Creamy Vanilla Matcha Chai Elixir
Indulge in the divine fusion of flavors with this Creamy Vanilla Matcha Chai Elixir. I discovered the profound benefits of matcha during a visit to the Teaopia tea shop, and I was captivated by its unique detoxifying properties and sustained energy boost. Unlike traditional coffee, the caffeine in matcha is released gradually, providing a gentle lift without the jitters—perfect for those seeking a mindful morning beverage. This recipe combines the soothing spices of chai with the creamy indulgence of homemade almond milk and the fragrant richness of vanilla, creating a deliciously calming drink to enjoy at any time of day. Modified from a recipe from DoMatcha.com, this elixir is totally dairy-free and can be savored hot or cold depending on your mood.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
3 cups (None)
Blanched Almonds
1 cup (None)
Cardamom Pods
4 (Whole)
Peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon (Whole)
Cinnamon Stick
1/2 (Whole)
Whole Cloves
6 (Whole)
Fresh Ginger
1/4 inch (Peeled and sliced)
Fennel Seeds
1/3 teaspoon (Whole)
Matcha Green Tea Powder
2 teaspoons (None)
Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Local Raw Honey
1/8 cup (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your homemade almond milk: In a blender, combine 3 cups of water with 1 cup of blanched almonds. Blend on high speed until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
2
Strain the almond mixture through a fine sieve or a nut milk bag to separate the milk from the almond pulp.
3
In a saucepan, pour in your fresh almond milk and add the spices: cardamom pods, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves, fresh ginger slice, and fennel seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Then, cover the pan and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
After simmering, carefully strain the spiced almond milk into a blender. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
6
Once cooled a bit, add in the matcha green tea powder, vanilla extract, and raw honey (adjusting the amount based on your taste preference). Blend until everything is well combined and frothy.
7
Serve immediately in two large glasses, and enjoy your Creamy Vanilla Matcha Chai Elixir hot or cold!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vanilla Matcha Chai Elixir?
It is a divine fusion of matcha green tea and chai spices combined with creamy homemade almond milk and rich vanilla.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe uses homemade almond milk, making it completely dairy-free.
What are the benefits of matcha in this drink?
Matcha provides detoxifying properties and a sustained energy boost without the jitters associated with coffee.
How does the caffeine in matcha differ from coffee?
The caffeine in matcha is released gradually, providing a gentle lift rather than a sudden spike and crash.
How do I make the homemade almond milk?
Combine 3 cups of water with 1 cup of blanched almonds in a blender, blend until smooth, and then strain through a sieve or nut milk bag.
What spices are used in the chai blend?
The chai blend includes cardamom pods, peppercorns, a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, fresh ginger, and fennel seeds.
How long should I simmer the spices?
Bring the mixture to a boil, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, and then simmer covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Can I enjoy this elixir cold?
Yes, this recipe can be enjoyed either hot or cold depending on your mood.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe uses honey as a sweetener; to make it strictly vegan, you can substitute the honey with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
What is the base of this drink?
The base is a combination of water and blanched almonds blended into a fresh almond milk.
How much matcha powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder.
How should I prepare the fresh ginger?
You should use 1/4 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 1/2 teaspoons of alcohol-free vanilla extract.
How do I make the elixir frothy?
Blend the final mixture of spiced milk, matcha, vanilla, and honey until it is well combined and frothy.
What kind of almonds are best for this recipe?
Blanched almonds are used to ensure the homemade milk is smooth and creamy.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Yes, the amount of local raw honey can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preference.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve two large glasses.
What equipment do I need to strain the almond milk?
You can use a fine sieve or a nut milk bag to separate the milk from the almond pulp.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 of a whole cinnamon stick.
Why is it necessary to simmer the spices?
Simmering allows the flavors of the cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices to meld into the almond milk base.
Are whole cloves used in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 6 whole cloves which are strained out after simmering.
What is the purpose of fennel seeds in the elixir?
Fennel seeds are included in the spice mix to add a subtle, fragrant richness to the chai profile.
Where did this recipe originate?
This elixir is modified from a recipe found on DoMatcha.com.
How much water is used to make the almond milk?
The recipe uses 3 cups of water.
Are peppercorns included in the drink?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of whole peppercorns are used to add a hint of spice.
When do I add the matcha powder?
Add the matcha powder to the blender after the spiced milk has simmered and cooled for a few minutes.
Is this a good morning beverage?
Yes, it is a perfect mindful morning beverage for those seeking energy without coffee jitters.
How many cardamom pods are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 whole cardamom pods.
Can I use store-bought almond milk?
While the recipe specifies homemade, you could use store-bought almond milk as a shortcut, though the flavor and creaminess may vary.
Is there honey in the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 cup of local raw honey is suggested as the sweetener.