Chai Tea Recipe
why make this recipe
Making chai tea at home brings warmth and comfort to any day. This spiced beverage is not only delicious but also has a rich history. Chai tea combines various flavors and aromas, making it perfect for cozy evenings or refreshing afternoons. Plus, preparing it yourself allows you to customize the spices and sweetness according to your taste.
how to make Chai Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups filtered water
- 3-inch cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 cracked green cardamom pods
- 3 black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/2-inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 3 black tea bags or 3 tsp loose leaf tea
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- 4 tsp turbinado cane sugar
Directions:
- Boil the water in a saucepan along with the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, fennel seeds, and ginger. Let it boil for about 7 to 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add the tea bags or loose leaf tea to the boiling mixture and simmer gently.
- Stir in the milk and sugar, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Bring the tea to a rolling boil for 1 to 2 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of the chai.
- Strain the tea into cups and adjust sweetness to your liking.
how to serve Chai Tea
Serve your chai tea hot in a cozy mug. You may want to add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a slice of ginger for garnish. Pair it with some biscuits or savory snacks to enhance your tea experience.
how to store Chai Tea
If you have leftover chai tea, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in a saucepan or microwave.
tips to make Chai Tea
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. More ginger adds heat, while more cinnamon can make it sweeter.
- Use fresh, high-quality tea for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier chai, consider using whole milk or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
variation
You can create a variety of chai tea flavors by adding different spices like nutmeg or vanilla. For a caffeine-free version, use herbal tea instead of black tea.
FAQs
1. Can I make chai tea without milk?
Yes, you can make chai without milk for a lighter version. Just skip the milk and enjoy the spiced tea as is.
2. How can I sweeten my chai tea?
You can use regular sugar, honey, or any sweetener you prefer to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
3. Can I make chai tea in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare chai tea in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.
Chai Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the water in a saucepan along with the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, fennel seeds, and ginger.
- Let it boil for about 7 to 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add the tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the boiling mixture and simmer gently.
- Stir in the milk and sugar, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Bring the tea to a rolling boil for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Strain the tea into cups and adjust sweetness to your liking.