Summers have hit us earlier this year. The scorching heat outside drains every bit of energy that is left within us. Having tea and coffee has become a task in this weather. Well, the season of iced tea and iced coffee has begun officially. But what if we need more energy to keep us going through the day? Iced tea latte is the answer to it. 

Iced tea latte or Iced chai latte is an infusion of black tea with cinnamon, clove, and other warming spices that are blended with milk and ice. This beverage is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours. We all are already in love with iced tea. Every sip of iced tea hits the right spot in our taste buds. Iced teas can be of different flavours like peach, lemon, watermelon etc. But nothing tastes better than a home-brewed iced tea. Inventions and experiments are better when done in the kitchen. Iced tea latte is one such experiment that is now loved by all. The beverage is now available in most cafes and coffee shops. 

Iced chai latte is a creamier version of iced tea and is every chai lover's favourite. The flavours are aromatic, comforting and give hints of Indian traditional spices that are used in Masala chai. Milk balances the strong flavours of the spices and gives it a creamier and frothy touch.

Follow this recipe and make your own Iced tea latte at home

Ingredients

Milk

Cinnamon

Cloves

Cardamom

Black tea/tea bags

Vanilla essence

Ginger 

nutmeg (optional)

sugar

Ice cubes

Directions

1.    With the help of a rolling pin crush cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and ginger. 

2.    Put the crushed spices and ginger into a pan and add a little water.

3.    Keep it on simmer for 3-4 minutes and wait for the spices to start leaving their flavours.

4.    Add 2 teaspoons of black tea and sugar, and brew it for 5-7 minutes until the colour changes to reddish-brown. 

5.    Strain all the solids and add a few drops of vanilla essence. 

6.    Let the chai concentrate cool in the refrigerator for an hour. 

7.    Put some ice cubes in a glass. Pour the cold chai concentrate and add some milk to it. Mix it well. 

8.    Your homemade iced tea latte is ready to be enjoyed.

Tips and Tricks

1.    Garnish it with some cardamom powder to get a stronger and more aromatic flavour of masala chai.

2.    Use whole milk to make the beverage creamier.

3.    You can also use almond, soy and oat milk as per your desire. 

4.    Chai concentrate can be stored for 3 days in a refrigerator.

5.    Don't add milk to the concentrate until it's ready to be consumed. 

6.    Use whole spices instead of ground spices. It will give more aroma and flavour to the tea.