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Chai Coffee Frost: The Ultimate Guide to Making This Delicious Drink

A refreshing blend of chai spices and bold coffee, topped with creamy chai-infused frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups water
  • 10 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 10 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 black tea bags (such as Assam or English Breakfast)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • 4 cups freshly brewed strong coffee, cooled
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chai concentrate (from above)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: Whipped cream, for topping
  • Optional: Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Making the Chai Concentrate: In a large saucepan, combine the water, cardamom pods, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the water.
  3. After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea bags, squeezing gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the tea bags.
  5. Stir in the granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
  6. Strain the chai concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof container to remove the spices.
  7. Let the chai concentrate cool completely before using. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  8. Preparing the Coffee Base: Brew a strong batch of coffee using your preferred method.
  9. Allow the coffee to cool completely.
  10. Making the Chai Coffee Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  12. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chai concentrate, vanilla extract, and salt.
  13. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the butter and powdered sugar mixture, beating until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.
  14. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
  15. Taste the frosting and adjust the flavor as needed.
  16. Assembling the Chai Coffee Frost: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  17. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full.
  18. Add the chai concentrate to the glass, starting with about 1/4 cup. Taste and adjust the amount of chai concentrate to your liking.
  19. Top the drink with a generous dollop of chai coffee frosting.
  20. Optional: Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
  21. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjusting Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the chai concentrate and frosting to your preference.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the intensity of the chai flavor by using more or less of the spices in the chai concentrate.
  • Coffee Strength: Adjust the strength of the coffee to your liking.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter substitute and milk alternative.
  • Adding Alcohol: Add a shot of coffee liqueur or rum for an adult version.
  • Making Ahead: The chai concentrate, coffee base, and frosting can be made ahead of time.
  • Frozen Chai Coffee Frost: Blend all ingredients (including ice) for a milkshake-like consistency.
  • Chai Spice Blend: Use a pre-made chai spice blend instead of making the concentrate from scratch.
  • Espresso Shot: Add a shot of espresso for a more intense coffee flavor.
  • Chocolate Chai Coffee Frost: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the frosting.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Frosting Too Thin: Add more sifted powdered sugar.
    • Frosting Too Thick: Add more heavy cream.
    • Frosting Lumpy: Ensure powdered sugar is sifted and butter is softened.
    • Chai Flavor Not Strong Enough: Add more chai concentrate.
    • Coffee Flavor Not Strong Enough: Use stronger coffee or add espresso.