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!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chai tea bags instead of chai concentrate?
Yes, you can! To replace the 3 ounces of chai concentrate, brew one or two chai tea bags in about 4 ounces of hot water. Let it steep for at least 5-7 minutes to get a strong, concentrated flavor. Let it cool completely before making your iced drink.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
This recipe is completely customizable to your taste! If you prefer a less sweet drink, simply add less gingerbread syrup to your glass—start with half a tablespoon and add more until it’s just right. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the gingerbread syrup recipe itself, though this may slightly change its consistency.
I don’t have oat milk. Can I use a different kind of milk?
Definitely! While oat milk provides a wonderful creaminess that complements the chai, feel free to use your favorite milk. Almond milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk all work well. Keep in mind that full-fat milks tend to froth a bit better than their lower-fat counterparts.
Can I make this a hot drink instead of an iced one?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderful served hot. To make a “Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte,” simply combine the chai concentrate and oat milk in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm and steaming (be careful not to boil it). Pour it into a mug, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup, and top with frothed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s the perfect cozy drink for a chilly day!
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe as written is designed to make one generous (approximately 16-oz) serving, just like you’d get at a café. However, the gingerbread syrup recipe makes enough for about 10-12 drinks, so you can enjoy them all season long
Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
