Chai tea, also called Masala tea, has origins rooted back thousands of years ago in the royal courts of India and ancient Siam. Legend goes that a king created a powerful healing elixir by combing spices that would naturally sooth and heal the body. Ancient Ayurvedic medicine also used chai along with massage, herbs, and yoga to purify the body. As Chai tea grew in popularity, it spread throughout Southeast Asia and to Western countries as well. Today you can find chai tea at plenty of coffee shops or at a local Starbucks, thanks to Oprah.

You can also make chai tea right at home with a few simple spices and black tea. It’s the perfect beverage for a rainy, cool day as the spices will perk you up and make you feel amazing. Plus you won’t have to deal with any preservatives, additives, or refined gunk when you make your own! So, yes chai tea is great and all, but today we’re skipping the whole tea part and using bananas instead.

Trust me, I know what I’m doing.

Like I said, chai tea is perfect for a cool drizzly day, but I’m in Arizona, remember? I don’t have too many of those. I’m using the warming spice combination of chai and throwing them in a milkshake instead. Well, a milkshake minus the milk. We’ll be using frozen bananas instead.

Bananas! Really, I know what I’m doing!

Making a bananashake with chai spices creates the most delicious, creamy, and spicy vanilla shake. You’ll absolutely love it, I promise.

Enjoy your Chai Tea Milkshake (minus the tea and milk!)

Vanilla Chai Milkshake

Serves 1

2 bananas, frozen
1 cup coconut or almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dash of each of the following spices: cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and cardamom

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour and garnish with a dash of cinnamon and ginger. Enjoy!