This Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai recipe conjures memories of rustling leaves underfoot, crisp air filling your lungs, and the sweet promise of harvest season—all nestled in a cup of iced delight that caters to our dairy-free friends. Whether you’re lounging on your sunny porch seeking respite from the summer’s warmth or simply yearning for a refreshing twist to your chai routine, this delectable concoction will satisfy you.
How to make Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai
The Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that blends the aromatic spices of chai with the sweet, tart taste of apples. Its creamy texture completely avoids dairy products. This drink is an innovative twist on traditional chai, incorporating distinct autumnal flavors that make it an especially appealing choice in the fall, although it can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients:
For the Chai Concentrate:
2 cups of water
2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling work wonderfully)
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 cardamom pods (crushed)
1-star anise
1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (or a small piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced)
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
A pinch of black pepper
For the Apple Crisp Syrup:
1 cup unsweetened apple juice or apple cider
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
For the Iced Chai:
1 cup of non-dairy cream (almond, coconut, oat, or soy cream works wonderfully)
Ice cubes
Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon or an apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Chai Concentrate:
In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the tea bags and spices.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow all the spices to infuse their flavor.
Remove from the heat, and allow it to cool slightly before straining the chai concentrate into a heat-proof container. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the Apple Crisp Syrup:
In another pot, combine apple juice or cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Reduce the heat and continue to simmer until the syrup has reduced by about half, which should take 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Assemble the Iced Chai:
Fill two glasses with ice cubes to the top.
Pour half of the chai concentrate into each glass.
Add the apple crisp syrup over the chai concentrate (adjust the amount to your liking for sweetness).
Top off each glass with the nondairy cream, allowing it to swirl naturally with the chai and syrup or stir it in for a more consistent flavor.
Garnish and Serve:
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a fresh apple slice on the rim of the glass.
Serve with a straw, and let the first sip take you on a delightful journey of fall-inspired refreshment.
Tips:
If you prefer your chai with a stronger tea flavor, allow the tea bags to steep longer in the hot water.
For a smoother chai, you can grind the spices before boiling them or use pre-ground spices, although whole spices will offer a more aromatic and fresher taste.
You can make a larger batch of both the chai concentrate and apple crisp syrup and store them in the refrigerator. They typically keep well for about a week, making your next iced chai just moments away.
Adjust the level of nondairy cream based on your preference for creaminess and the strength of the chai and apple flavors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors like vanilla extract in your apple syrup or a dash of maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
What to serve with
The Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai is a versatile beverage that pairs wonderfully with various snacks and light meals. The key is to complement the robust, spiced flavors of the chai without overwhelming the palate. Here’s a list of delightful pairings that will elevate your chai experience:
Vegan Pastries: Pair your chai with vegan apple cinnamon muffins or scones to keep with the fruity and spicy theme. The soft, warm, and sweet characteristics of these baked goods complement the cold, creamy chai nicely.
Fresh Fruit: A fresh fruit platter featuring apples, pears, and grapes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chai. Serving fruit also keeps the snack light and health-conscious.
Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts, perhaps with a hint of cinnamon or maple glaze, can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs splendidly with the chai’s spice profile.
Cheese Board: For those who aren’t strictly dairy-free, a cheese board featuring vegan cheeses, crackers, and perhaps some fig spread could be a wonderful savory and sweet counterpart to the drink’s sweetness and spice.
Dark chocolate, especially with a high cocoa content, can be an indulgent accompaniment. The bitterness of the chocolate will contrast the sweet notes of the chai while complementing its warming spices.
Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars that feature nuts, seeds, and a hint of honey or maple syrup can be a hearty, satisfying snack without being too filling.
A toasted bagel with almond butter or vegan cream cheese can offer a satisfying chew and a rich, creamy layer that goes well with the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai.
Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas: Snack on some cinnamon-roasted chickpeas for a protein-rich, flavorful option that echoes the chai’s warm spices.
Brunch Items: If you’re serving the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai as part of a brunch, consider heartier options like vegan quiche, avocado toast, or a savory tofu scramble.
Ginger Snaps: Vegan ginger snaps are a perfect cookie option to play up the chai’s ginger notes and provide a satisfying crunch.
Oatmeal or Chia Pudding: A bowl of chilled oatmeal or chia pudding flavored with vanilla and cinnamon could complement your iced chai.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a delicious Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai involves harmonizing the warm spices of chai with the sweet and slightly tart notes of apple, rounded off with a creamy texture that’s completely dairy-free. Whether you’re adapting an existing recipe or experimenting to make a new version that caters to dietary restrictions or simply using what you have on hand, here are detailed substitutions for key ingredients you might need to consider:
Chai Base:
Traditional Chai Tea: You can use any chai tea bag or loose-leaf chai blend. If you don’t have chai but have black tea, you can make your own chai blend by adding ground spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.
Caffeine-Free Version: Use a caffeine-free rooibos tea as your base and infuse it with the same spices.
Apple Component:
Apple Cider: Ideally, apple cider provides the apple flavor. As a substitute, you can boil fresh apple slices with a bit of water, sugar, and cinnamon, then strain to get a homemade apple infusion. Apple juice works too, but it’s sweeter and less tart than cider.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Minimal Amount): If you’re in a pinch, a small splash of apple cider vinegar can add a hint of apple tartness, but this should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.
Sweeteners:
Maple Syrup or Honey (For Non-Vegans): If the original recipe calls for sugar, you can use maple syrup or honey for a richer sweetness. Adjust quantity to taste as these are sweeter than granulated sugar.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie option, consider stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These are much sweeter than sugar; thus, start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Nondairy Milk/Cream:
Coconut Milk/Cream: For a rich, creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavoring, this is a great option.
Almond Milk: Offers a lighter texture and slightly nutty flavor.
Oat Milk: It is thicker and has a subtle sweetness, making it a great cream substitute.
Cashew Cream: Blended cashews with water can create a creamy, rich base with a neutral taste.
Soy Milk: Another option that provides creaminess without altering the drink’s flavor profile much.
Spices:
Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg, and Black Pepper: Most chai recipes include these, but it’s generally okay if you’re missing one. Each spice contributes to the overall flavor profile, but the drink will still be enjoyable with one or two missing. Fresh ginger can replace ground ginger and vice versa; adjusting amounts as fresh is generally more potent.
Ice:
If you’re out of ice but still want a cold chai, place the drink in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to chill without solidifying.
Final Thoughts
Remember that when planning your snacks or meals, you want to find balance without overpowering the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai’s unique flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations and savor the delightful symphony of tastes!
Meet Sandra, a bartender with a passion for mixology and storytelling. Born and raised in Miami, Sandra's fascination with flavors and spirits began at a young age, inspired by the vibrant culture of her hometown.
