What is a chai latte float?

A float is a cold drink with a scoop of ice cream on top – much like an affogato, only with chai latte instead of espresso. The cold, spiced chai meets melting vanilla ice cream, which makes it creamy. That's what turns the drink into a little dessert.

Which milk should I use, and is it vegan?

I top the chai up with oat milk, which is nicely creamy and works well with the spices. Any other plant milk works just as well. With vegan vanilla ice cream, the float is completely plant-based.

Can I use ready-made chai concentrate?

Yes. Instead of teabags you can use a chai concentrate and dilute it with water and oat milk to taste. Just make sure it isn't too heavily sweetened – then you'll barely need any extra maple syrup.

Does the chai latte taste good warm too?

Absolutely. Chai is a classic as a hot drink. For the cold float version I simply let the brewed tea cool and add the scoop of ice cream only at the very end, so it doesn't melt straight away.

How do I keep the float from getting too sweet or watery?

Sweeten the chai only as needed with a little maple syrup – the vanilla ice cream already adds sweetness. Add the scoop of ice cream just before serving, so the float stays cold and creamy rather than watery.

28 MAY 2020

Chai Latte Float with Vanilla Ice Cream

By Verena Frei

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This post is also available in: deutsch

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Last updated 1 July 2026

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 20 min
Servings: 2 glasses

Hello lovelies, last but not least comes my little star among summer drinks: the chai latte float with vanilla ice cream. A cold, spiced chai latte with oat milk and a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top – it almost counts as dessert. I love chai as a warm drink too, but as a cold float with melting ice cream it's simply unbeatable in summer.

Two chai latte floats with vanilla ice cream in glasses, served with cinnamon

The idea is wonderfully simple: brew the chai tea, let it cool completely, top it up with oat milk and add the scoop of ice cream right at the end. The cold chai meets the melting vanilla ice cream and turns beautifully creamy. A few cacao nibs and a dusting of cinnamon on top, and the little treat is perfect.

Chai latte float with vanilla ice cream from above, close-up with cacao nibs

Ingredients for a chai latte float with chai tea, oat milk and vanilla ice cream

Treat yourself to a chai latte float on a warm afternoon as a little time-out – it's an instant mood-lifter. If you love a fun summer drink, do try my Fruit Matcha Latte with Strawberry and Mango, my creamy Mango Pineapple Protein Smoothie and the fruity orange coconut ice cream.

Yours, Verena

TIPS

Verena's notes

Tip from my kitchen: let the chai cool down properly before the scoop of ice cream goes on – that way it melts slowly and makes the float creamy rather than instantly watery. A few cacao nibs and a dusting of cinnamon on top add a lovely roasted note and crunch. If you like it stronger, let the chai steep a little longer.