If, like me, your latte factor spins into high gear over the summer months when iced tea chillers are a dime a dozen at any of your local coffee shops, this post is for you.
I could spend at least $10 a day on iced chai tea lattes from a variety of my neighbourhood haunts, but I don't. Instead I place two chai tea bags into a tall mason jar, top them with cold water and refrigerate for 6-8 hours. Once my tea has brewed, I remove the bags from the jar and store my concoction until I'm ready to consume my beverage.
I can drink it as is, but I prefer a large splash of milk and touch of agave or honey to sweeten. It's far more reminiscent of my favourite coffee shop variety, and a generous does of ice makes it that much more authentic.
I drink one of these jars a day. It's a lot of tea, I know. But it's better than drinking soda or booze, and besides I save my wine for the evenings as it provides great relief after spending 14 hours with my tween boys. And at twenty cents a jar, I can't afford to not drink my tea. It's worth each and every penny.
I've never had an iced chai latte, but I have chai tea bags here... May have to pop a couple in a jar tonight. I tend to do cold brewed ice coffee overnight.
Posted by: Mama B | 07/14/2011 at 10:07 AM
Looks great and who doesn't want to save money! Much less expensive to make yours at home and save the gas money too running to your neighbourhood coffee shop:)
Posted by: Paula | 07/15/2011 at 10:07 AM
I have made iced coffee in a similar fashion and make a jug of brewed iced tea each morning but, it takes all day just to cool--this is a great idea. Would you say 2 tea bags in a jar that size is strong enough if you like to add milk and ice?
Posted by: Nancy | 07/15/2011 at 10:41 AM
I completely agree, Paula!!
Posted by: Jan Scott | 07/15/2011 at 12:03 PM
Hi Nancy - Yes! Two tea bags works great for me and I add milk and ice. If you like a stronger tea, then maybe try with three.
Posted by: Jan Scott | 07/15/2011 at 01:43 PM
Thanks! I have some brewing as we speak :)
Posted by: Nancy | 07/15/2011 at 01:47 PM
The chai is yummy. Let me know if you give it a try....
Posted by: Jan Scott | 07/15/2011 at 02:38 PM
I love this idea! I usually do this with sun tea too. There are so many yummy iced tea options for summer.
I did have a little snicker at you saying, "it's better than drinking soda or booze," as if drinking booze all day is something one might actually do. Okay, well I suppose there are -some- that do. LOL ;)
Posted by: Tamara | 07/17/2011 at 06:47 PM