Coconut Chai Recipe
Why Make This Recipe
Coconut Chai is a delicious and comforting drink that combines black tea with warm spices and creamy coconut milk. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or a refreshing treat anytime. The combination of coconut and spices creates a unique flavor that many love. This chai is not only tasty but also simple to make, making it a great choice for both tea lovers and those new to chai.
How to Make Coconut Chai
Ingredients
- 2 tsp black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 whole cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1½ cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creamier texture or light coconut milk)
- 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- A pinch of ground cinnamon or star anise
Directions
- Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, sliced ginger, and cloves. Let the spices simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse their flavors into the water.
- Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the simmering mixture and let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the tea’s flavor.
- Pour in the coconut milk and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to blend smoothly.
- Stir in coconut sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Adjust gradually to your taste preference.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the chai into cups or mugs, filtering out tea leaves and spices for a smooth drink.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or add a star anise on top for extra warmth and aroma. Serve hot for a cozy drink or allow to cool and serve over ice as a refreshing alternative.
How to Serve Coconut Chai
Coconut Chai can be served hot for a warm, comforting drink, especially on cold days. You can also let it cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing summer treat. Whip up some whipped cream or frothy coconut cream to top it off for an indulgent dessert-like experience.
How to Store Coconut Chai
Coconut Chai can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you’ve added any fresh ingredients like ginger or spices, it’s best to strain those out before storing.
Tips to Make Coconut Chai
- For a stronger flavor, let the tea steep longer or add more spices.
- Experiment with different sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, to find your favorite.
- Feel free to customize your chai with your favorite spices or a dash of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Variation
You can make a spiced coconut chai latte by adding steamed milk on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other non-dairy milks, such as almond or oat milk, for a different twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use decaffeinated tea?
A: Yes, decaffeinated black tea works just as well in this recipe for a caffeine-free option.
Q: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: Yes, as long as you use coconut sugar or any other plant-based sweeteners, this chai is completely vegan.
Q: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make, and follow the same process. Just be sure your saucepan is large enough!
Coconut Chai
Ingredients
Method
- Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, sliced ginger, and cloves. Let the spices simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the simmering mixture and let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the tea’s flavor.
- Pour in the coconut milk and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in coconut sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Adjust gradually to your taste preference.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the chai into cups or mugs, filtering out tea leaves and spices.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or add a star anise on top for extra warmth and aroma. Serve hot or allow to cool and serve over ice.