I’m a huge fan of chai lattes. Starbucks Chai Tea Latte has always been a favorite and now I love The Christmas Morning Chai from Dutch Bros, too.
So, when I saw this Starbucks Secret Menu drink going viral on TikTok with the Starbucks Chai Latte base, I knew it was time to hop in the car and hit my favorite drive through.
Today I’m going to share all about this drink, what it tastes like, how to order it, and much more. For 17 more TikTok inspired Starbucks secret menu drinks, check out this post here.
Let’s go!
Starbucks Secret Menu: Iced Chai Tea Latte
This drink uses the Chai Tea Latte base at Starbucks. If you’re new to the chai latte, the word “chai” actually means “tea”, so when Starbucks calls it an Iced Chai Tea Latte, it’s a bit redundant, but we’ll forgive them, because it is so dang delicious.
Let’s break down what’s in the Chai Tea Latte:
- Chai Tea Latte base (see below)
- Oatmilk instead of 2% milk ( I always do oatmilk instead in Chai – really brings out the flavors!)
- Brown sugar syrup (same as used in their Shaken Brown Sugar Oatmilk Espresso – read more about that one in this post)
- Heavy Cream (great for keto!)
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam (same as used in their uber-popular Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew – read more about that one in this post)
WHAT’S IN THE STARBUCKS CHAI TEA LATTE:
Curious what’s in the chai tea latte base? Starbucks chai tea latte uses a chai tea concentrate that has the traditional chai spices:
- Cardamom
- Black Pepper
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Star Anise
These, combined with strong black team, create the orchestra of flavors known as chai. But, know that chai is easily customizable, so each coffeehouse has their own take on the chai – with Peet’s being on the spicier side and Starbucks having a more cinnamony and less kicky chai.
The flavor is sort of like pumpkin pie without the pumpkin – it’s warm and comforting and tasty.
For the chai tea latte, this concentrate is mixed with your choice of milk (I like oatmilk) and then ice is added (or not if it’s hot) and voila! Deliciousness is served.
Sometimes, they shake it in the shaker – and that’s when it’s the best ever – because it gives it some froth. Y’all know we are all about the froth here at WTF.
STARBUCKS CHAI TEA LATTE CONCENTRATE:
Curious what Starbucks uses as their base? They use an ultra concentrated version of this Tazo Chai Concentrate. When you use this concentrate at home, mix it with milk or a milk substitute at a ratio of 1/2 cup to 1/2 cup or 1:1. (Starbucks also adds water to dilute it, but you won’t have to with the store bought version.)
What Does the TikTok Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte Taste Like?
I was nervous to try this one, because I actually love the original chai and feel it is sweet enough as is. I was concerned that adding more sugar would put it over the top for me (and I like sweeter drinks).
But, this one surprised me. I really loved it. The taste is kind of like a Thai Iced tea. If you’re a fan of Thai Iced Coffee and Thai Iced Tea, you will LOVE this drink. The brown sugar syrup gives it a hint of a mapley sweetness, a bit richer than just regular simple syrup or vanilla. Then, the sweet cream cold foam is just delicious. It’s the Starbucks version of the Dutch Bros Soft Top. Just look at this sweet pillowy goodness:
It is seriously delicious. I love it. And it slowly starts to blend down into the drink, giving it a really creamy, velvety texture.
Now, know that all these additions are going to add to the calories and the cost – so for me, this is a special occasion drink.
If you’d like to make your chai healthier, consider making it at home where you can add less sugar or use a sugar substitute to sweeten.
How To Order the TikTok Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte:
Ready to order your own? Here’s what you’re going to say:
Can I please get a grande Iced Chai Tea Latte with oatmilk, 2 pumps of brown sugar syrup, a splash of heavy cream and the vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top?
Prepare yourself for a surcharge for some of these additions. Mine was round $6 dollars, but prices can vary.
IS THERE CAFFEINE IN THE STARBUCKS CHAI TEA LATTE?
Sure is! We are caffeine positive here at WTF. A grande Starbucks chai or a 16oz version made at home has 95mg of caffeine. Woohoo!
Another Starbucks Secret Menu Chai: The DIRTY CHAI TEA LATTE
We love dirty chais here at WTF. They are made exactly like a chai latte, just with an added espresso shot or two. This does change the flavor profile a bit, which is why we did a dirty chai taste test that compares dirty chais from Starbucks, Peet’s and Dutch Bros. Read it here.
More Starbucks Drinks To Try:
- Tiktok Viral Starbucks Caramel White Mocha
- The Puppuccino: A Secret Menu Item for Pets!
- Starbucks Secret Menu: Thin Mint Frappuccino
- 14 Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks
- All your questions about Starbucks nitro cold brew answered!
- Why you need a Starbucks Iced London Fog stat.
Make Starbucks Drinks at Home:
If you are looking to replicate some of these favorites at home, I have great news for you. We have developed delicious copycat recipes for some of our favorites, including the now discontinued Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
Check out these recipes for our super easy, at-home drinks:
- Iced Vanilla Latte with Vanilla Cold Foam
- Sweet Cinnamon Iced Coffee at home– A Cinnamon Dolce Latte copycat!
- Easy Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at home
****
Would you try the TikTok Iced Chai Tea Latte? Let us know in the comments below.
Get roasted,
A
