Lavender Vanilla Chai

Cozy, floral, and gently spiced, this Lavender Vanilla Chai brings calm in a cup. It is easy to make, good for quiet mornings, and fits well into a healthy routine.


INTRODUCTION

Lavender Vanilla Chai is a warm drink with chai spices, floral lavender, and sweet vanilla. This drink is simple and fits many diets when you make a few smart swaps. It can be a lighter option for people who want low calorie or diabetic-friendly drinks. If you want a dairy-free twist, check my creamy vanilla chai oatmilk latte for a smooth plant-based version.

This recipe uses a single chai tea bag and a few pantry items. It is an easy, healthy version of a cafe drink. You can cut sugar or use lower-fat milk to keep it low calorie and better for weight loss goals. It can also be made gluten free and low carb with the right choices.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this Lavender Vanilla Chai because it is simple and calming. It is perfect when you want a lighter option that still feels special. The lavender adds a soft floral note that pairs well with chai spices. The vanilla brings a creamy sweetness so you do not need much added sugar.

Health and lifestyle benefits:

  • Low calorie: Use unsweetened milk or a sugar-free vanilla syrup for fewer calories.
  • Diabetic-friendly: Swap to a zero-calorie sweetener and unsweetened milk to lower sugar impact.
  • Gluten free: The recipe has no gluten ingredients as written.
  • Great for meal prep: Make a batch of the chai concentrate and heat or froth per cup.
    This drink is a gentle treat that fits a calm, balanced day. If you love floral spices, try the lavender chai spice latte recipe for another cozy idea.

HOW TO MAKE Lavender Vanilla Chai

This drink is quick and needs only small steps. Follow the simple method below to make a cup in minutes.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Kettle or pot for hot water
  • Small saucepan or milk frother for steaming milk
  • Mug or heatproof cup
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • Optional: fine mesh strainer for lavender buds

Ingredients You’ll Need :

  • 1 chai tea bag
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp dried lavender
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or syrup

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

  1. Steep the chai tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
  2. In a separate container, steam the milk until hot and frothy.
  3. Add the dried lavender and vanilla extract or syrup to the steeped tea.
  4. Pour the steamed milk into the tea mixture and stir gently.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

HOW TO SERVE Lavender Vanilla Chai

Serve this chai hot in a small cup for a cozy treat. Keep portions sensible to enjoy the flavor without extra calories. A 1-cup serving is a good standard. If you use whole milk or add sweet syrup, choose a smaller cup to control calories.

Healthy serving ideas:

  • Use 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk to lower calories.
  • Add a small dash of cinnamon on top for extra flavor without sugar.
  • Use 1/2 tsp vanilla and a sugar-free syrup to keep it diabetic-friendly.

Portion control tips:

  • Stick to a 1/2 to 1-cup milk ratio to keep the drink balanced.
  • Count any added sweeteners into your daily sugar or carb goals.
  • If you want a richer mug, make two small cups instead of one large one.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Lavender Vanilla Chai

This drink is best fresh. Still, you can store a chai concentrate or leftover milk mix.

Short term:

  • Keep leftover chai in the fridge for up to 48 hours in a sealed jar. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing:

  • Do not freeze steamed milk in the cup form; it changes texture.
  • You can freeze a spiced chai concentrate (just the tea and lavender) for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Best practice:

  • Make the tea fresh when possible for the best aroma and flavor.
  • If you plan to store, separate the tea concentrate from the milk to keep texture and flavor fresh.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair the Lavender Vanilla Chai with light, balanced sides for a healthy snack or small breakfast. Good choices include:

  • A small bowl of plain Greek yogurt topped with fruit and a sprinkle of chia seeds for protein.
  • A slice of whole-grain toast with nut butter for fiber and healthy fats.
  • A small oat muffin made with applesauce for a lighter option.

For a full, high protein meal, serve the chai with a hard-boiled egg and a handful of almonds. This gives you a mix of protein and healthy fat that keeps you full. This drink is also gluten free when served with naturally gluten-free sides.

VARIATIONS

Try these variations to fit food goals and tools you have.

  • Healthier version: Use unsweetened almond milk or skim milk and a sugar-free vanilla syrup. This creates a lower calorie and diabetic-friendly drink. It is a healthy version that still tastes rich.
  • High-protein or low-carb version: Make a high protein meal drink by adding 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the steamed milk before pouring it into the tea. Use unsweetened almond milk or pea-protein milk for a low carb, high-protein option. This turns the chai into a light high protein meal replacement.
  • Oven-baked version: If you want a baked treat with the same flavors, try an oven-baked lavender chai oatmeal. Mix rolled oats with a brewed cup of strong chai, a little dried lavender, vanilla, and egg or mashed banana. Bake until set for a warm, spiced breakfast. For a cool summer option, check the vanilla bean lavender cold brew latte for a refreshing take.
  • Air fryer idea: You can make small chai-spiced lavender custard cups in ramekins and bake them in an air fryer at low temp for a quick dessert. Use a custard base with milk, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of lavender.

Each variation keeps the core flavors but fits different goals: lower calories, higher protein, or a baked snack.

Lavender Vanilla Chai

FAQs

Q: Is this Lavender Vanilla Chai good for weight loss?
A: It can be a good for weight loss drink if you make it a lighter option. Use unsweetened milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup. Keep the portion small. This makes it a low calorie warm drink that helps with cravings.

Q: Can diabetics drink this chai?
A: Yes, when made with no added sugar and unsweetened milk, it is diabetic-friendly. Choose a sugar substitute or a no-sugar syrup and control portion size. Always check with your doctor for personal advice.

Q: How long can I keep leftover chai in the fridge?
A: Store leftover chai in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently. Do not freeze the milk portion, as texture will change.

Q: Is this drink gluten free?
A: Yes. The ingredients listed are naturally gluten free. If you use flavored syrups, check labels to be sure they are gluten free.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes. Use a plant milk like oat, soy, or almond and a vegan vanilla syrup. Oat milk makes it creamy and still light.

Q: Will adding protein powder change the taste?
A: It may change texture and flavor. Use a neutral or vanilla protein powder and mix it well into warm milk before adding to tea. This makes a high protein meal-like drink.

Q: Is dried lavender safe to drink?
A: Yes, culinary-grade dried lavender is safe in small amounts. Do not use fragrant or essential oil lavender meant for fragrance. Use food-grade lavender and start with a small amount like 1/2 tsp.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lavender Vanilla Chai

  • Make a chai concentrate: Steep 3-4 chai bags in 2 cups hot water with 1 tsp dried lavender. Cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, steam 1/2 cup milk and add 1/2 cup concentrate per serving. This is great for quick mornings and is great for meal prep.
  • Pre-measure vanilla: Put 1 tsp portions of vanilla syrup or extract into small containers so you can add them fast.
  • Use a milk frother that heats: This saves time if you make many drinks.
  • Batch steam milk for two cups at once if you plan to drink both soon. Reheat gently to keep texture.
  • For travel, pour chai into a thermos. Keep it warm for a few hours and enjoy on the go.

This recipe is simple to scale and can be part of a low calorie or balanced plan when made with care. It is a calm, floral drink that can be a lighter option or a higher-protein beverage with small swaps. Enjoy the warm spice and soft lavender with the sweet smell of vanilla any time you need a gentle treat.


Print

Lavender Vanilla Chai

A calming and floral drink combining chai spices, lavender, and sweet vanilla for a cozy experience.

  • Author: alexandra-roa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Steeping, Steaming
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 chai tea bag
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp dried lavender
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or syrup

Instructions

  1. Steep the chai tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
  2. In a separate container, steam the milk until hot and frothy.
  3. Add the dried lavender and vanilla extract or syrup to the steeped tea.
  4. Pour the steamed milk into the tea mixture and stir gently.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter option, use unsweetened milk or a sugar-free vanilla syrup. This drink is gluten-free and can be made vegan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Lavender, Vanilla, Chai, Beverage, Healthy Drink

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