Description
The Vanilla Chai Smoothie is a creamy, refreshing drink combining the warm spices of chai with rich vanilla and natural sweetness. Perfect for any time of day, this versatile smoothie offers a balance of comforting spice and smooth texture, easily customizable for different dietary needs and seasons.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed chai tea (cooled to room temperature)
- 1 ripe banana (frozen for best texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste or omit)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or cashew butter
- A handful of spinach or kale
- Additional ground cinnamon, ginger, or black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew the chai tea – Brew a strong cup of chai tea using your favorite tea bags or loose leaf chai blend. Let it steep for about 5 minutes to fully extract the warm, bold spices.
- Step 2: Prepare the smoothie base – In a blender, combine the cooled brewed chai tea, banana, vanilla extract, milk, and yogurt. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful base of your smoothie.
- Step 3: Sweeten to taste – Gradually add honey or maple syrup, tasting as you go, to ensure balanced sweetness without overpowering the chai spices.
- Step 4: Add ice and optional boosters – Add ice cubes to chill the smoothie. Include optional ingredients like chia seeds, protein powder, nut butters, or greens if desired.
- Step 5: Blend until smooth – Blend all ingredients on high speed until the texture is silky smooth and frothy, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
Notes
- Use cold or room temperature chai tea to avoid warming the smoothie and preserve its refreshing quality.
- Freeze the banana beforehand for a naturally creamy texture and chilled drink.
- Adjust spices gradually starting with mild chai, and add extra cinnamon or ginger for a bolder flavor.
- Blend a few seconds longer for a frothier finish.
- Taste frequently when sweetening to balance flavors, as chai spices can mask sweetness levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (about 12 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg