Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk Recipe
Introduction
Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk is a cozy, dairy-free beverage that combines the warmth of traditional chai spices with creamy coconut milk. It’s perfect for sipping on a chilly day or whenever you want a comforting drink with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon chai spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper)
- Sweetener to taste (such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and add the chai spices.
- Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Do not boil.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve into cups.
- Step 4: Stir in your preferred sweetener, adjusting to taste, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk or combine coconut milk with almond milk.
- To make your own chai spice blend, combine equal parts cinnamon, ground cardamom, ginger powder, ground cloves, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Add a vanilla bean or a splash of vanilla extract for extra sweetness and aroma.
- For a cold version, chill the spiced coconut milk and serve over ice.
Storage
Store leftover chai-spiced coconut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving to redistribute the spices.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular dairy or other plant-based milks, but coconut milk adds a unique creaminess and flavor that pairs particularly well with chai spices.
How do I make chai spice blend from scratch?
Mix ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of black pepper in equal parts. Adjust the amounts to your taste and use fresh spices for the best aroma.
PrintChai-Spiced Coconut Milk Recipe
Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk is a comforting and aromatic beverage combining creamy coconut milk with warm chai spices and a touch of sweetener, perfect for a cozy treat or a flavorful dairy-free alternative to traditional chai tea.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Coconut Milk Base
- 2 cups coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
Chai Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 4 black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spices: Gather all whole spices including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, fresh ginger slices, and ground nutmeg. Lightly crush the cardamom pods to release their flavor.
- Heat Coconut Milk with Spices: Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and add all the prepared spices. Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply.
- Sweeten the Chai Milk: Add your preferred sweetener such as maple syrup or honey into the warm spiced coconut milk. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener evenly throughout the mixture. Adjust sweetness as desired.
- Strain the Mixture: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the chai-spiced coconut milk into a serving vessel to remove the solid spices. Press gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor without sediment.
- Serve Warm: Pour the strained chai-spiced coconut milk into your favorite mug or cup. Serve immediately while warm for the best aromatic and creamy experience. Optionally, garnish with a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice quantities depending on how strong or mild you prefer the chai flavor.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture, though light coconut milk can be used for lower fat content.
- Maple syrup or honey can be substituted with other sweeteners such as agave or stevia depending on dietary preferences.
- This beverage is naturally vegan and dairy-free if using plant-based sweeteners.
- For a cold version, let the mixture cool, strain, and serve over ice.
Keywords: chai, spiced coconut milk, vegan chai, dairy-free beverage, plant-based chai, warm drink, coconut milk recipe, cozy drink
