There’s something magical about the scent of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tasted the Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai; it was a crisp autumn day, and I was craving something warm yet refreshing. That drink wrapped me in cozy nostalgia, evoking memories of holiday baking sessions with family. Now, as the leaves turn golden and pumpkin spice reigns, I love recreating that sweet, spiced bliss at home. Join me as I share my take on this delightful drink that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also be a hit in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this Starbucks-inspired drink in no time!
- Nostalgic Appeal: The comforting flavors of gingerbread and chai transport you back to holiday traditions and warm family gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money and enjoy your favorite café drink from the comfort of home!
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice levels to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
To create your own show-stopping Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, you’ll need:
- Water
- Sugar
- Dark brown sugar
- Molasses
- Ground ginger
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Ice
- Chai concentrate
- Oat milk
- Ground cinnamon
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive in. First, we’re going to make our gingerbread syrup because every great drink starts with a sweet foundation! In a small saucepan, combine all your syrup ingredients: water, sugar, dark brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The aroma will be nothing short of heavenly!
When your syrup is ready, pour it into a mason jar and seal it tight. Let it cool in the fridge while we prepare the drink.
Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice until it’s about two-thirds full. Pour in three ounces of chai concentrate, followed by three ounces of oat milk. I love oat milk for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite milk or milk alternative if you prefer!
Now, let’s froth the remaining two ounces of oat milk. If you don’t have a frother, don’t fret! Just shake it vigorously in a sealed jar. Add in one tablespoon of that delicious gingerbread syrup we made earlier and froth it all together. Carefully pour this frothy goodness over the chai mixture in your glass. To finish, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- For an even richer ginger flavor, let the syrup sit in the fridge overnight. It only gets better with a little time!
- Make sure to monitor your syrup as it simmers. If it starts to bubble too fast, just turn down the heat — no stress!
- If you like a stronger chai flavor, feel free to use more chai concentrate, but add a splash more oat milk to balance it out.
- Create a festive twist by adding a drizzle of caramel on top of the froth!
How to Serve
This drink pairs beautifully with a slice of pumpkin bread or warm scones for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s also a fantastic choice for holiday brunches or cozy gatherings. Imagine serving this to your friends as you sit by the fireplace, chatting and laughing. For an extra special touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream for a luxurious finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, the gingerbread syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can easily make a double batch and enjoy this treat all season long! When stored, the flavor only intensifies, making it even better as the days go by. If you have leftover chai blended drink, it can last a day in the refrigerator, but I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste!
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so enjoy without worry.
What if I don’t have XYZ ingredient?
If you’re missing any spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the gingerbread spices!
Can I use an air fryer or slow cooker instead?
This recipe is best as is, but you can experiment! Just be careful with the simmering process, as the timing may vary based on your equipment.
I hope this drink brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Making Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai at home not only saves you a trip to the café but also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let me know how it turns out — I’d love to hear from you!
Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Drink
- ice
- 3 ounces chai concentrate
- 5 ounces oat milk divided use
- 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all syrup ingredients in a pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour syrup into a mason jar, seal, and refrigerate until cool.
- Fill a tall glass with ice to ⅔ full.
- Add chai concentrate and 3 ounces of oat milk to the glass.
- Froth 2 ounces of oat milk with 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup, then pour it into the glass. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.