Save Pin
When the air's crisp and cool, I start wanting drinks that are cozy but still feel a bit fresh. This iced apple crisp cream chai latte totally hits that sweet spot. You get spiced tea, chilly foam, a touch of apple, and it all sits over a handful of ice. Tastes like something you’d grab at a coffee shop, but you’re the boss—make it as sweet or creamy as you want. I made this the first day I wore a sweater last fall. Now it’s what I crave every time I want something a little special—perfect for curling up under a blanket or wandering around the neighborhood.
The first time I put this drink together, I was surprised just how much tastier it got when I played with cream and chai strength. Now, if I’m after that happy, cozy feeling, I mix up a glass for myself.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon: Sprinkle this right before sipping for those apple pie vibes that bring everything together
- Ice: Always add ice last and only when you’re ready, so it stays extra cool and crisp
- Apple brown sugar syrup: This is what makes the apple crisp magic, homemade if you’ve got it, or just grab a good store-bought one
- Heavy cream: Using fresh cream gives you a cloudlike foam, but if you’re dairy-free, grab a super thick coconut or oat option
- Milk: For rich flavor, stick with two percent or whole, but oat milk (the barista kind) is also a win in this drink
- Chai concentrate: Choose a bold, strong chai from the store or make your own for the most punchy flavor
Simple How-To Steps
- Top It Off With Cream:
- Give your thickened cream a quick whisk, then slowly pour over the iced chai. You want it to float on top, cloud-like. Add a pinch of cinnamon, take a sip, and enjoy right away.
- Add Your Ice:
- Put fresh ice into your big glass, leaving half an inch up top for the cream layer.
- Chai and Milk Time:
- Stir the chai concentrate and milk together in a big glass. Feel free to pop in a little extra apple syrup if you want more apple goodness.
- Keep The Cream Cool:
- Send the foamy cream back to the freezer while you prep the chai. That way, it stays ready and thick till the end.
- Mix Up The Creamy Foam:
- Pour heavy cream, milk, and apple brown sugar syrup into your chilled bowl. Don’t hold the bowl—let it stay cold! Whisk fast till it’s creamy and kind of like soft ice cream.
- Chill Your Equipment:
- Throw your whisk and a small mixing bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. That helps your foam get super thick and dreamy.
Save Pin
The creamy apple brown sugar foam is my favorite bit. It takes me back to baking apple crisp with my kids when it’s chilly. The first time we put that fluffy icing on chai, they thought it was like drinking dessert. I agree!
Storing Your Drink
This drink is yummiest right when you make it. But if you plan ahead, stash the chai and cream parts in separate jars in the fridge for a day. Give the cream another quick whisk before topping your drink.
Swaps and Easy Fixes
Fresh out of apple brown sugar syrup? Try mixing maple syrup with a splash of apple juice or use some apple butter instead. If you’re avoiding dairy, oat or cashew milk work just as well.
Fun Ways To Serve
Nibble a crispy biscotti or a buttery scone while you sip. This is a feel-good drink for morning hangouts or cozy afternoon snack breaks during sweater weather.
Save Pin
Origins and Story
Chai comes from India's beloved masala tea blends filled with warming spices. Apple crisp is a beloved fall treat in North America. Mixing the two brings you those autumn-y feels in each cup.
Common Questions
- → Any ideas for getting the apple cream really silky?
Make sure your bowl and whisk are super cold, chill them between mixing, and use your hand—not a machine—to whip for smooth, fluffy topping.
- → Would oat milk work instead of regular?
Absolutely! Barista oat milk is awesome for both blending into the drink and whipping into cream, so everything stays creamy and tasty.
- → Do I need any fancy gadgets to make it?
You just need a cold whisk and bowl. Frother is nice but totally not a must. Old-fashioned hand whisking does the job perfectly for your cream.
- → What's the main thing that shouts apple crisp here?
That apple brown sugar syrup in the cream—and when you mix a little in with the chai itself—makes the whole thing taste like apple crisp in your cup.
- → Is it fine to just buy chai concentrate?
Go for it. Using ready chai saves work and keeps every glass just as tasty as the last. It's a super easy shortcut for a delicious iced drink.
- → Is the cinnamon sprinkle a must?
It's your call. Leaving it off won't hurt, but a dusting of cinnamon really brings out those warm apple and chai notes. It makes the drink smell amazing too.