bland by comparison.
Okay, no shocker, to you…but this is FANTASTIC!!
I am surprised, because me drinking hot tea generally means I am not feeling well at all.
Taking a big batch to my cousin’s bridal shower Sunday to share.
It’s highly possible I will be converting a bunch of my actual family to Southern Plate family with this and the Nilla Wafer Cake! ;o)
Want a tip of where to get spices at a very good price – opps I just had a senior moment and can’t think of the store name. BUT if you drive north on Jordan Lane from I565 look to the right just before you reach Holmes Ave. It is a Middle Eastern market, the owners are friendly, and the spices are CHEAP!
YUM!
A friend got me started on a chai mix from Trader Joe’s. I’m going to give this one a try and share it with her. I’m sure it’s much more economical!
Wondering how this will work if I mix it up in my kitchen aid stand mixer with the whisk attachment. I don’t have a food processer. Has anyone mixed it this way?
If you have a blender I would use that, that way the spices get chopped up into finer pieces. The mixer will just simply mix it and the pieces will not be as fine. It will work but you will have more spices floating to the top instead of being mixed in well.
Believe it or not, I don’t have a blender either, but I’m going to borrow one to make this. thanks.
A friend introduced me to Vanilla Chai from our coffee shop at our local library, It’s delicious but a little sweet. I can’t wait to try your sugarfree version and I’ll give some to my friend, Amy, to try, too.
Oh Yeah!!! I’m in love
Thank You so very much for this most delicious recipe! YUM!!!
Yay, I am so glad to hear you like it!!!! I can’t seem to get enough of it!
You are seriously the best ever!!! At my local market they have regular chai mix, and sugar free…. But I cannot have caffeine due to migraines. With your recipe I can use decaf instant tea – whoohoo! Now I can drink chai again, and im betting yours is way better than store mix anyway!!!!
Oh, great idea Christina!!! I think you will like it, can’t wait to hear what you think!!
I’ve never tried chai before but it does sound good!! I think I’ll give a try since you liked so much Christy. Thanks for the recipe…………
I think you will like it Tamela!!! I am addicted to it.
Christy, this is soooooooo good. I made some last night, I didn’t add the sugar because I figured that everyone can add or not add sugar to their own and I also added a bit of no sugar, nestle chocolate. So Yummy! Thank you!
Having a cup right now! It’s fabulous! Cardamom was too pricey for my budget so I left it on the shelf – but used all of the other spices and made sugar free (I am diabetic also) and the rest fat free and decaf. This would be great over ice….oh – and for gifts too! Thanks for the great recipe!
This stuff is great! Three of us at work went in together and bought the ingredients to share. We love it!
I ordered a Chai mix online ($10+ouch) so I could have a sugarfree mix. Wish I’d discovered your recipe before I ordered. You can bet I’ll be making my own from now on! Thanks, Christy: )
I will have to “bookmark” this one for sure. My daughter really loves Chai but seems to have “lots and lots” of mixes that she tries and then decides just “doesn’t do it” for her. Lots of opened but not finished cans/bags of mix – not the best for storage or the pocketbook.
Thanks for this one – I think I might even have all the required ingredients too!
For religious reasons, I don’t drink coffee or tea so I’m going to try subbing out hot chocolate mix for the tea and sweeteners. I think it will taste just fine as I’ve had cinnamon and nutmeg in my hot chocolate and it’s good.
I’ve never had chai tea before but decided to try it with this recipe for the first time. I liked that it was sugar free and sounded pretty easy. Oh my goodness gracious, this is the best thing since slice bread (as my grandma used to say). Really, really, really good!!! Also, I did a calorie count on MFP website and with 2 tbls of the mix in hot water it is only 18 calories. Perfect!!!!!