Chai Milkshake Recipe
This chai milkshake recipe delivers the perfect balance of fragrant chai spices with rich vanilla ice cream in every sip. It’s a thick, old-fashioned milkshake that comes together in just minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Chai flavors go in more than tea cups
I was introduced to the warming spice blend known as chai at a tea shop in northern California, and I was an instant fan. While I enjoy a hot cup of chai when the weather turns cool, I prefer cold, icy beverages throughout the summer. This year I’ve been experimenting with homemade milkshake flavors, and chai quickly made its way onto my list.
It occurred to me that if I blended all of the goodness of chai spices into a thick, creamy milkshake, I could enjoy my beloved chai tea all year long. So I gave it a try, and the result was everything I had hoped for. The warm spices and rich vanilla ice cream come together in a smooth, refreshing treat that satisfies my chai cravings no matter the season.
If you enjoy homemade frozen treats, be sure to try all of my ice cream beverage recipes. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot afternoon or serving dessert after dinner, my homemade tropical fruit milkshake, easy blueberry cheesecake milkshake, and classic ice cream float are three more favorites worth adding to your list.
Recipe ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Any good-quality vanilla ice cream will make a delicious milkshake, but vanilla bean ice cream is highly recommended. The real vanilla bean flecks add extra depth and pair beautifully with the warm chai spices.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk provides the richest, creamiest texture and complements the warm chai spices without overpowering them. Its higher fat content helps create a smooth, classic milkshake consistency.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, and Cloves): This classic combination gives the milkshake its signature chai flavor. Use fresh, aromatic ground spices for the best results, as older spices lose much of their fragrance and intensity over time.
- Whipped Cream: A swirl of whipped cream is optional but makes a beautiful finishing touch while adding another layer of creamy richness. For the freshest flavor and texture, try topping your shake with my homemade whipped cream.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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How to make a chai milkshake
Step 1: Add the vanilla ice cream, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground cloves, and whole milk to a blender. Blend on high speed until the spices are fully incorporated and the milkshake is thick, smooth, and creamy with no visible streaks.
Step 2: Pour the milkshake into a chilled serving glass. If desired, top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately while the milkshake is thick and icy cold.
Top tips
- Adjust Spice Level: Traditional chai is known for its bold, warming spice profile, and this milkshake reflects that. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce each of the spices until the balance suits your taste.
- Freeze Serving Glass: Place your serving glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before pouring in the milkshake. A frosty glass helps keep the shake colder longer and slows melting while you enjoy it.
- Blend Just Until Smooth: Once the ingredients are fully combined, stop blending. Overblending creates excess friction, which warms the milkshake and thins its texture.
- Garnish with Ground Cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the whipped cream adds an inviting aroma and gives the finished milkshake a polished, coffeehouse-style presentation.
- Make It for a Crowd: This recipe scales easily for parties or family gatherings. Blend larger batches as needed, but serve each batch immediately to preserve its thick, creamy consistency.
Other recipes you’ll love
If you loved this dessert beverage recipe, give these other great beverage recipes a try too!
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe
How To Make Chai Spiced Cacao
Honey Vanilla Coffee Creamer Recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Creamer From Scratch
Best French Press Iced Coffee Recipe
Chai Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- whipped cream optional
- maraschino cherry optional
Instructions
- Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and ground cloves to a blender.
- Blend until the milkshake is completely smooth and the spices are evenly incorporated.
- Pour into a serving glass.
- If desired, top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe makes a boldly spiced chai milkshake. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of each spice before blending.
- Vanilla bean ice cream provides the richest flavor, but any good-quality vanilla ice cream works well.
- Chill the serving glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to help keep the milkshake colder longer.
- For a coffeehouse-style presentation, lightly dust the whipped cream with ground cinnamon just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
