This Chai Tea Recipe is a warm, aromatic infusion that blends black tea, milk, and whole spices into a deeply comforting cup. Fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves slowly release their essence, creating a rich and soothing drink. Ideal for cold mornings, relaxed afternoons, or cozy evenings, this chai is perfect for family moments or quiet personal breaks.
Servings – Chai Tea Recipe
Servings: 2–3 cups
Time Required for Chai Tea Recipe
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients for Chai Tea Recipe
Main Ingredients
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500 ml water
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400 ml whole milk (or plant-based milk, optional)
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10 g loose black tea leaves (or 2 black tea bags)
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20 g brown sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Spices / Seasoning
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4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
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1 cinnamon stick (about 5 cm)
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4 cloves
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1 star anise (optional)
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5 g fresh ginger, thinly sliced
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1 g ground black pepper (optional, for warmth)
Optional note: Spices can be adjusted according to intensity preference; whole spices provide the most aromatic result.
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Chai Tea Recipe
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Prepare the spice base:
Begin by lightly crushing the cardamom pods to open their shells. This step releases essential oils and intensifies aroma. Meanwhile, slice the fresh ginger thinly to ensure even extraction. -
Simmer the spices:
Add water to a saucepan and introduce cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the spices infuse for 5 minutes; meanwhile, the kitchen will fill with warm, woody fragrances. -
Add the tea:
Next, add the black tea leaves or tea bags directly to the spiced water. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. However, avoid boiling aggressively at this stage, as over-extraction can cause bitterness. -
Incorporate the milk:
Then, pour in the milk slowly while stirring. Increase heat slightly until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not boil fully; instead, allow the chai to steep gently for another 3–4 minutes. -
Sweeten and balance:
In addition, add brown sugar or honey, stirring until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Moreover, this is the moment to fine-tune spice strength by extending simmering slightly. -
Strain and finish:
Finally, remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into cups. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the creamy texture and layered spices to shine.
Variations of Chai Tea Recipe
1. With Meat (Savory Chai Broth)
Replace sugar with a pinch of salt and omit milk. Add light chicken stock and serve alongside roasted poultry for a spiced, savory infusion.
2. Vegetarian Version
Use almond, oat, or soy milk. Additionally, a splash of coconut milk enhances natural sweetness and adds subtle richness.
3. Creamier Version
Increase milk to 500 ml and reduce water to 300 ml. Moreover, finish with a spoon of condensed milk for a dessert-style chai.
4. Spicier Version
Add fresh chili slices or extra black pepper. Meanwhile, increase ginger for deeper heat and intensity.
5. Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
In autumn, add nutmeg; in winter, a touch of vanilla pod; in summer, serve chilled over ice with less milk for a refreshing twist.
Tips for Perfect Results – Chai Tea Recipe
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Control extraction:
Simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously to avoid bitter tea flavors. -
Enhance aroma:
Toast whole spices briefly in a dry pan before simmering to amplify fragrance. -
Milk management:
Always add milk after tea infusion begins; adding it too early dulls spice clarity. -
Storage:
Chai can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Reheat slowly; however, do not reboil. -
Avoid common mistakes:
Over-steeping tea or using powdered spices excessively can overpower balance.
Why This Chai Tea Recipe Works
This Chai Tea Recipe succeeds because it respects timing, balance, and ingredient quality. Each component is added deliberately, allowing spices to bloom, tea to remain smooth, and milk to round the profile. Furthermore, the method preserves clarity while delivering depth, making it reliable and adaptable for daily enjoyment.
Final Notes
Whether enjoyed as a calming ritual or shared with guests, this Chai Tea Recipe delivers warmth, aroma, and comfort in every sip. With thoughtful technique and flexible variations, it becomes a timeless beverage suited for every season.
