Candy Cane Chai

INTRODUCTION

Candy Cane Chai is a delightful drink that combines the warm, spicy flavors of chai tea with the refreshing taste of peppermint. This cozy beverage is perfect for cold winter days, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the year. With its beautiful red and white appearance, it not only tastes great but also looks festive. Making Candy Cane Chai is easy and can be a fun activity to share with friends and family. The flavors blend together to create a soothing drink that warms your body and spirit.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Candy Cane Chai. First, it balances the warmth of chai with the coolness of peppermint, creating a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. This drink is simple to make, needing only a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

The creamy milk adds a lovely texture, while the whipped cream and crushed candy cane give it a festive touch. It’s an enjoyable and interactive drink because you can customize it just the way you like. Whether you prefer a little more peppermint flavor or a thicker foam, this recipe allows for personalization. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests during the holiday season!

HOW TO MAKE Candy Cane Chai

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Making Candy Cane Chai requires some basic kitchen tools:

• A kettle or pot for boiling water
• A measuring cup
• A whisk or milk frother for frothing milk
• A mug for serving
• A strainer (if using loose tea)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tsp loose chai tea)
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 2/3 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/2 tsp peppermint syrup (or a splash of peppermint extract)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Crushed candy cane for garnish
• Whole candy cane for stirring

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brew the Chai: Start by brewing a cup of chai tea. Pour 1/3 cup of hot water over the tea bag or loose tea in a cup. Let it steep for about 3-5 minutes. After steeping, remove the tea bag or strain the loose tea to keep your drink clear.
2. Heat the Milk: In a small pot, heat 2/3 cup of milk over medium heat. Stir it gently while it heats to ensure it doesn’t burn. Remove it from heat just before it begins to boil.
3. Froth the Milk: Use a whisk or milk frother to froth the heated milk. This step adds a creamy texture and makes the drink feel more luxurious.
4. Add Peppermint: Once your chai tea is ready, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint syrup, or a splash of peppermint extract if you’re using that instead. This blends the spicy flavors of chai with refreshing peppermint.
5. Combine and Layer: Pour the frothed milk over the chai tea, allowing the foam to rise to the top. This creates a lovely layered look.
6. Top It Off: If you want, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the foam. This adds a delightful richness to your drink.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle some crushed candy cane on top for a festive touch. Finally, place a whole candy cane in your drink as a stirrer, which adds both flavor and decoration.
8. Enjoy!: Hold your mug, take a sip, and enjoy the cozy, festive blend of chai spices and peppermint magic!

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Candy Cane Chai

Candy Cane Chai is best served hot. You can enjoy it by itself or pair it with holiday treats like cookies, gingerbread, or cakes. For an added touch, serve in festive mugs or with a decorative straw.

If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider making a larger batch in a coffee maker or pot. You can keep it warm on a low heat and let guests serve themselves.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Candy Cane Chai

Candy Cane Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge. If you have extra chai without milk, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you want to enjoy it again, just heat it up, froth fresh milk, and combine again.

However, it is not recommended to freeze this drink, as the texture and taste can change once thawed.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Candy Cane Chai is delightful on its own, but you can enhance enjoyment with:

• A slice of pumpkin bread
• Shortbread cookies
• Chocolate-covered pretzels
• Fresh fruit for a light touch

You can also create a Candy Cane Chai bar where guests can add their own toppings like extra whipped cream, different flavored syrups, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to change up your Candy Cane Chai by trying these variations:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free treat.
• Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your chai mixture for a spicier flavor.
• Extra Sweet: Increase the amount of peppermint syrup or add a splash of vanilla syrup for a sweeter taste.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to create a chocolate peppermint chai drink.

FAQs

Can I use loose chai tea instead of a tea bag?

Yes, you can! Use 1 teaspoon of loose chai tea instead of a tea bag for the same flavor.

Can I make this drink vegan?

Absolutely! Just substitute the milk with any dairy-free alternative, like almond or oat milk, and skip the whipped cream or use a plant-based version.

How do I increase the peppermint flavor?

You can add more peppermint syrup or use peppermint extract instead. Just be careful with extract, as a little goes a long way!

Is this drink caffeine-free?

No, Candy Cane Chai contains caffeine because of the chai tea. If you want a caffeine-free option, look for caffeine-free chai or herbal chai blends.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Candy Cane Chai

Preparing ahead can save you time and stress.

• Brew Chai in Advance: You can brew your chai tea and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just heat it up and add the milk and peppermint just before serving.
• Pre-Froth Milk: If you have a milk frother, you can froth the milk ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Heat it quickly when you’re ready to serve.
• Mix Ingredients: Create a peppermint chai mix by combining chai tea, sugar, and peppermint syrup. Just add hot water and milk when you’re ready to serve.

With these tips, you can enjoy the magic of Candy Cane Chai in no time!

Print