My Version of Starbuck's Chai Tea
Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10:39AM Yesterday I discovered something truly amazing! By mixing just a few ingredients I could concoct a chai tea that was a decent enough substitute for Starbuck's chai. I mentioned this discovery on Twitter yesterday and someone responded saying that she would love to know the recipe...so here it is. I am divulging all of my secrets!
Now first, I must preface this by saying that I am not a big tea drinker. I rarely drink the stuff and when I do, I like to add a bunch of sugar, milk, honey, whatever to mask the bland taste of the tea. When I was little I used to call it "dirty water." Chai tea is by far my favorite variety because to me, it has the most flavor. I am also loyal to a particular brand of tea and that is Good Earth Tea. Their Original Sweet & Spicy Blend is the only tea that I actually enjoy drinking plain (no milk, sugar, etc.). For the last few mornings I have been making tea because I have woken up with a slight sore throat and I had been making the Good Earth Original until we ran out. My Mom could not find anymore at the store so as a substitute, she bought Good Earth Vanilla Chai Tea. On the box, this tea recommends adding milk and honey so I thought I'd give it a try and that is when I came up with this fabulous recipe!
Let me also preface this by saying, when I do go to Starbucks, the chai teas are the only thing I order. I am not a coffee drinker (only occasionally do I have it...like when I eat breakfast with my friend Pat) and I'm not into the frappuccinos anymore. In high school I used to get them a lot but now, they are just too sugary for my taste. Also, I'd rather have my daily calories go towards actual food and not liquids. But back to Starbucks, that stuff gets crazy expensive! I don't know how people go there everyday. It's like $5 each time. If you get that everyday, that means you're spending $25-30 a week! That's $100-120 a month!! Ok, you guys can do math so you understand what I'm getting at. That's a lot of money to be spending on just liquid.
Although my version is not quite the same as Starbucks, I think it's a good substitute. It's cheaper and less calories I'm sure. So enough of my blabbing...here's the recipe:
- a packet of Good Earth Vanilla Chai Tea
- honey
- Vanilla Creamer - Originally I had wanted to use milk but we were out of it. I think this creamer (this happens to be lactose free for you vegans out there) from Trader Joe's is actually better than milk because it adds a bit more of the vanilla flavor
- water
- your favorite mug!
Heat your water in the microwave (or however you get it hot) and then put your tea bag into the water to seep. Add the vanilla creamer to taste. I put in about 4 spoonfuls but you may want to adjust that amount depending on your own preferences. Get about a half-spoonful of honey and stir into the tea. And enjoy!
I must add that another reason why I love these Good Earth teas is because each tea bag comes with a quote printed on the tab. It is nice to read the inspiration each morning as you're enjoying your cup. Today my quote was
"When God made time, He made enough of it." -Celtic Saying
Thank you tea...that is definitely good advice!
Are you a big tea drinker and if you are how do you take it?
Have a great Friday friends!
Reader Comments (6)
Thanks for sharing, Lauren! Definitely going to give this a shot :)
I LOVE it!! This is almost exactly what I drink too! I use skim milk though. I will have to try the vanilla creamer! I seriously need to start shopping at Trader Joes! The nearest to my house is about half an hour away which is a pain but SO many people keep telling me about fabulous food items I should buy there.
Hi Delilah! I understand the long drive but TJ's is definitely worth it. I'd go once or twice a month and just stock up on stuff. I have so many favorites. There are so many great things there that you can either throw in your freezer or keep in your pantry for awhile so this works perfectly for you. Some of my favorites: bagels, peanut butter, frozen organic pizzas, chicken potstickers, dried cranberries, and their French macarrons!
Was this posted for me?! I spend way too much money on Chai Tea. I'm DEFINITELY going to have to try this out. Thanks!
Good Earth is wonderful tea!
I too drink my tea with honey & milk! Though soy only (my preferred milk for coffee & tea for some reason...). I drink it from a hand thrown mug I got as a gift a while back... It's such a ritual.