Pumpkin spice, maple, and cinnamon are some of the most popular flavors for the autumn season. But there’s one fall flavor many of us forget about- and our team at Roasty is demanding justice for it: caramel apple!
Caramel apples, sometimes known as toffee apples, are the ultimate autumnal snack.
The caramel-coated apples are so good that they’ve inspired a host of other desserts and beverages: caramel apple pie, caramel apple dump cake, Starbucks’ caramel apple spice, and the drink we’re teaching you how to make today- the caramel apple chai latte.
How Does the Caramel Apple Chai Latte Taste?
Your drink’s taste depends on the ingredients used to make it. For example, nut milk creates flavors that regular cow’s milk doesn’t, dark roasted espresso tastes different than blonde roast, etc.
However, you can generally expect your caramel apple chai latte to sport the distinct and juicy notes of fresh apple slices, the brown sugar sweetness caramel is known for, and the cozy spiciness of chai.
@roastycoffee caramel apple chai latte 🍎🍎🍎 #coffeetok #coffeerecipe ♬ I love you so – reem💋💋
How to Make a Caramel Apple Chai Latte at Home
You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup chai
- apple or caramel apple syrup
- caramel sauce
- espresso or strong brewed coffee
- creamer or milk of choice
The Process
Step One
Making this apple chai drink starts with steeping the tea. So, if you haven’t already, let your favorite chai blend steep in hot water for about five minutes.
Let your fresh cuppa cool for a few minutes; we’re making an iced drink, so you don’t want your tea piping hot.
Step Two
Drizzle caramel sauce on the inside of a glass. Use as little or as much as you’d like depending on your preferences. Then, drop a few ice cubes into it and pour a splash of apple-flavored syrup over them.
Now, it’s time for chai! Pour the tea you brewed earlier into the caramel-lined, ice-filled glass.
Step Three
This step is optional and only necessary if you want a dirty chai. Before we get into it, though, let’s answer the question you might be asking now:
“What makes a dirty chai latte?”
Adding a shot or two of espresso to the beverage transforms a regular chai latte into a dirty one. If you ask us, “dirty” is a disappointing name for something so lovely, but we digress…
If you care to make a dirty caramel apple chai latte, now is the time to fire up the espresso machine, bring out a bag of your favorite espresso beans, and pull a shot or two of the rich coffee to pour into the glass.
Step Four
Regardless of whether you added espresso or not, the next step is the same: adding foamy milk to the mix.
Pour whatever milk you like into a separate glass or frothing pitcher. We used almond milk, but feel free to use whole milk, oat milk, or some other plant-based milk alternative; whatever you like best will work fine here.
Next, use your handheld milk frother to whisk the milk until foamy. Pour the fluffy milk bubbles on top of the apple-flavored chai.
Step Five
Finish things off by drizzling caramel sauce on top of the layer of frothy milk, and that’s it — you’re ready to enjoy your iced caramel apple chai latte!
Want Something Hot?
Good news — this sweet apple and caramel-flavored chai latte tastes just as delicious when hot.
To make a warm version of this beverage, skip the ice cubes and use a steamer to create hot milk foam.
Aside from making those changes, the rest of the recipe remains the same.
Where Can You Buy Caramel Apple Syrup?
We know — caramel apple coffee syrup isn’t something you see at the grocery store often. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, though!
Monin has a caramel apple butter-flavored syrup that works well in this recipe.
Buying separate bottles of caramel sauce or syrup and apple syrup to mix is also an option — one we’d recommend if you have other uses for each flavor.
If you’re feeling ambitious and have time to spare, try making your own caramel apple sauce. The Tough Cookie blog’s recipe makes it easy to combine juicy apple and sweet caramel flavors. You can stir it into your latte, fill a dessert with it, or even eat it on its own!
Whether you choose something storebought or make your own, we’re sure the results will be delicious.
Happy Caffeinating!
Caramel Apple Chai Latte Recipe
This Caramel Apple Chai Latte is a warm and cozy beverage that combines the flavors of caramel, apple, and chai tea. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of the season!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chai
- Apple or caramel apple syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Creamer or milk of choice
Instructions
- In a cup, steep about 1/4 cup of chai tea
- Add caramel drizzle to your serving glass
- Add ice
- Add 1 pump of either caramel apple syrup or apple syrup
- Pour in your chai tea
- Pour in 1-2 shots of espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Froth your creamer of choice and pour over
- Option to drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top
