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Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk Recipe

4.7 from 89 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Coconut Milk Base

  • 2 cups coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)

Chai Spices

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 45 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 45 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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