Indian chai is a centuries-old blend of hot, delicately sweet, milky black tea spiced with cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. Now a modern coffeeshop staple, the drink is less attuned to tradition and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Refresh with an iced (or blended) version at the following spots.
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In order, from spicy to sweet.
Rooster & Moon Coffee Pub
The Honey Badger is a power boost and a pick-me-up. This smoothie blends a banana and a spoonful of plain yogurt with ginger-spiced Bhakti Chai and a dollop of honey. Plus: Thanks to the banana’s potassium and fiber, you can call the drink a meal in itself. 955 Bannock St., #100, 303-993-2622, roosterandmoon.com

Lucile’s Creole Café
At Lucile’s, the house-made chai is a fusion of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla in a potent black tea base. Add your choice of whole or soy milks and taste a nutty, earthy treat rounded out with warming spices. Tip: Avoid the weekend’s never-ending wait for brunch and place an order to go. Multiple locations, luciles.com

5280 September 2013
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Cascades Restaurant andWhiskey Bar
For Wayne’s Spicebox Chai, bartender Grace Gaubatz mixes Tazo chai tea latte concentrate with Spicebox Canadian Spiced Whiskey, steamed milk, sugar, and a splash of Red Stag Bourbon. Sip: Enjoy it—and the view—on the veranda. 333 Wonderview Ave., Estes Park, 970-577-4001, stanleyhotel.com

Sweet Action Ice Cream
Nab a scoop of the vegan chai when it’s rotated into Sweet Action’s merry-go-round of flavors. This smooth blend of Third Street chai and soy milk offers a delightful coconut aftertaste. Get a pint: When the popular flavor shows up on the shop’s Twitter or Facebook feed, call in a pickup order. 52 Broadway, 303-282-4645, sweetactionicecream.com