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What Is Vanilla Chai?

Gregory Hanson
Gregory Hanson

Vanilla chai is a tea-based beverage with a vanilla flavor. In some cases, this vanilla flavor may be produced with actual vanilla. While in other cases, it is the result of either chemical flavor agents or a mix of spices which, when blended and steeped, produce the impression of vanilla without the use of actual vanilla. Vanilla chai, like all varieties of spiced chai, is typically brewed from a rich and fragrant mixture of black tea and spices and is generally made rich with milk and sweet with sugar.

The term chai, in and of itself, is simply a word for tea in many cultures ranging from the Indian subcontinent to Russia. In many western markets, however, the term chai is used to describe a particular set of teas commonly served on the Indian subcontinent. Vanilla chai is usually prepared in the style of one of these rich, spice-infused Indian teas. These rich, sweet, and spice-infused teas are generally known by the term masala chai in their Indian culture of origin.

Vanilla chai.
Vanilla chai.

Many spices are used to flavor chai. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and pepper are all commonly used to flavor traditionally prepared chai. Chai is generally made with a rich blend of whole milk or cream and some variety of sweetener, most often common granulated sugar. This sweet and flavorful mixture may taste of vanilla, depending on the blend of spices used. More traditional blends, which include somewhat sharp notes in the form of pepper or cardamom, are less likely to convey this impression.

Vanilla chai is often prepared using Assan or another bold black tea.
Vanilla chai is often prepared using Assan or another bold black tea.

A different version of vanilla chai features actual vanilla or imitation vanilla flavor. This is essentially a western adaptation of chai. A small amount of vanilla extract can be added when brewing chai, which will then add a rich vanilla flavor to the finished chai. Pre-mixed boxed or bottled varieties of chai may already include some vanilla extract for flavor.

Ginger root is one spice that can be used to flavor chai tea.
Ginger root is one spice that can be used to flavor chai tea.

The sweet and flavorful profile of these western versions of vanilla chai makes them ideal for use in desserts. Vanilla chai ice cream plays to these strengths. The tea's rich, spicy flavor combined with the sweet, creamy ice cream base makes a pleasing parallel with the typical flavor profile of chai. Similarly vanilla chai is also often used as the basis for smoothies and other iced beverages.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I don't know how to make vanilla chai from scratch. I use a powder mix from the grocery. It just has to be mixed with hot water. It tastes very good though. It's my favorite winter drink. I'm not much of a hot cocoa person but I can have vanilla chai every day.

I did have to try a few brands to find one I like though. Some brands have a spicier taste and I don't like that. The one I use has a hint of spice but the vanilla flavor is more dominant. And it's kind of creamy too. I like that it has everything including the sugar in it. I keep some at the office too because it's so easy to prepare.

SarahGen

@ddljohn-- Yes, the chai served at cafes and also the ones sold at the grocery store either as liquid or as tea bags contain artificial ingredients. It's actually easy to make vanilla chai at home but requires real dry vanilla. It has to be infused in the tea for some time for the flavor to come out. But it's worth it.

ddljohn

I know that there are different ways of making chai depending on the area of India and what the locals there prefer. I'm familiar with masala chai which I learned to make from a South Indian friend. I make it at home all the time but I have never heard of actual vanilla being used.

The chai I make has cloves, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. Some people also add black peppers, but I don't prefer to. The result is a nice, warming spicy chai. But the flavor doesn't remind me of vanilla.

When I think of vanilla chai, I actually think of the chai served at coffee shops with ready-made chai mix. These mixes usually contain artificial vanilla flavors in them. This is not chai in the Indian sense, but it has become popular in the States.

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    • Vanilla chai.
      Vanilla chai.
    • Vanilla chai is often prepared using Assan or another bold black tea.
      By: Fisher Photostudio
      Vanilla chai is often prepared using Assan or another bold black tea.
    • Ginger root is one spice that can be used to flavor chai tea.
      By: GIS
      Ginger root is one spice that can be used to flavor chai tea.