Drinks/ Recipes

chai shakes

After the fruit feast, I thought bananas would be dead to me.

Well, they kinda are. But only when I eat them plain. Definitely not in this delicious, thick spicy shake!

I wanted to make this as one of the first things I “ate” (consumed?) post-cleanse mostly because it’s so gentle on the tummy, but also because I have been DREAMING about the chai shake I had in Tahoe two weeks ago and recreating it was all I could think about.

The ingredients are kinda like those that go into my green tea smoothie, but with a little extra oomph!

You know what would also be really, really good in this? Vanilla ice cream.

Heck yeah.

I used teabags to brew my tea post-shake, but you could also make your own concentrate!

Again, this isn’t one of those protein-bomb smoothies. It could either be a dessert or part of a breakfast. Because, quite simply, the thought of drinking boiling hot chai tea right now is enough to make me gag. Summer is all about smoothies and shakes.

No need to break a sweat before yoga!

Chai Shakes

serves 2

Print this recipe!

Ingredients:

2 large frozen bananas (if you want to use regular bananas, just add ice)

1 cup very strong brewed chai tea (2 teabags per cup of water)

1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk)

tiny pinch of cinnamon

tiny pinch of ground ginger

1 T pure maple syrup

Directions:

Blend everything together. Drink immediately.

Time:

5 minutes

 

You Might Also Like

  • mary (sisters running the kitchen)
    June 21, 2011 at 4:43 am

    this sounds so refreshing!! Love the maple syrup in there!

  • Katie at Faith & Funfetti
    June 21, 2011 at 4:48 am

    I wasn’t sure if you would be consuming another piece of fruit for awhile! – I have made something very similar using only one banana and no ginger. I will have to try this version, asap! Sounds great!! πŸ™‚

  • Lindsay @Cook.Vegan.Lover.
    June 21, 2011 at 4:51 am

    Great recipe! I look forward to trying it!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    June 21, 2011 at 4:54 am

    My mom would love this! She is a chai-a-holic.

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    June 21, 2011 at 4:59 am

    I’ll take this over sangria to celebrate summer’s first day!

  • emily
    June 21, 2011 at 5:01 am

    yum yum yum! did you pulverize the whole bean in your blender or scrape the seeds in? the idea of this for breakfast tomorrow morning is making me smile right now.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    June 21, 2011 at 5:01 am

    holy.yum. i love chai and need more of it in my life! thank goodness you found a way to get it there πŸ™‚

  • Pure2raw twins
    June 21, 2011 at 5:03 am

    chai shake looks delicious! perfect for a hot summer day like today!

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    June 21, 2011 at 5:04 am

    Haha I hardly ever buy chai! I should…these look delish. I think the maple syrup in there would taste great πŸ™‚

  • Erin (Travel Eat Repeat)
    June 21, 2011 at 5:12 am

    Maybe the extra-strong chai is what I’ve been missing — I’ve tried making my own chai lattes but they always turn out really weak.

  • Brooke @ Bittersweetb
    June 21, 2011 at 5:14 am

    That looks so good! I want one this morning. I love chai and I love smoothies so this sounds perfect.

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    June 21, 2011 at 5:17 am

    Jenna this looks and sounds sooo good!

    I am digging the neon green straw + the pale wood backdrop. It looks really cool together.

    But not as cool as your chai shake undoubtedly tastes. I am sold. Must make.

  • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
    June 21, 2011 at 5:25 am

    Boo, the only ingredient I’m missing to make this is Chai soy and milk!!

    • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
      June 21, 2011 at 5:26 am

      *Chai tea

      • Baking 'n' Books
        June 21, 2011 at 6:34 am

        Hm, I don’t think I have Chai tea. How does it work – you just steep a tea bag like normal in hot water? And then add it to the blender? Does it come out thick? (Which I’d prefer!). Doesn’t seem like much liquid involved.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    June 21, 2011 at 5:28 am

    Oooh this sounds so good! I used to despise chai tea but I’m starting to love it now… and I bet it would be even better with vanilla ice cream. πŸ˜‰

  • Brindi
    June 21, 2011 at 5:30 am

    This sounds perfect. (PS I laugh as I sit here reading this eating my morning bowl of oats thinking, yes, it’s a little warm to be eating something hot. lol)

  • Caroline @ chocolate and carrots
    June 21, 2011 at 5:46 am

    Looks amazing! Better than any frozen drink that Starbucks would carry!!! πŸ™‚

  • Amelia
    June 21, 2011 at 6:00 am

    I know what I’m having for lunch! πŸ™‚

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}
    June 21, 2011 at 6:00 am

    Chai is my favorite tea–this looks fantastic!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    June 21, 2011 at 6:11 am

    I love that this has ginger. I would put ginger in everything if I could.

  • AdrienneCarolyn
    June 21, 2011 at 6:15 am

    Amazing! I know what I’m drinking post yoga! Happy 1st day of summer!

  • katie @KatieDid
    June 21, 2011 at 6:21 am

    You have me on a chai kick lately after making that buttercream! This looks amazingly refreshing, I bet it has just a perfect spice to it. Something you would see served at a funky coffee/ smoothie bar.

  • Khushboo
    June 21, 2011 at 6:26 am

    The ultimate chai tea latte- sounds so refreshing!

  • Julie - StressStories
    June 21, 2011 at 6:34 am

    Uh, I know what I’ll be having after my run today! I’ve been working from home today, and when doing so, I tend to eat I lot heavier than when at work, so I really need something refreshing – and I think this shake will be perfect. Thanks for sharing!

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    June 21, 2011 at 6:34 am

    perfect for summer mornings! I drink chai tea every morning, but I might have to switch to this! πŸ™‚

  • Mike @ Squirrelhead
    June 21, 2011 at 6:52 am

    This looks really good. I can’t wait to get home and try it out. I love shakes and smoothies before a morning workout.

  • Amy
    June 21, 2011 at 6:53 am

    looks so good!

  • Jess @ Fit Chick in the City
    June 21, 2011 at 6:54 am

    I can’t wait to try this! Thanks for the great recipe.

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
    June 21, 2011 at 6:56 am

    How perfect! I was planning on making a chai smoothie this afternoon πŸ™‚ Except I’m going to make it protein powder-packed!

    • Elena @MTJW
      June 21, 2011 at 7:10 am

      Great idea for a post-workout smoothie!

  • Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife
    June 21, 2011 at 6:57 am

    Oh wow…I love the flavor of chai and this just sounds amazing. Will definitely be trying this soon!

  • Elena @MTJW
    June 21, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Holla’ this looks awesome!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers
    June 21, 2011 at 7:17 am

    I could really go for one of these right now– did you make extra? I was just thinking it’s time to make the switch to iced coffee for the summer- this sounds like an even better idea!

  • Cait's Plate
    June 21, 2011 at 7:20 am

    Oooh maple syrup? What an interesting addition!

    I love that Tazo Chia tea so I’m sure this would be right up my alley.

  • Carolyn
    June 21, 2011 at 7:25 am

    That looks deeeelish! Thanks for sharing, I’ll be making one this week for sure!

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    June 21, 2011 at 7:28 am

    The maple syrup is such a quirky addition. I kinda love it πŸ™‚

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    June 21, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Yumm…okay, maybe not the most intelligent reply. But seriously, that looks so delish.

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil' Kitchen
    June 21, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Mmmm – this looks and sounds so good!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    June 21, 2011 at 7:50 am

    Love Chai Shakes! So refreshing πŸ™‚

  • Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
    June 21, 2011 at 7:53 am

    All of your posts about chai-flavored foods/drinks have inspired me to run out and buy a box of Chai tea. I love chai (esp chai tea lattes from Coffee Bean!), but I’ve never attempted to do anything with it at home – to include brewing my own cup. .. I know- I’m so behind the curve here. πŸ˜‰

  • Tracy @ Commit To Fit
    June 21, 2011 at 7:56 am

    I just discovered my love for chai and I am going to try this today πŸ™‚

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    June 21, 2011 at 7:56 am

    I have been wanting to try a chai shake for some time. Does the banana overpower the chai flavor?

    • jenna
      June 21, 2011 at 8:00 am

      nope! it makes it super creamy and delicious πŸ™‚

  • Annie D @ Annie's Simple Life
    June 21, 2011 at 7:57 am

    What a great recipe idea!!! THANKS!

  • Alejandra @ mouthfulsandmorsels.wordpress.com
    June 21, 2011 at 7:59 am

    Keep the chai recipes coming!! I love them!

  • Urban Wife
    June 21, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Oh my! Chai tea is my favorite although I try avoiding it because all that caffeine gives me a jolt (not a big caffeine consumer) but heck, this shake looks fabulous and might just be worth an afternoon of being hyperactive. πŸ™‚

  • Mrs. Fish
    June 21, 2011 at 8:06 am

    Holy deliciousness!

  • Jean
    June 21, 2011 at 8:09 am

    I LOVE Chai tea – will have to give this a try. And speaking of vanilla ice cream in your chai shake, Hagen Daaz has a chai tea flavored ice cream right now – a seasonal thing apparently. YUM!

  • Moni'sMeals
    June 21, 2011 at 8:59 am

    works for me! I LOVE CHAI anything, I still need to make your chai cupcakes. πŸ™‚

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    June 21, 2011 at 10:11 am

    My first meal post-fruit cleanse would likely be a slice of chocolate cake :).

    You are a better woman than me Jenna!

  • Ruth
    June 21, 2011 at 10:26 am

    This looks delicious….I’m still thinking hard about your post on the fruit detox. I think I might take the plunge next week! πŸ™‚

  • Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
    June 21, 2011 at 10:34 am

    I juuuust made a chai iced tea and it was sooo good. I love your milkshake idea. Genius.

  • Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com)
    June 21, 2011 at 10:38 am

    That sounds refreshing!!!

  • Sarah
    June 21, 2011 at 10:56 am

    Holy bananas! This sounds amazing. I am headed to the store after work to get the ingredients! Do you think I could substitute agave syrup for the maple? Only because I have a lot of it on hand, but don’t think I have any maple syrup…

  • Christine (The Raw Project)
    June 21, 2011 at 11:01 am

    This sounds wonderful, thanks!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    June 21, 2011 at 11:03 am

    I love Starbucks’ chai frapuccinos but this looks even better (and cheaper)!

  • Katrina
    June 21, 2011 at 11:57 am

    I love every ingredient in this! Beauty.

  • jenn
    June 21, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Hey jenna, how are you liking the anti aging cream you got from whole foods? I would love to hear your take on it.thanks!

  • emily
    June 21, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    just made this! i used a bit of coconut milk in addition to almond milk and it was soo creamy and delicious!

    • jenna
      June 21, 2011 at 3:37 pm

      yumm!! great addition with the coconut milk!

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
    June 21, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    sounds awesome! chai anything is my summer go-to drink πŸ™‚

  • Diana @ VeggieNextDoor
    June 21, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    This looks delicious! I love that it’s actually fairly light for a shake. And Tazo makes the best Chai!

  • Pam
    June 21, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Yum, sounds so refreshing!! Love it.

  • Justeen @ Blissful Baking
    June 21, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Mmm I love chai lattes, but a chai shake sounds even better!

  • Jackie @ That Deep Breath
    June 21, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    This sounds amazing! I love chai tea but I agree…the idea of hot tea in this weather makes me want to run and hide in my freezer.

  • Marla
    June 21, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Your chai shake sounds great – love the banana in there. Perfect for hot summer days.

  • Sam
    June 22, 2011 at 6:17 am

    This looks amazing! Chai is one of my favorites, I will definitely be making this. Thanks sooo much for the great idea πŸ™‚

  • Kelly
    June 22, 2011 at 11:53 am

    I love making chai shakes. I usually freeze my chai (or chai concentrate) into cubes so it’s even thicker. I’m curious though, you show vanilla, but it didn’t seem to make the recipe — did you use it?

  • Luv What You Do
    June 22, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    This looks SO good! I have some frozen bananas in the freezer and can’t wait to try your smoothie!

  • Mel
    June 24, 2011 at 5:37 am

    Thank you for this excellent recipe. I made it yesterday afternoon when I could no longer keep my eyes open reading a literary criticism assignment for grad school. Not too sweet and perfect for a sunny day!

  • Sara
    June 24, 2011 at 11:38 am

    This was very good. I was worried the banana would over power the smoothie but it didn’t. Thanks!

  • Melissa
    June 24, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    Awesome recipe! I modified a little bit, I added Chia seeds and Vanilla Protein powder. Since going Gluten Free I haven’t been able to have Chai Fraps from Starbucks for over 3 years. This was amazing! Thank you!

  • miri leigh
    June 25, 2011 at 11:57 am

    I made this yesterday and it was wonderful! It is a perfect combination! Thank you!

  • Amber Schaefer
    June 25, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    I just made this for me and my sister. This is delicious! Thank you for this recipe!

  • Julia
    June 26, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I threw a banana in the freezer this morning in anticipation of wanting one this afternoon… and it was amazing! Definitely will be in my summer rotation. Thank you for such amazing recipes and wonderful stories. Reading your blog is one of my daily highlights! πŸ™‚

  • First Blogger Meet-up | tea and chocolate
    June 27, 2011 at 6:45 am

    […] Chai shakesΒ  […]

  • June, 28 « Blog Archive « {365} Breakfasts
    June 28, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    […] Chai Shake […]

  • Outdoor Yoga « Emily Eats and Exercises
    July 17, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    […] have been waiting to make Jenna’s chai shake and I even prepped the tea, but then it got too late and I realized all that caffeine was probably […]

  • Failures and Successes | Girl In The Pink
    July 18, 2011 at 11:55 am

    […] made chai shakes for my sister and I – […]

  • Side Effects of Blogging « Emily Eats and Exercises
    July 20, 2011 at 6:59 am

    […] Tuesday morning started off by me finally getting around to trying Jenna’s amazing creation. The other day I made some very strong chai tea and froze it into ice cube trays. (These are long […]

  • Running Record « Emily Eats and Exercises
    September 10, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    […] started the day with a chai smoothie (I was quite pleased with my iced cubes made from extra stron chai tea which have been waiting for […]

  • Funk-less Friday « Emily Eats and Exercises
    September 24, 2011 at 10:14 am

    […] I started the day with a chai smoothie based on this recipe. […]

  • marla
    February 27, 2012 at 6:20 am

    Hi Jenna! Great chai shake recipe ~ linking back to this beauty in my post today πŸ™‚

  • Vegan Coconut Carrot Shake Recipe: Diet Breakfast, Dessert or Meal β€” Family Fresh Cooking
    February 27, 2012 at 6:36 am

    […] Chai Shakes Eat, Live, Run […]

  • Grace
    March 13, 2012 at 7:32 am

    Thanks for the inspiration! I tried this and it turned out really well, I think I put a little too much chai concentrate in though, so next time I’ll try with a little less. Here’s how mine turned out: http://graceadkins.blogspot.com/p/adventures-in-kitchen.html

  • Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins are My Destiny « Comfortably Domestic
    September 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    […] freezer–I was trying to make smoothies. I was reaching for some frozen bananas to toss into my new favorite breakfast shake, but I couldn’t find them. So it was in the midst of my search for frozen bananas that I […]

  • Tammie
    June 3, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Yum, I also made one that tasted like this, but without the chai tea bags. It was 3 scoops chocolate whey protein powder, 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup water (or ice), 1 banana, 1 baked sweet potato, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a dash of ground cloves. Yummy! Tasted like chai tea! I’d love for you to check out my blog at http://www.thewhitedish.wordpress.com. Love your site!

  • April Knight
    December 1, 2019 at 8:17 am

    Yammy! Thanks for recipe!
    This is my favourite – https://greenann.com/recipe/strawberry-kiwi-smoothie/
    Strawberry Kiwi smoothie.. Easy to prepare, healthy and tasty!)