The Best Homemade Chai Tea Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chai tea recipe is warm, cozy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect drink for chilly days or when you need a little comfort. You’ll love how easy it is to customize, and the rich aroma will fill your kitchen with happiness.
- Simple ingredients: Uses common spices you likely already have, like cinnamon and ginger.
- Adjustable sweetness: Tailor the sugar to your taste, or skip it for a healthier option.
- Soothing and aromatic: The blend of spices creates a cozy, fragrant drink that feels like a hug in a mug.
Recipe
Intro:
Chai tea is a fragrant and spiced Indian beverage made by brewing black tea with aromatic spices, milk, and sweetener. This traditional recipe balances bold flavors for a warming and comforting drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 4-5 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea)
- 4-5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced or grated
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the spices.
- Add tea bags or loose tea and simmer for another 2-3 minutes (avoid over-brewing to prevent bitterness).
- Pour in milk and sweetener, then return to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Strain into cups and serve hot.
Notes:
- Adjust sweetness and spice levels to preference.
- For a stronger flavor, steep spices longer before adding tea.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring cups/spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Indian
Serving: 2-3 cups
Nutrition
Chai tea is a flavorful beverage made with a blend of spices, tea, and milk. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chai with sweet snacks like cookies or cake, but it’s just as tasty with savory bites like samosas or spiced nuts. The warm spices in the tea bring out the flavors in both treats, making every bite and sip extra special. Try mixing and matching to find your perfect combo—it’s half the fun!
Sweet Snacks
Pairing sweet snacks with homemade chai tea can turn a cozy drink into a delightful treat experience. I love how a warm, spiced chai complements the richness of cookies, like ginger snaps or shortbread. A slice of moist carrot cake or banana bread also feels like the perfect match, adding texture and sweetness without overpowering the tea’s flavors. Don’t forget about pastries—I’m a sucker for cinnamon rolls or almond biscotti dipped right into the chai. These combinations create a comforting balance, making every sip and bite feel indulgent. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
Savory Pairings
When you’re sipping on homemade chai, it’s not just about sweet treats—savory bites can be just as satisfying! I love pairing mine with spiced samosas, their crispy crust and warm filling balancing the chai’s richness. A buttery, flaky paratha dipped in yogurt is another favorite, or try savory muffins with herbs and cheese for a cozy twist. Even simple roasted nuts with a pinch of cumin add crunch without overpowering the tea’s flavor. Don’t overlook a plate of spiced popcorn—it’s quick, fun, and lets the chai shine. Savory pairings make every sip feel like a full meal!
