Ingredients
Apple Cider:
- 4 organic Gala apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
Chai Tea Latte:
- 2 cups almond milk (such as Califia Farms)
- 2-3 black tea bags
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Chai Tea Spice Mix:
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make Apple Cider: Add the peeled and sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground allspice into a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of fresh water, ensuring about an inch of space remains at the top to prevent boiling over. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the apples are completely softened and the mixture is fragrant, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Strain Apple Cider: Remove from heat. Using a large cooking spoon, carefully scoop the mixture into a fine strainer set over a large bowl. Press and squeeze the softened apples to extract the juice. Discard the solids, including the apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Set the strained apple cider aside.
- Prepare Chai Tea: In another medium saucepan, heat the almond milk on medium-high until it just begins to boil, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, then add the black tea bags and steep for 5-6 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Mix Latte: Remove and discard the tea bags. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of the chai tea spice mix, half a cup of the prepared apple cider, vanilla extract, and agave syrup until everything is well combined and aromatic.
- Serve: Pour the apple-chai mixture into prepared mugs. Optionally, top with dairy-free whipped cream such as CocoWhip and garnish with additional chai spice mix for extra warmth and flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Sweetener Options: Substitute agave with maple syrup, vegan honey (such as Bee Free Honee), or organic brown sugar as desired.
- Best Served Fresh: This latte is best enjoyed immediately after preparation and is not recommended for storage.
- Storing Apple Cider: Leftover apple cider can be kept refrigerated in a tightly covered container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Alternative Preparation Method: You can also prepare this latte in a high-tech blender with heating capabilities like a Vitamix, which allows blending and warming simultaneously.
- Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Besides almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk (which froths well), or flax milk are great options.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
