Homemade Chai Tea Latte Mix

I may have given up drinking my beloved Diet Coke but sometimes I'm still in need of a little afternoon beverage enjoyment, and this homemade Chai Tea Latte is my favorite wintertime indulgence. (I say "indulgence" because I acknowledge that this drink isn't super healthy since it contains coffee creamer and a fair amount of sugar, but you gotta treat yourself every now and then!) If you buy a Chai Tea Latte at a Starbucks or Caribou, you're looking to spend at least $3-$4 for a small cup - but this drink mix is frugal AND tastes just as good as any you'd buy from your local coffee shop. I've had this recipe for a couple of years now and I apologize that I cannot give credit to the website I originally got the recipe from a few years ago since I didn't write that down on my old, ratty copy of the recipe.

This recipe makes a nice large batch and will fill your food processor up to the top, so I recommend combining all ingredients in a big mixing bowl and then splitting up the mix into two different batches in the food processor. During the holidays, I double the batch and make at least four different gifts. Just visit your local dollar store, pick up a festive little jar or tin, fill with the mix and tie with a bow. Instant holiday warmth!



Instant Chai Tea Latte Mix

1 cup dry milk
1 cup dry coffee creamer
1 cup dry French vanilla coffee creamer
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups plain instant tea (I used Nestea Unsweetened 100% Plain Instant Tea)
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cardamom
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. allspice

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour half the mixture into your food processor and blend into a fine powder. Repeat with the other half of the mixture. Use 3 heaping spoonfuls per mug of boiling water. (You can use a little less if you don't want it quite so sweet.)

For more frugal ideas, please visit Frugal Fridays at Life As Mom.