Summer Chai: Refreshing Iced chai Recipes with a Desi Twist

Introduction

Think chai is just for cozy winter mornings? Think again. Summer chai is having a moment—and it’s cold, bold, and bursting with desi flavor.

From iced masala chai to rooh afza-infused tea mocktails, there are dozens of delicious ways to enjoy chai without breaking a sweat. In this blog, we’ll show you how to transform your hot cup into a summer cooler—South Asian style.

Why Iced Chai Works in Summer

• Hydrating and refreshing with antioxidant-rich spices
• Caffeine boost without the crash (or coffee)
• Customizable flavors with herbs, fruits, and floral syrups
• Instagrammable: Colorful layers, cream swirls, and spice sprinkles

1. Classic Iced Masala Chai

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp loose Assam tea
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp grated ginger
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• ½ cup milk or oat milk
• Sweetener (stevia, honey, or jaggery)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Boil tea and spices in water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add milk and sweetener. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
3. Strain and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Serve over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or cardamom pod.

2. Iced Karak Chai Shot

Powerful, quick, and energizing. Perfect for iced espresso lovers.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup strong brewed karak chai (see recipe here)
• ½ cup oat milk
• Crushed ice
• Pinch of cardamom

Instructions:

1. Shake everything in a cocktail shaker or blender.
2. Serve in a small glass. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon.

3. Rooibos Chai Cooler (Caffeine-Free)

Want chai without the caffeine kick? Rooibos is naturally decaf and rich in antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 1 rooibos tea bag
• ½ tsp cardamom
• ½ tsp fennel seeds
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Ice and mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Steep all ingredients for 5–7 minutes.
2. Cool and pour over ice. Add mint leaves before serving.

4. Rooh Afza Chai Mocktail

A twist on iced tea meets South Asian rose syrup. Vibrant, floral, and ideal for parties.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup strong black tea (chilled)
• 1 tbsp Rooh Afza
• ¼ cup chilled soda water
• ½ lime, squeezed
• Ice cubes
• Mint and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix tea, Rooh Afza, and lime in a shaker with ice.
2. Pour into a tall glass. Top with soda.
3. Garnish with mint and lemon.

Sweetener Swaps for Healthier Sips

• Jaggery: Traditional and rich in minerals
• Stevia or Monk Fruit: Calorie-free options
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds depth and natural sweetness
• Date Syrup: Low glycemic, plant-based

Tips for Brewing Perfect Iced Chai

• Always cool the tea before pouring it over ice to avoid dilution
• Use crushed ice for fast chilling
• Double brew for a stronger flavor if using lots of ice
• Add citrus, herbs, or edible flowers for an aesthetic boost

Why Desi Iced Chai is Going Viral

• It’s colorful and perfect for reels and TikTok
• South Asian flavors are trending globally
• It blends tradition with wellness
• Perfect for cafes, influencers, and food bloggers

Want more viral-worthy ideas? Try our Noon Chai (Pink Tea) or Chai Without Milk guides.

Final Sip

This summer, ditch the coffee runs and embrace iced chai with a desi twist. From cardamom coolers to mocktails that shine at sunset, there’s a recipe for every mood.

Explore more seasonal tea recipes in the Chaewala blog collection and tag us on social media with your #SummerChai moments!