A Coconut Chai Latte is a simple way to take a basic chai latte up a notch or two in flavor. Creamy coconut milk is blended into chai for a warm, comforting beverage that is lower in fat and dairy free, but full of flavor!
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This simple recipe for a Coconut Chai Latte is the perfect example of how one little substitution can make a big difference!
By swapping out heavy whipping cream for unsweetened coconut milk, you now have a dairy free latte and consume less fat. It’s also a better option than store bought creamers made with vegetable oil.
It doesn’t hurt that coconut is one tasty flavor that works really well with the spices used to make chai.
These Coconut Chai Lattes are just as delicious as a classic Chai Latte and just as creamy as if you used any other cream or creamer!
Why This Recipe Works
It’s a super quick and easy recipe to make and much less expensive than buying one at a fancy coffee shop.
You can prepare this tea to enjoy hot or iced.
This recipe is naturally dairy free, gluten free, and can be made keto-friendly simply by using a sugar substitute.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag (use 2 for iced): or you can make your own chai tea using this recipe for Chai Spice with a black tea bag.
- 6-8 ounces water (boiling): use less for a more intense chai flavor or more to lessen the spice.
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk: I prefer to use canned, full fat, unsweetened coconut milk for the best flavor. If you use a carton of coconut milk from the dairy section of the grocery store, it may contain enough sugar without having to add more.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or sugar substitute)
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
There isn’t any real prep to this simple chai recipe.
Create!
Add a chai tea bag to a mug and add 6-8 ounces of boiling water. Let it steep for about 4 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: if making iced chai, use two tea bags and allow the tea to cool before pouring over ice.
Whisk in the coconut milk and sugar.
Taste and adjust, as desired.
Present!
Top with a couple of star anise, if desired.
Serve hot.
Tips and Techniques
- If making iced chai, use two tea bags and allow the tea to cool before pouring over ice.
- You can make your own chai tea using this recipe for Chai Spice with a black tea bag
- Be sure to give your can of coconut milk a really good shake before opening it or pour it into a bowl and whisk it.
- You can make this recipe with a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Store extra coconut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using it again as coconut milk naturally separates and solidifies.
FAQ’s
How Can You Use Extra Coconut Milk?
- stir it into tea and coffee
- use it to replace heavy cream in recipes
- add it to soups, curries, and sauces
- mix it into smoothies
- stir it into oatmeal
More Chai Recipes
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If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Coconut Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag (see notes)
- 6-8 ounces water (boiling)
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk (I use canned)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or sugar substitute)
- star anise (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add your tea bag to a mug and pour 6-8 ounces of boiling water over it. Steep for 4 minutes.1 chai tea bag, 6-8 ounces water
- Whisk in the coconut milk and sugar. Taste and adjust, as desired.2 tablespoons coconut milk, 1 teaspoon sugar
- Top with 1-2 star anise, if desired, and serve hot.star anise
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- If making iced chai, use two tea bags and allow the tea to cool before pouring over ice.
- You can make your own chai tea using this recipe for Chai Spice with a black tea bag
- Be sure to give your can of coconut milk a really good shake before opening it or pour it into a bowl and whisk it.
- You can make this recipe with a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Store extra coconut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using it again as coconut milk naturally separates and solidifies.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on January 21, 2019. It was updated with new images, step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques and FAQ’s in February 2024.
Caterina Raffa says
Yum-o! Thanks for the easy version with the tea bags! Made this for me and my sister in Salisbury, North Carolina!
Lauren Vavala says
Of course! Hope you guys love it!!
– Lauren
Leburta says
I was disappointed that there was no ingredient list for the “chai tea” part of the drink. I expected that if we were going through the trouble of creating a drink using coconut milk that the chai would be fresh. Do you happen to have a recipe to make the tea as well?
Lauren says
Hi Leburta! Sorry you were disappointed. I have made chai tea from scratch before, but usually use tea bags because of how quick and easy they are. I often use 2 though for extra spice flavor.
There are SO many “authentic” homemade versions. Most bundle together 1-2 cinnamon sticks, a few cardamom pods, 6-8 peppercorns, 6-8 whole cloves, 1-2 star anise, and small piece of fresh ginger in a little muslin cloth and steep that with 5-6 black tea bags. But, you can change up the spices to your preference. Then add the sweetener and milk/cream of your choice.
Hope this help, Lauren
Traci says
Why have I never done this before? How simple, delicious, and gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the latte love 🙂
Lauren says
It was definitely one of those ah-ha moments 🙂
Corina Blum says
I love anything with coconut milk it! I think this would be a perfect recipe for cold winter days.
Lauren says
Tea all day, every day this winter!
Lucy Parissi says
This sounds like a super easy recipe that will hit the spot when you need warming up quickly.
Lauren says
For sure! 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
What a great way to use coconut milk. I also haven’t ever thought of using it in my oatmeal. Such a great idea.
Lauren says
I hadn’t either – it’s such a great way to change up the flavor a bit 🙂
Kate says
What a delicious looking mug of chai latte! I love all these flavours and can’t wait to try it.
Lauren says
Thanks Kate!